Crabtree Cup Rd 1 - Wyre best Norcross with excellent performance

With both teams suffering a loss the day before the level of optimism was sky high going into the first round of the Crabtree Cup. The weather was disappointing throughout the morning with the met office suggesting it would clear up. I made my way down to the ground to find only myself and the whole of the Norcross team warming up at 1:00, I stood and smiled thinking what my Dad would do in that situation. (Editor's note: Shout and throw things probably)

Once a few more players turned we went to have a look at the wicket. It was a surprisingly firm track. We headed back inside where it wasn’t raining. While we waited for the rain to stop to our amusement there was a dog training session going on (although the dogs had more agility than most of the Wyre fielders). One the rain had stopped the skipper went out to do the toss and tails was the winner so Wyre elected to field.

Myself and Scott opened the bowling with a tight start Scott took the first wicket with Anthony Harper who decided to lift the ball straight down the skippers throat who was fielding at mid-on, this left Norcross 14-1. A tactical change in the bowling from the skipper who brought himself and Nathan on to bowl. With JB and Nathan removing the top and middle order, leaving Norcross 42-6.

Scott and myself were brought back, Scott taking two more wickets. With Ackers finishing the innings leaving Chris Allan unbeaten for a brave 31 not out nursing a broken hand. Norcross finishing 82 all out. TEA!!

After enjoying a lovely spread we settled down in the force ten gale to watch the start of Wyre’s innings. As usual Tim set off at his sedentary best with Steve Clayton supporting. Highlights of the innings were two pitch invasions by our scorer who couldn’t hear the names of the bowlers over the noise of the wind. The best highlight was when the gale whipped up and removed Roy’s hat blowing it around the outfield with Roy in hot pursuit, the only thing missing was Benny Hill’s theme tune!!

Tim was removed straight after the drinks break lbw, after a heated exchange with the scorers over missed extras (must have lost his concentration). Steve Richards joined the other Steve and proceeded to have a few swipes no doubt spurred on by Rawcliffe seniors’ tips on batting. Wyre managed to knock the runs of in 24.5 overs, this means that Wyre will move into the next round of the cup at Vernon Carus.