The
Magnificent Seven
I am now proud to report a sensational win last week against all odds. Not since the 150 men of the Welsh Borderers repelled the Zulu hordes at Rorkes Drift, Natal, has such a sweet victory been plucked from the jaws of defeat. In this latest epic, Rob Symondson and Jerry Wright played the officer roles of Chard and Bromhead, keeping their cool until victory was in sight, knowing one mistake could have cost us the match.
We entered the game in the embarrassing situation of having only 8 men, against a solid 54th OCA side with several good players. They won the toss and elected to bat which ensured the game should last until tea at least. Not only did we only have 8 men, but we were without a regular wicket keeper with H, Mick and Mike Pearmain all unavailable. As it turned out Brian Hallam made his debut behind the timbers and did a remarkably good job yielding only 11 byes. In 80 degree heat, with three fielders on each side of the wicket and no slips, third man, or long leg, we set about our task. Matt H. and I shared the new ball and we soon dismissed the opposition skipper, yorked by yours truly at 7-1. We then dropped Mr Omer on 2, who wen t on to make 75, but fortunately the 'drop-ee' redeemed himself later with the bat. Jerry Wright then took a superb diving catch to his left at mid on and the visitors were 20-2. Despite the gaps in the field we managed to keep it reasonably tight for a while but gradually their 3rd wicket stand began to hurt us. We then lost Matt H. who was in considerable pain with his shin splints and barman Paul Spittle was forced to abandon his post to act as sub-fielder in very sexy shorts. (Nobody to tell Lynn please). Suddenly we were unable to bowl a dot ball and Toby, Edgar and Jerry Wright all began to suffer as Mr Omer and Mr Wood hit out to good effect. In fairness Matt H. and I escaped the run feast as the visitors paid us early respect and seemed to take a time to realise that every ball was a potential run. We managed a burst of late wickets and the visitors declared at 222-7, 15 mins before the scheduled tea time. Bowling figures were Matt H. 8-0-32-0, Toby C. 12-1-76-3, Edgar F. 5-0-43-0, Jerry W. 6-0-47-2, and myself 8-3-11-2.
At tea I told our three recognised batsmen to get their heads down and aim to be still batting at 7.30 regardless of the score. A draw would have been a very good result with our batting line up showing Nigel Brooking (back from maternity leave after a 2 year absence) at 4, Brian H. at 5, me at 6, Toby at 7 and Spitz at 8 if required (Matt had gone home by then). The rest is history. Edgar and Rob got off to a watchful start, looking in no trouble before Ed was caught at square leg for 22 with the score on 68. Rob and Jerry then methodically batted us towards an unlikely win with a stand of 129 with some great batting, clean hitting, good running. sharp singles, etc..Rob reached his 100, then inexplicably ran himself out next ball with 26 still needed. The nerves began to jangle when Nigel failed to trouble the scorers, but Jerry went on to an excellent 53 n.o. with support from Brian H. 5 n.o. and we won with 2 overs to spare.
Given all circumstances it was a superb team effort, with outstanding contributions from Rob S. and Jerry W. in particular.