Waverley humbled

Loose bowling costs visitors dear...

The meteorological armageddon promised for the weekend never came to pass and as a result, Waverley's match with Pirbright went ahead as planned. Ian Verrinder ("IV"), Russ Golding ("Raoul"), Sam Vass ("Peppa"), Simon Brewer ("KV"), Jason Trimmer ("JT"), Jamie Harris ("DJ Teabag"), Warren Vass ("Wozza"), Simon Knox ("Chewy"), Sam Tempest ("Troy"), Adam Carmichael ("AC") and David Stockwell ("Stockrates") were on show for the visitors.

AC joined the ranks of useless tossers as Waverley were inserted first in this 40 over game. The pitch was initially a bit lively and was responsible for the early loss of both Raoul and Peppa. However, a partnership between IV and KV soon had the visitors back on track. This was IV's first appearance of the season and it looked like he'd never been away as he scored runs effortlessly. KV has been in scintillating form with the bat in the last few weeks and such form showed no sign of deserting him, his big hitting being the perfect foil to IV's classical stroke-play. Both passed their half-centuries and were looking good for a ton each. But then KV misjudged the flight and was trapped LBW for 84. He was followed not long after by JT, who guided an edge to the slips. Last to go was IV, who holed out courtesy of a top-edge for 92. Waverley still had overs to spare and Teabag (ably supported by Wozza) scored vital runs at the death despite an interruption for a passing shower. With the 40 overs concluded, Waverley had posted a very competitive 254-5.

The required run rate was over a run a ball and perhaps that led Waverley to experience a sense of false-confidence. But what followed over the next 37 overs was a bowling display not usually associated with a Waverley side. Despite an early breakthrough courtesy of Chewy (and a looping catch to Stockrates), Waverley struggled to make an impact with the ball. Pirbright, meanwhile, took full advantage and nothing should be taken away from their batsmen, who punished the bad ball repeatedly. Waverley were in dire straights with the score 163-1 after 20 overs. The bowlers were rotated and Waverley's perseverance was rewarded thanks to KV, who removed Pirbright's opening centurion as he chopped on. He followed this up with a second wicket, a good catch at the second attempt by IV. When Stocky held a sharp caught and bowled, Waverley sensed that the greatest comeback since Lazarus might just be on. The visitors made the home side work hard for the remaining runs, but they had overs on their side and hit the winning runs with about three overs to spare.

The Man of the Match Hat went to IV for a fine knock with the bat, whilst JT won the *Anchor Hat for some dodgy fielding off Troy's bowling. The Supporters' Egyptian Hieroglyph Pink T-shirt went to Raoul and KV (who were both spotted dancing in the outfield to the carnival tunes), whilst the Pink T-shirt went to Troy (who made the fatal mistake of dancing to Madonna when he thought no one was looking). It was also revealed that Raoul has obviously been pining for Teabag following his recent lads' holiday: "what do you think of this tune, J?" he asked on the car journey to the pub after the game... only to realise that Teabag wasn't, in fact, in the car with him...