Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th September

Chaps,

Below a brief summary of our Friday T20 and Saturday 35 over games against the Drovers CC over from London.

Glorious afternoon/evening for the T20, SAC went into bat and we managed a reasonable total of 179, I think, with Greg batting the last overs through by himself (actually batting by himself as a ‘last man standing’ due to a cockup over numbers – no fault of the MM I might add).  Creditable score, with some reasonably tight bowling, and not a catch dropped by the oppo.  Runs were fairly evenly shared throughout with various 30s and 40s…

Greg and Jules then opened up with some tight bowling and a few wickets.  Then it’s all a bit vague, but I remember getting a (quite possibly career, or at least SAC personal best) of 3-14, although the plaudits must go to Brett who was on fire (1 catch off the first ball, followed by a (leg side) stumping).  The hat trick was on, but didn’t happen, although Brett later took another (leg side) stumping.  Was really quite a comprehensive display behind the stumps.  Nigel took a good catch, and Drummond Junior almost took a catch off Drummond Senior, but didn’t.  I don’t recall who did the rest – probably Brett, but it was a pretty thorough victory – I think they got through about 16 overs for 120 odd. 

Saturday was another day, although actually it was quite similar, though for some reason half the SAC decided to turn up late.  No matter, we started bowling with myself and Julian and about 6 fielders, but managed to keep it fairly tight.  Julian picked up a couple, then Phil had a good spell and also took a few.  Ratha and Naveed had a good bowl and then it was to Jon and Ian to mop it up and I think both finished with pretty good figures, though I don’t have them, but let’s say 3 a piece for argument’s sake.  James and Brett also combined for a run-out which was patently not out, but was given out by their umpire because even he was bored with how slowly the score was moving.  I think they scored about 45 off the first 20 overs.  In any case, they got a score of sorts, which was then dismissively knocked off by Brett and Jon (notable by his absence at the crease was ‘out of former’ James Grant).  Some trouble with some ladies at the bar meant that I went off (rather unnecessarily as it turned out) to buy a load of beers before match end (though it was definitely in sight) so I don’t know the final numbers.  Going on past experience I suspect Jon got (close to) his ton (??).  We then enjoyed very pleasant beers by the marquee, before being booted off-site by aforementioned ladies.  I struggled with the finances, but think it’s all clear now – James I owe you/SAC €50.  Good to see Ben up at the ground again and hope to see more of him (and his bro?) next year!

Thanks again to Dusty for umpiring.

Had an email this morning from the visitors saying how much they enjoyed the weekend, with apologies for not putting up a better fight.

Cheers

Daniel Erith,