Waverley Wobble But Still Win

Despite batting collapse, Waverley claw to victory in thrilling game.

After heavy rain the day before, it was a relief to see the sun out as Waverley made the long trip to face Elsted, who's ground is often remarked to have "the best view in cricket". Waverley's 11 best views in cricket were James Wright (Mongo), Chris Beanland (Beanie), Russ Golding (Raoul), Simon Brewer (KV), Andy du Gay (Daddy Doogs), Adrian Day (Mog), Matt du Gay (Doogs), Sam Tempest (Troy), Toby Elborough (Stokesy), Peter Brewer (Mr B) and Dan Litwin (Litters).

Having surprisingly won the toss, Doogs invited the home side to bat first. Looking to make early inroads for the visitors were Litters and Stokesy. The rainfall made the landing area slightly damp, and unaided by spikes Stokesy found it especially difficult. Luckily, Bordon Boys always share and so he was able to borrow Troy's shoes to continue his spell. Litters and Stokesy were both bowling well, with a few shots landing just short or going just wide of fielders. However, despite restricting the scoring well, they were unable to make a breakthrough and Doogs shuffled his pack. Mr B was brought on to take the pace off the ball, and Troy was introduced at the other end (after reclaiming his footwear from Stokesy). It was Troy who eventually picked up the first wicket, Raoul holding on to a catch in the covers. Not to be outdone, Mr B also picked up a wicket shortly after, getting one to straighten to bowl the other Elsted opener. After another spell of tight bowling from both Mr B and Troy, Doogs mixed things up again to introduce Mog at one end, and himself at the other. This clearly struck fear into the heart of the Elsted batsmen, and they didn't want to face Doogs as a suicidal single attempt resulted in a run out, Raoul throwing in to pick up the run out. Doogs picked up a wicket of his own a couple of balls later, the skipper making full use of the slope to get one to come back in and bowl his opposite number. Mog then picked up 2 wickets of his own in his next over, bowling Zamas, before Beanie held on to a catch at point. With the home side on the ropes a little, Mog picked up another wicket shortly after, bowling McMullen. There was just enough time for an over of spin from Daddy Doogs, in which he was unlucky not to pick up a wicket for himself - Mongo unable to do anything other than tip the ball over for 4 at deep cow. Some good bowling from the visitors restricted the home side to a score of 140.

After another excellent tea, Waverley looked to get off to a good start and chase down the total. Their innings didn't get off to much of a flyer, with Mongo back in the hutch early on, given out LBW for 5. This brought Raoul to the middle, who looked to keep things ticking over with some nice shots. Beanie eventually joined his opening partner back in the hutch, an edge through to slip enough to see him off for 12. This meant KV and Raoul were the new pair at the crease, and they looked to make short work of the run chase. Things were going smoothly for the pair, until Raoul was bowled for a well made 32. With plenty of time left, and KV playing several a-moo-zing shots, it looked like the visitors might cruise home. However, KV was bowled for 62, which sparked a patented Waverley wobble. Daddy Doogs chipped to point for 1, before Doogs top edged one straight back to the opposition skipper (revenge for his earlier wicket). Mog was adjudged LBW without troubling the scorers, Troy was bowled off his pads for 3 and Stokesy was stumped as he walked down the track after smearing his first 2 runs for the club. This left the home side needing just one wicket for victory, Waverley losing 5 wickets for just 15 runs. However, with experienced head Mr B seeing off his first 3 balls, it was down to Litters to flay a delivery for 4 through mid on, to seal the victory for the Wave, who almost managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

The post match awards saw Stokesy pick up the pink T-shirt for a blatant hand withdrawal, off his own bowling. The wAnchor hat saw a mention to Mongo for his tip over the bar for 4, but Troy picked up the award. His attempted run out the sort of thing you'd find on a cricket bloopers highlight reel. With plenty of time to throw gently to the keeper, he proceeded to lob the ball over his head, much to the delight of the batsmen, and the laughter of his team mates. The man of the match went to KV for his excellent knock with the bat, which helped push the visitors within touching distance of their total before their batting collapse.