Ley Hill vs Cadmore End, 16th August 2003
Denis
McCarthy
The loyal legions of Ley
Hill’s second eleven arrived to find their resolute captain fresh back from
‘across the pond’ and champing at the bit for this important top of the table
clash. (There was no truth in the rumour that he’d been there since 8 o’clock as
he still hadn’t adjusted his watch!) Chris (pictured below) won the toss and,
sacrificing maximum points, put our opponents in to bat, a decision that would
have a crucial effect on the outcome of the game.
Out
in the field, Ley Hill were in a relaxed mood, too relaxed for the lightning
fast out-field and the dogged, though sometimes fortuitous, Cadmore End opening
pair who strolled to 137 without
loss. Not until Graham ‘Audley’ ‘Jonty’ Harrison (2 for 53) and Paul ‘Packet’
‘Bobby Sands’ Green (4 for 72) were given the ball was any progress made through
the batting order.
With the exception of Steve Jones, left to single-handedly patrol a quarter of
the field, the sloppy and sometimes comical antics of the Ley Hill fielders
allowed the opposition to make the most of their innings, the last partnership
having a great time, slogging 50 runs and cracking a garage roof slate before
their captain made
the surprising decision to retire after 41 overs on 251 for 6. Apparently
Cadmore End were fed up with opposition being daunted by their run totals and
just batting out for draws (they must have played Bovingdon recently).
Unfortunately, they obviously forgot who they were playing!
After
Ma Green’s wake up call of turkey & mustard sandwiches (lovingly laid out by
Paul ‘the cat’ Humphreys, pictured – but more of that later), the protagonists
took the field. Graham Harrison and Steve Jones almost matched the opposition
openers and saw 110 on the score board before Graham was bowled for 33. Brian
Puddephatt, still trying to emulate his season’s earlier success, hit two 4s and
was then bowled third ball. Chris ‘USA’ Jones, obviously still jet-lagged, his
digestive system still struggling with steroid-pumped meat, sent a thick edge to
slip and returned to the pavilion with a solitary run to continue his letter of
resignation.
Cadmore End, spirits
rising, could not have expected what happened next. Enter 14 year old Jake
Wells, to hit a sublime half century, repeatedly over or past the opposition
fielders who curiously moved in when Jake had strike and retreated back out to
the boundary for Steve. As Steve and Jake ‘filled their boots’, keeping the
appreciative audience captivated and entertained, the opposition ran out of
ideas, bowlers and spirit. Steve had crafted his total up to 98 and Ley Hill
only required 5 to win!
The
scenario now appeared where the match could be won without Steve reaching his
first century for the club. But showing maturity far beyond his years, Jake
stone-walled through only the third maiden of the game to give Steve the strike
on the next over. Steve could only hit a single and unfortunately Jake was
caught and bowled off the next ball for an impressive 56. Young Mr Wells
returned to the pavilion to a standing ovation and young Mr Clarke took to the
stage. Knowing exactly what to do, Stuart again batted out the remaining balls
to give Steve the strike in the penultimate over of the game. Steve duly
dispatched the first ball for the requisite run for his hundred (witnessed by
two very proud parents!) and then Stuart, free from any obligatory tactical
requirements crashed a four to win the game by 6 wickets with only 10 balls
left!
Although clearly
demoralised by the result, thank you Cadmore End for being both sporting and
enjoyable opponents. A pleasant change from recent weeks. But you still owe us
for a replacement roof slate!
Cadmore End: 251 for 6 (Green 4 for 72, Harrison 2 for 53)
Ley Hill: 254 for 4 (Steve Jones 100 not out, Wells 56)
Ley Hill win by 6 wickets
Man of the Match:
Steve Jones for a great all
round performance culminating in a superlative 100 not out! Well done Steve!
Clown of the Match:
Paul ‘the cat’ Humphries for breaking his thumb playing football and ruling
himself out for the rest of the season, giving 71 year old Jim Rainey a Friday
night 10 o’clock call-up for second team duty!
Special mention: Mr
William Phillips, who left it until 9 o’clock on Saturday night to announce that
it was his 65th birthday! Happy birthday Bill! Have you received your
bus pass yet?
Click here for the scorecard