Just a man short of something special

10 man Bare battle though the heat to narrowly be defeated by Shireshead 'A.'

After winning the toss and struggling hard to find that 11th man, captain Phil decided to bat in temperatures reaching above 25 degrees (Vish wore a jumper!). Weir and Murphy started well with an early victim but a 40 partnership steadied the ship until White (13)nearly killed the umpire then was one of 3 victims from stumper Burns off the bowling of experienced Park (1/14). Wilson (3/46) proved expensive to start until he removed opener Cook (32) with a smart catch from Park. Captain Martin (18) and Moorhouse (28) kept his form from Saturday as they put on 40 for the 6th wicket until the skipper was bowled by Murphy (1/42) on his second spell and Bantleman (1/18) struck soon after. Albon (12) and Smith (13) got going but Weir (3/24) came back to finish the small partnerships off leaving Vish stranded on 9.
After a nice tea with spicy (or normal in Sreekumars eyes) chicken wings, Bare braved the elements and started well with Albon (1/11) striking early on. The experienced Sutcliffe (36) steadied the ship and put away the loose ball aided by Burns (12) until the fatal drinks curse struck again as Oz (2/39) bowled him on the first bowl after drinks. It was Vish (1/24) that span a wicket and Shireshead 'A' were in a similar position at 65/3 as Bare were in. Yates (33) and Murphy, the younger one (16) built another solid partnership until Cook (1/20) struck and Nev took a good catch to set up a tense finish. Murphy, the older one (16) and Bray (12) saw the game through assisted with byes with the gaps created so Bare could attack. A good performance by both teams in the heat but another loss for the Bare boys. Next Trimpell at home next week where hopefully 11 men can put up a strong performance to go the correct way in the table. Right, parents gone early so I will have something cold (and not send naked pictures in a hot tub!).