06/06/2010 v Simba

lost

Exciting tussle with Simba

Their fast bowlers were soon slapping it down onto a very damp Oakfield pitch and getting some lively bounce . It was one that didn't bounce however that accounted for Mark Cooper early on. Sam came in and played some fine shots, but departed to a fine swinging delivery bowled around the wicket.

In came Paul Allen who punished anything that was wide of the wicket including 3 fine sixes on a large outfield.

Stringer meanwhile was making slow progress, but was keeping the fast bowlers out (I've got the bruises to prove it). Paul Allen went to a ball passing down the legside but unluckily deflected off his pads onto the wicket.

It was to Old Dartechs credit that they didn't collapse at this stage, and with the help of a brilliant 50 by Mr Extras they made a healthy score of 182.

Sam and James opened up and had the openers in trouble, but couldn't make the breakthrough. It was Max who came onto to get the first wicket, though Bob at the other end was also bowling well. Billy also came on to bowl well, despite some aggressive intent by the Simba batsmen desperate to break the shackles.

Skipper Smith had to bring back Sam for a last desperate throw of the dice after a couple of his own overs went for plenty

This set up the highlight of the afternoon, because Sam started racing in trying everything to get the Simab batsmen out, bouncers, yorkers, slower balls, all failed to get him a deserved wicket, and Simba got home easily in the end.

This was a great match played in a fantastic spirit and Old D's really stepped up in class.

I don't think I will ever forget the crowd amassed on the balcony at Oakfield stamping their feet in rhythm as Sam came into bowl, shouting "give him some chin music" and other undecipherable comments in broad Jamaican accents. Comparisons of Thompson to Richards was clearly heard though !