Cricket: Lack of runs prove costly

Posted on August 13, 2012

After losing the Andy Holloway Memorial match for the first time in 4 years last week, Bray were looking to get back to winning ways against the team with definately the best teas this side of Europe, Hawridge and Cholsbury CC. With only 1 Bray player hungover, things were looking rosy for the home side. Losing the toss, Bray were put into bat, which made things easier for the home skip who admitted he didn't know what to do if he won it anyway! Opening bowler Cath made it a poor start removing Jasper and Furby early on, before Drew and Jacamo steadied things with a partnership of 77 before both fell in quick succession for 48 and 34 respectively. "Sicknote" Holbrook added a very well played 22 before a collapse ensued, with Del Boy, Harv, Rhino and Bieber all falling quickly, which left Cee-lo Green and Mr Eaton Bray to try and get Bray up to a decent score. Unfortunately Green promptly forgot to use his bat and padded up to a straight one, leaving Bray 151 all out, being probably 30 or 40 less than was looking likely earlier in the innings.

A lovely tea rightly followed, although dining alfresco became a necessity as Del attempted to blow holes in the pavilion with some absolutely nasty farting, one spectator did comment "I think I actually swallowed that one". Barm and Rhino also mentioned it was a shame HCCC didn't bring any of their catering delights with them and so it was out to the field with 7 out of 11 Bray players wearing designer blue sunscreen, Ollie "Bieber" Sirett leading the way with nose, lips, cheeks and forehead covered.

HCCC openers Robinson and White started proceedings by smashing the bowling of openers Harv and Ronnie Round-Arm to all parts, as White brought up a rapid fifty, apparently on the back of 150 score the day previous, but the introduction of Barack in tandem with Drew Peacock changed the game somewhat as the scoring rate slowed and Barm began to digest his way through the middle order taking an impressive 2-10 from his 6 overs. The rapid start unfortunately meant that it was a case of when and not if HCCC were going to knock the runs off, although an impressive spell of 1-20 off 7 overs from "Cee-lo /Dai /Prof" Greene did delay things further. In doing this, Justin Bieber fan and lookalike Ollie Sirett was brought on to terrorise oppo batsmen and bowled magnificently, keeping the ball full and straight, being the undoing of Drane, stumped by Alden and then also opener Robinson who edged behind to begin wild celebrations. However, Harv obviously wished to have a beer and a cheeky sing-song after the game, so bowled a rank long-hop which was smashed for 4 and followed up with a wide to get things over and done with as HCCC got to their target with just over 6 overs to go. It was left to Bieber fever to take hold with Sirett being carried off the pitch on the shoulders of Rhino and Harvester.

Shower banter, a jug from Ollie (he's starting young!!), karaoke from both teams and some late night strip catching practice followed, rounding off a very fun, although not at all successful weekend for the Bray!!

Where are my pants? - 13/08/2012

Scorecard

• Result: Hawridge & Cholesbury CC - Friendly XI Won by 5 wickets
• Date: Sun 12th Aug 2012
• Start Time: 14:00
• Ground: The Rye Gardens
• Type: Friendly
• Scoring: Standard
• Toss: Hawridge & Cholesbury CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl

Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club