Report by Sam Rowsell

Fair play to Gary Adderley who managed to cobble together 11 bodies for this hastily arranged fixture - A team made up of mainly ex-cricketers that had thought they had seen the last of their whites many moons ago....

What started as an idle suggestion of a friendly at the Marldon Apple Pie Fair gate whilst the Hunter's ale was flowing seemed like a great idea. Now Gary armed with his 'bit of white paper' must have been panicking as he sent a text to Marldon's skipper at 23.59 on the eve of the game.... "We may have to borrow some kit!". Also when asked what his team name was, the reply came "Errrrrrr......... Clennon???

Anyway the day was here and although the weather was reflecting the start of Autumn, spirits were high from both sides that were greatly anticipating the 30 over social encounter. Great to see Adrian Thompson turn out for the opposition after I have tried and failed to get him to don his whites for Marldon many times over the last 3 years!!

Clennon suggested that we batted first and so what with the social nature of the game Marldon obliged also mixing up the batting order to provide those that hadn't had much time in the middle. You wouldn't have noticed it though as all top four batsmen reached at least 20 runs with some sensible batting. Lucas Cope (20) & Jack Harman (21) each found the boundary 4 times before being dismissed with George Woodcock & Darren Washbrook retiring undefeated on 32 & 30 respectively. Jack Hemus & Jon Roberts were not so lucky when they failed to reach double figures but Martin Praggers Pragnell provided a few lusty blows and along with Sam Woodcock remained unbeaten at the innings close, Marldon had reached a respectable 164-4 off of the allotted 30 overs.

There seemed to be a rather lot of moisture in the air and the grey clouds overhead were threatening to ruin a good day's cricket, so we decided to delay tea until the conclusion of the game with Clennon having a quick 5 minute breather before the game resumed.

The chase began and as with the batting order, the bowlers were shuffled around significantly. The usual opening batting pair of Harry Ward & your truly, opened the bowling with Harry looking a lot more comfortable in this role and it wasn't long before he made the breakthrough, clean bowling Elliot for 4. At the other end I struggled to find a consistent line, although if I was to try and defend my average figures of 0-20 off 4, I would have mentioned that I was unlucky to have a catch put down plus I actually hit the top of off with a great delivery although the extremely heavy bail failed to dislodge and that four overthrows also contributed to my figures so it should have read 2-16.... but I shan't bother mentioning that...

Washbrook and Sam Glanfield were the change bowlers, with Glando ripping out the Clennon middle order with fine figures of 3-24 thanks to some great catches by Harman & Ward. Washy removed the topscorer Aldridge for 26 and now Clennon were reeling at 58-6.

Sam Woodcock and Lucas Cope were the 2nd change bowlers with Woody having a rare barren day but Cope removed what can only be described as the greatest cricketing name I've ever heard - Nick Tov! Just a pity it wasn't caught behind as it would been great to say Nick Tov nicked off! (Sorry!).

At 82-7 all was not lost, surely it was time for a captain's innings as skipper Adderley started to stroll to the crease to the cheers of the onlooking spectators. I took a double take, Gary looked resplendent in what resembled a dinner jacket minus the jacket and dickie bow. I couldn't resist the opportune moment and quipped "That waitor wants his shirt back Gary!" to the sniggers of the umpires who were equally enjoying the moment. To be fair to Gary he hung around abit and enjoyed the onslaught of banter and was giving his fair share back.

Talking of an onslaught, it was about now that E Hevridge decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck and went all out attack - smashing 2 magnificent straight sixes as well as an equally impressive 'dot ball' thanks to the local Marldon rules. Alas it was short lived as Harman & Ward (who completed an injured Roberts over) that picked up the next 2 wickets. The final two of R Hevridge and Hallett enjoyed a couple of boundaries each before Harman took a smart C&B to conclude the match.

Teas were enjoyed with special mention to Washy's 'Cheese Variants' and the Hemus supplied Tuna although Jack Harman had to have explained 'Savouries' consisted more than the less than spectacular packet of prawn cocktail crisps purchased from Lidl he produced. Although I don't think he heard a word as he was attempting a personal record of number of jam tarts consumed within 10 minutes...

A great day with pleasant opposition and much merriment being had back in the Church House. The end is nigh, with just the one fixture remaining when we take on the friendly bunch down at South Brent for the finale next week.

Marldon Cricket Club

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