The biblical storms which had been pre-planned for by all didn't arrive. Unfortunately Bobby couldn't cancel his booking at Funky Monkeys and was therefore unavailable. Luckily Guy Dunbavand was back. Not a bad replacement. Sam replaced Ryen and with Francis Robson he opened the bowling. Ball 2 wicket for Francis smartly caught by the stumper Tommy Evans. Sam opened up too and wasn't as threatening as he can be. Francis with another scalp and a nice catch for Matthew Griffiths at first slip. Sam at the other end? The skipper threw Shane the ball so that the two quicker men could swap ends. At this point Francis had 2 for 6 from his 4 overs...too expensive shouted the gathering crowd! Shane bowled a wicket maiden to really scupper the plans. This year Shane Patel is bowling beautifully. He gets people out with clever flight and he even spins the odd ball. First team cricket can't be too far off. Sam switched ends and instantly looked a threat. Quick bouncers allied with fantastic line and length. Shane craftily going about accumulating dots which became wickets. A good catch by Dan Riley running around to clutch onto a skier. Sam then cartwheeled the stumps...twice. His third wicket was the dangerous Bateman bounced at as he gloved the ball off his face to fourth slip (yes we had a fourth slip). Shane finished things off aided by a smart catch from Sam and their 10 batters were dismissed. Shane 4 for 16 from what was supposed to be an over to change things around. Good idea that...even if Francis didn't get back on; he had bowled really well. No dropped catches, no misfields. Perfect.
In the kitchen, Paul was in a blind panic. The bread for the butties was still at the bakers and the butter still in the churn.
Round we go. Guy smacked the first ball he's faced for Chester this year through mid-wicket. Fesmer and Bateman are good bowlers who regularly put good batting attacks away. Not the Dunbavand brothers. Guy clipped, whacked and struck the ball to all parts whilst the Doc took pictures. Adam blocked his way to double figures! 64 runs knocked off in 11 overs.
Emphatic. Add Bobby to that line up and it looks formidable. 25 more points and an afternoon cheering on the 3's and playing beer pong. Marvellous.