Detail: 30-08-2023 - Roehampton T20
Result: W by 63 runs
*match report: Blues vs Roehampton 20/20*
As I settled into a few overdue drinks on tuesday night with Harry Tawney, fresh off the plane back for a fleeting visit to the UK, I checked my phone. Oh dear, more flakes than a packed Polzeath beach and suddenly we were down to 9 men. Of the excuses only Digby's was of merit, being stuck in France (very on brand) due to air traffic control issues. The rest were work related and predictably lame.
Top work from the Jacks, with Ward and Close both able to bring a ringer.
7 Blues assembled for a 5.45 kick off, when it was already quite dark. Huge toss to win. Skipper Jenks guessed right and stuck the boys into bat. An important contribution, and the only contribution the captain made to the day's play.
Runs from nick Ellerby (50*) and Wardy (40 odd) getting us off to a great start. Jenks feeling generous promoted Fyfey to number 3 and he showed us glimpses of his 2022 form, with some great power hitting to score 46 to take us up to 193. Whilst on 46, Simon bellowed from the sideline - "you're on 46". Next ball Hamish chips it to gully. "Cheers Si".
In return for batting 3, Fyfey ran the skipper out to bring the ignoble feat of being out without facing a ball. Cricket. Good cameo from Alex Price with some important runs in the middle order.
It proved an unassailable score with some tight bowling by Henry Giles and Chellis to start proceedings - both bagging vital wickets with beautiful balls that were chopped on.
Jack close shut down any roehampton hopes bowling a probing line with intent, also bagging himself a wicket. Tidy bowling from Simon to keep the pressure on & good work behind the stumps from Wardy.
A rare Close double with some tidy offies from Barney Close and a gorgeous ball that did far too much for the batter to turn and burn through the gate to crash into all 3 stumps.
2 catches from Alex pike showing he hasn't lost his athletic touch in the field. A good run out from Fyfey.
We almost bowled them out for not very many and took about 8 wickets. By that stage one of their lads had left as he took exception to our umpiring & the fact that we were belting them. With light fading Roehampton got to about 130 and we took the win.
Good fielding all round, with special mention to Nick Ellerby for some handy stops taking advantage of his long limbs. Great energy from Alex Price and Chellis scampering around the field.
August 30th is probably too dark to play cricket and by the end of it no one could see the ball apart from the batsmen and sometimes the keeper. A few beers and then a surprisingly early night for the Blues. Saving themselves for more Sunday fun.
Jenks
[updated 30 11 2023]