Vandals Hunt-ed down and Denley-ied

Another glorious day saw the Vandals first team take the short drive, but long walk (from the car park) to Horsley and Send; a picturesque ground that provides a rapid increase and decrease in spectators every 15 minutes. There were some enforced changes for the Vandals due to the absence of Garry Foreman and Sai Burgrupally, who were attending a Men and Motors reunion in Flitwick. They were at least able to call upon the lawful combination of Jacob ‘Carl’ Hooper and the Officer and a Gentleman, Chris Morton, for their first appearances of the year. The toss was won and skipper Sam Buckell decided it looked a batting day.

Connor Baker once again picked up the mantle to open with the skipper, bravely doing so despite dislocating his thumb during a typically ill-tempered Sunday game for the Vandals; Graham Hills is of course the leader that Sam Buckell learnt most of his iron fist tendencies and ruthless will to win. Sam got the innings off to a good start with a couple of crunching boundaries, but Connor’s bravery was not acknowledged by the ruthless Hunt who nicked him off with a beauty. Tom Neville joined his skipper at the crease for the first time since the 19th May, the six-week feud put on ice for the benefit of the team. However, it was clear Neville was still fully not over things, as he firstly tried to depart without scoring before then opting to simply see the impressive bowling off rather than scoring any runs against it. Luckily Sam kept the scoreboard motoring at his end, playing two eye catching drives in particular - one square and one through cover. With the score passing 50 and the first spells of bowling being seen off, the Vandals were in a great position. However, Sam attempted to cut one too close to him and then next ball it was suddenly 51-3 as John Hall couldn’t get his soiled hands out the way quick enough and he edged behind.

Steve Hennesey joined the shell-shocked Neville at the crease. As smooth as Cognac but not as quick to go down, Steve looked immediately assured. His calm manner clearly helped Neville as runs started to come more easily. The pair put on a half century, which included a mow of a maximum for Neville. However, [ctrl c ctrl v] Neville reached 38 and then picked out point from the first ball of the returning Hunt. Dan Fenton looked in fine form to start, but it was two boundaries and out for him. Former birthday boy Woo Powell then joined Steve and they dug in against the inspired bowling, ensuring the lower order were protected. They also looked set, almost getting to 150, but as Steve went to launch his attack he fell for a well earned 32. Luckily for Woo, Giggsy was on hand to walk the beat with him. Despite appearances from the side-lines they were actually working together and not run each other out every other ball and built a good partnership. Woo started to accelerate with a couple of lovely cuts, and GIggsy even caught world cup fever and managed to get one off the pad through midwicket for a boundary. However, with the return of Hunt, Woo had flashes of his youth and couldn’t resist getting on the pull. Over and out for 28. Giggsy tried to pick up the mantle and did hit one lusty maximum through midwicket, but with the Cracker not staying with him long enough he was also gone, cleaned up for a solid 20. And with that the innings quickly ended with Hunt getting his seventh (7-30) and Anish being stranded on 5 not out.

210 all out wasn’t as good as it could have been, but it was the Vandals second highest score of the year and there were some good contributions. Tea was much needed, and although served on the plate equivalent of Anish, there was still plenty to go round, just not until all the players had been fed.

The Vandals took to the field with confidence and a total to defend. The Powell brothers opened up again; a year older from the previous weekend and seemingly wiser in Woo’s case. Jonny Powell made the initial breakthrough, delightfully beating the batsmen defence with a beauty. Woo Powell was not far behind him though and his first wicket was also bowled, with a little assistance from a bad leave. It was soon 11-3 as Woo encouraged a nibble behind to leave the Vandals in a great position. However, that was as good as it got.

I could describe the rest of innings, remarking how there was a good example from both batsmen of getting in and staying in. Or I could remark that we over fed to some of the strengths of each batsmen, and four (tough) chances went down for the centurion Denley (109*). However, that would be slightly churlish and somewhat pointless. We were well and truly outdone. The spirit was largely kept up until the end, which was impressive considering it was a 200 run partnership, and the commitment of some the fielders was still remarkable with that too. Ultimately though, it was a pumping, and this time by a better side who played the better cricket. This has also been compounded by losing Jonny Powell to a nasty injury too.

At least this weekend we get to start again, and with the added bonus of some football in between.