27/05/2001 v Bristol West Indians

lost

It was good to meet up with Chris Jones, and with Neil Priddy who had been at the “O’s” play off game in Cardiff.

On a rather grey day with frequent bouts of light rain, Jason and Chris opened the bowling, and produced really hostile spells. Inspired bowling changes from the Captain, meant that the strong West Indian side were reduced to 66 for 4. I have been playing for the club for over 25 years, and I cant think of a period when we have bowled quite so well against good standard oppostion. The catch that Jock took off of Neil’s bowling and the stumping (yet again) off of Bob Dunkley, were really out of the top drawer.

Unfortunately it was not too last, and two older players came in to steady the ship. A close run out call was denied, which may have been a turning point, but a number of catches went down, and the game was effectively lost in the next ten overs. Huge skiers to long off were put down, first by Stringer (would it have gone for six without the “tip over the bar”?), and then by Smith. Jason called up Priddy to field at deep long off, but even “bucket” dropped another steepling catch, making everyone else who had dropped one feel infineately better- (thanks Neil), Eventually the Bristolians finished on 197 for 6- something which we would have settled for at the start I suspect.

The opening of Dartechs innings descended into farce as the opposition skipper delayed the start for 15 minutes while he tried to find out what had happened to the ball which he had provided at the start ofo the game, but which was not used. Whatever his motives, it meant that the innings did not start until 5.45, in what was already deteriorating light . Stringer and Allen opend, Jason again failing.Stringer though was in better form (no alcohol since the last whiskey at 2 am…). Neil came in at three and the adrenalin was certainly pumping as the fast bowlers dropped several short on a true hard pitch. Neil did not last long, but Jock came in to play a sensible innings. Stringer was getting back to his best form, hooking unconvincingly, but finding the legside boundary with a fine leg glance, and winding up the younger members of the oppostion with some cheeky singles.

A hort single was to prove his undoing however as a direct hit found him several yards short of the bowlers crease. Jock went on , but found no real support until Smith came in at number 8. It was really getting quite dark , but this did not stop Jock advancing down the pitch to the seamers and creaming them through the offside on the way to a brilliant 62.

Martin was eventually out, the first time this season, but Old dartehs finished in the gloom after 8pm at a creditable 132 all out.