Catches win matches

Waverley's generosity in the field lets Abinger escape with a draw...

The fact that this game even went ahead was a minor miracle, given the heavy rain seen at the back end of the week. Those rejoicing at the benevolence of the Cricket Gods were Adrian Day ('Mog'), Simon Knox ('Chewy'), Simon Brewer ('KV'), Jamie Harris ('DJ Teabag'), Pat Mortiboys ('Postman'), Craig Ryan ('C_Rage'), Peter Brewer ('Mr B'), Adam Carmichael ('AC'), Herbie Scarth ('Bertie'), David Stockwell ('Stocky') and Will Knox ('Ewok'). There was also a special guest appearance from Andy Dexter, who surprisingly attended without any showering equipment.

The skipper won the toss and chose to bat first, opening with Mog and Chewy. Progress was steady, although the loss of Mog proved a slight hiccup. That was quickly forgotten as KV began to feast on the home side's bowling. Both he and Chewy passed fifty but the latter was out soon thereafter, caught and bowled while attempting to force the pace. What followed was a minor flurry of wickets as Teabag, Postman Pat and C_Rage all trooped back to the pavilion. In the chaos, KV blitzed past his century and late runs were contributed by Mr B down the order. KV was eventually dismissed for 132 but had the outfield not been wetter than an otter's pocket, the club record he set at this ground last year (157*) would probably have been in jeopardy. At tea, Waverley declared on a score of 227.

Teabag and AC were tasked with making early inroads and Teabag did just that, a well taken catch by C_Rage in the covers. AC's line, length and flight proved a handful for the home side's batsmen and he notched up three wickets (including catches to Mr B and C_Rage). However, the final ball of his spell signaled the start of a disastrous spell of fielding for AC, during which he dropped four catches. A couple of chances went down elsewhere in the field and the old adage "catches win matches" would come back to haunt the visitors. Down the hill there were good spells from Ewok, Stocky and Bertie, while C_Rage came up the hill to great effect. He also helped himself to three wickets, including a good low slip catch from Teabag and a sharp stumping from KV. However, Waverley were unable to break an eighth wicket partnership in the final few overs and Abinger batted out for a draw.

The Man of the Match Hat went to KV for his excellent ton, his score being over half of Waverley's total. In a Waverley first, AC was awarded both the Pink T-Shirt and the Supporters' Egyptian Heiroglyph Pink T-Shirt Award for his four dropped catches (despite his protests that two of them were half-chances at best). Usually there would follow some Highlights from the Honda; however this week we have A Bit from the Bridge, with Professor Stockwell. Those who have been to Abinger will know there is a small stream running along the bottom of the pitch. It was while crossing this stream that Stocky was heard to ask "so what is this? Some kind of stream or something?". University education... you can't beat it...