The Hospital team and backroom personnel had a double weekend of cricket to play and administer. This was due to the earlier postponement of the game against Beehive C.C. as everyone was glued to their TV screens in various locations so as to witness football ‘Coming Home’, which it didn’t unfortunately.
Two sides were somehow mustered to play on both Saturday and Sunday, and a trip down the A4 to near neighbours Chippenham was the Saturday option.
The sporting complex contains the Cricket and Football Clubs alongside the Bowls, Tennis, Hockey, Running, Netball, Skittles and last but not least, the Pidgeon Club. What do you call a homing Pidgeon that doesn’t come home?................ a Pidgeon!!!!.... Sorry.
With a comfortable win the previous week against the Warminster 2nd eleven, the Hospital side saw themselves in a well-balanced position of mid-table in Division 2, and considering injuries and non-availability of players, a credible position to have achieved.
A decision was taken by the Hospitals hierarchy, should they win the toss, then batting first was the option, even before they saw the playing surface. On arrival Andy Boyce thought maybe bowling first maybe the better option, as the top surface had movement in it and could possibly play tricks? Jake Dyer won the toss and decided to bat, to which his teammates agreed.
With Andy Boyce and Div Puri opening the Hospital innings the next 26.5 overs saw the Hospitals side capitulate to an all-out total of 64 meagre runs, their lowest for over 30 years when Blunsdon CC bowled them out for 42. Chippenham were rightly ‘cock a hoop’ with their excellent all-round bowling performance. Two of the Hospitals players shouldered arms as they mis-judged balls that bowled them, another stumped by the keeper as he left his ground looking for the ball (hilarious), two to poor shot making decisions, and the rest were understandably in no mans land. Andy Boyce with 16 and the improving Andy Strange 14 were the only batsmen to reach double figures and show resilience as all around failed.
Now the Hospitals bowlers were determined to show their equal prowess, and they did not disappoint. Although reaching 30 runs without loss Chippenham’s task looked in safe hands until Jake Dyer (4 overs- 4 maidens- 0 runs- 1 wicket) struck with his second delivery. Stuart Webb-Martin also struck twice in quick succession (6-0-17-2) then Jonathan Fair joined the party with two wickets (9-2-26-2). Chippenham reached their target of 65 for the loss of 5 wickets.
Hospitals were 50 runs short of a competitive target and should they have taken the option to bowl first, who knows what might have happened.
Today’s game (28/08/18) has been cancelled due to the weather.
The season is almost at an end, with the final game being at home at Prior Park against already promoted and looks like league champions Beckington. Let’s hope for good weather and if you wish to join us for a cup of tea or a beer after the game you are most welcome. Fancy dress theme is Cow Boys and Indians if you feel inclined, a tradition the players all engage in on the last day of the season.