Bayshill captain Nobby Pierce won the toss and elected to field against this weeks opponents, Asian Sports CC. The weather had decided to ‘play ball’ having rained hard during the night. Amit was the the first to go, comprehensively out LBW to Tom Liley, who not for the first time was the meanest bowler with just 19 runs coming from 7 overs. Suresh batted assuredly for an impressive 79 before falling to Alex Harding (aged 12), who once again impressed with the ball.
At this point a Red Kite decided to muscle in on the action, gliding over square leg to the delight of the massed supporters. A cry of Milvus Milvus from the pavilion completely muffled by Saunders’ belligerent appeal for LBW, which to the delight of the Bays and the ascendant raptor was given. Michael Harding then ran out Mil on 29 in a quality piece of cricket. Asian Sports climbed steadily to 177 before running out of overs.
After tea, which for the 8th game in succession has been absolutely spot on, Bayshill went in to bat.
Nobby Pierce and Christos Horner’s partnership of 8.3 overs and 28 runs ended with Chris being caught well by Salim. Only 13 runs were added before Lloyd Parker fell stumped. Pierce then appeared to want to take Paul Saunders’ record of 6 fours in one over, the 13th – sadly falling one short with 5. The excitement of this rush of runs lead to him being stumped sharply soon after for 45. Steve Pritchard then joined Alex Van Dyke for an unbroken partnership of 89 to see the Bayshill home. Alex providing some early afternoon fireworks ? with six fours and a six. Pritchard also clubbed a big six as Bayshill closed in on victory.
Extra report by Ivor Thurston – Social Reporter.
It seemed all too much for Bayshill as they wrapped up a second successive victory in 2 weeks. Unseemly wrestling followed on the outfield by the Virtual Pipe Smokers’ Club and later shenanigans by some players were reported by locals in the children’s play area at the Plough. A spokesman for the club said he declined to comment, but off the record though it all innocent fun.
The club he went on to say, has a strong record of discipline; the chairman many many years ago stipulating that no less than two pints should be drunk before each game. There is no truth whatsoever in the unsubstantiated rumour that Chris Horner had asked to buy a season ticket off bemused bar staff for the play area at The Plough.
The spokesman further added that Horner had not requested all matches in future should have attached playgrounds. He finished by saying (still off the record) that Chris should be happy on tour as there is a play pirates’ ship next to St Mary’s ground.