11/09/2011 v EYNSFORD

won

It was the last game as skipper for Richard on Sunday and possibly the last game for Stuart as he plans to move away in the near future. It was definitely the last game of our 50th year and it was a fitting end to what has been a really successful season. Richard has been skipper for as long as anyone can remember (almost literally) , but I am sure he won’t have taken to the field with many stronger teams than the one we had out on Sunday.(even with Sam and Bob out with injuries).

Clive and Jason opened the batting and Jason opened proceedings with a sumptuous cover drive for 4. He didn’t last long however and it was Charlie that really impressed on a damp pitch with a very slow outfield. Charlie overcome these difficulties by continually hoisting the ball high and straight. Clive gave support at the other end, mostly by giving him the strike whenever possible.

A mini collapse put a high score in danger, but some really sensible batting by Adam and Stuart saw the Old boys to a score of 197 in 35 overs.

Jason and Charlie opened the bowling and soon had Eynsford in trouble. Stuart and James came on to apply further pressure with some excellent fielding (particularly by Richard , I thought- no sign of his bad back) . One blemish came from McArdle, soon after he boasted to bucket hands Peg that he had caught the highest number of catches this season. A huge skier went into Tim’s hands and back out again. Pete Smith and Richard came on at the end to wrap things up just as it started spitting with rain. The end had the feel of a time game with players crowded round the bat desperate to get the last wicket before the heavens opened. Another catch close in by your truly finished it off, and we all gave Richard a guard of honour as he walked off as skipper for the last time. (At last the "Coverly out" campaigns have worked !) . Seriously though, he has served the club really well through some difficult times, and I am sure he will think he is bowing out with the team in a really strong position.

btw Bob has retired again