40 overs, 8 overs/bowler.
CBCC win by 6 wickets. Scoring 225 runs.
SCC 196 all out

Well comrades, that’s the kind of numbers we don’t see very often. Indeed, I think that maybe our highest score – time will tell as I delve into our records. Yes, I know we lost – I mean come on. We know our motto, we our know our ethos. To us it is the fun and the comradery and the hope of a win. Today we achieved all of those things and more and that makes me a happy Premier and I hope the SCC proud too?

We had a very different team in make up too. A big welcome goes out to The Count Oblonskaya – Owen Sewellski, Son of Andropov Sewellski and first time in the field for a whole match. Not an easy feat for a pre-teen – we salute you! (Admittedly his nickname is a mix of Tolstoy’s characters, but who’s complaining? You talking to me? Yeah, you… If Tolstoy has a problem he can roll in his grave! Incidentally, Tolstoy’s grave can be found here.

Chesham Bois were into bat first. Our Captain Marx gathered us up and in we went. Our field looked new and vital. Faces for the day and special guests Kelly Lunn and Jerry Canifyouneedoneski. Founder member Dil Dhillonoffsky was back amongst the fold and 2013 new blood, Tomsk (Tom Mayhew). Bowling opened with our usual bowlers of myself and Brother Chipmunkski. We withered away at them for 12 overs shared for 38 and 42 but Withams and Holloway were reluctant to be out. How annoying! With more yelling in the field and brotherly encouragement we pushed on to the new blood of Lunov and Twizzle (Tristanoff). This certainly was an increase in pace and the put masses of pressure on until Withams was caught for 61 off Lunov – who held it? I don’t know.

Great figures for Lunov with 18 off 8 with 1 wicket to boot. Twizzle not far ahead with 12 off 8 and 4 maidens – as if scoring runs is an illegal activity! Well done you two. Bowling then carried through to Dhillofski, Soldya and Tomsk – 23, 57 and 18 off 4,6 and 2 respectively. BUT a superb Golden duck wicket for Soldya on the last ball. Their wickets were retired: J.Holloway, 2 run outs for Beeson & Hazelhurst and of course, Golden Duck for L.Saunders.

A very hospitable Tea followed, very nice folk at Chesham it has to be said. I like the tactic of weighing down the wanderers with delicious cake – but in this instance, it backfires as we like to languish as the un-victorious anyway, so we achieve success AND eat cake!

As we slotted into bat, Dil and Marx strolled out. The latter amply supported by his most encouraging of sons, Twizzle. Dil solidly provided 25 until caught off Saunders (get used to that name). But Marx was defiant and was making a good exterior toilet facility impression, that made of bricks. He and Tomsk were now plying their trade. Lovely to see Tomsk amongst us, in particular his fast swivelling stroke.

At 6pm, Marx was strolling back, caught off Saunders. His score 27. Our praise for his dots may earn a new Dorothy award – we shall see. Robski was now with Tomsk but unfortunately briefly – shame as we love the Robski drive (caught off Saunders – aha! Getting the pattern?) Twizzle next for an 8 minute knock before being Run-Out – Saunders. The guest Lunov to join Tomsk. Good bowling from this comrade and batting too. As Tomsk left (A delicious 44, thank you!) – Lunov and Soldya were present.  The former finally departed by L.Saunders (different!) for a very useful 33 and now The Count. Young Sewellski  strolled to the crease with admirable determination and grit – all the pain of a classic Andropov Stop now going from his memory, he was ready to bat. And a fine beginning to his career he had. In total facing 12 balls and scoring his first ever run. Well done Comrade!

Chipmunkski and Yuri came up the rear but despite the former adding 23 to the total before being bowled P.Withams, we had not achieved our goal by 29 runs. But a high score for us and as i review the stats soon, you can all see for yourselves. Big thanks to our hosts of course who are very welcoming and have a nice pitch for us to play on. Many thanks to the all of those were in our team and especially congratulations and welcome to The Count, Owen Sewellski.

It’s a lovely little fixture that nods goodnight to the season and leaves us all with a feeling of joy with a tinge of sadness. But the greeting is very warm and the pitch very sweet, so we shall hopefully be back next year.

Do Svidaniya!