NFTS victory 226-3 :  SCC all out for 80

Comrades, i am just out of the bath. It was hot and soothing and has helped to return my poor aching muscles to some kind of normal. What a day we had of it yesterday? It was a great one. We had all of the highs and lows of the game, we had injuries, we met new friends, we had pro scoring and a twelfth man. We had youth and seniority and laughs and high tension, rain and sun, wind and calm. We had a great day of cricket.

What a lovely little pitch is Hit or Miss, Penn Street? Sweet pavilion for both children and cricketers and a trim and beautiful green and wicket. Guy Hake and the SCC commissariat arranged this new and exciting fixture and upon arrival he was hard at work mowing, rolling and making fine the environs. We soon had our full team at the pavilion and PAWS were getting on like a raucous, garrulous and utterly chummy bunch. First big  thanks to Victoria Wood, Peter (her new bloke!) and Annabel Tarrant for coming along and scoring and adding support and assistance. The lovely Mrs. Yuri-P, Kate Richardson, the delightful Ms. Ilyeva, Margit Wettler and the well assembled and ultra-supportive family of comrade Antonov, Tony Dickie.

Captain Commissar, Marx-B (Mark Blackledge) entered the toss and we were fielding first. Opening bowlers being myself, Yuri-P and Robski Dabitoff. A valiant opening session was attempted and at least nobody wet themselves. However, within the space of the first hour, two of our cricket stalwarts were effectively stretchered off. Outfield comrade Andropov Slipswell, took a screaming tumble in reception of the ball, some say this was outside of an over, i feel there was a hole in the space time continuum through which the ball traversed. But slipped did Andropov and was soon hobbling back to the Pavilion. A devastating blow from which we had to recover. Luckily, PAWS Victoria Wood had brought along her new and brave  man, Pete (brave for playing cricket, not going out with Victoria!). So Peter became comrade Pete’ski out in the field. Then what?

Oh no, comrades. Fellow instigator of cricketing madness, comrade commissar treasurer, Ilyeva took a strange and beguiling slip in the dip to the West of the ground and was limping in. But he was not down-hearted and despite vigorous advice to sit down with his legs wide open and stop the ball with his crotch, he chose to be replaced by NFTS 12th man, Rob – Thank you Rob! Margit will be forever grateful that you saved Ilyeva’s crotch from a sure smashing. She likes to preserve these things for herself.

There was some sterling work in the field from the likes of Antonov, Soldya (Mad Hatter), Marx-Jnr (Buster) and before their falls, Ilyeva and Andropov! But let’s consider the bowling. Figures are figures but names to remember from the day are some outstanding results from Marx-Junior Buster’ski who produced 1 for 44 off 8 overs, Yuri-P gaining 1 off 25 for 7 overs, Hudski with many close wickets and only 22 runs off 7 overs AND not to mention some sterling work withe the ball by Cobramovich, Robski, Soldya and Chipmunkski of Sussex.

A delicious tea seemed to take the edge off the grim fact that we were facing 226 for 3 in a timed match. It was looking like a chase for a draw and so we set off. Openers were Antonov and Cobramovich. I wish i could report well of the session but we were barely away before we had lost both. Was it the pitch? Was it the sun? Was it just cricket!? It was the latter. Cobra bowled cleanly, Antonov caught off Sharma. So father and son duet, Marx-B and Marx-Junior were together and Marx-B took a helpful 14 before being caught, Rowe. Hudksi came aboard and helped Marx-Junior to get 15 before the youthful Marx was removed caught, Singh.

Yuri-P was a twat and ran himself out for nothing. Indeed, I didn’t even face a ball.

Brotherly comrade Chipmunkski stole 2 runs before being bowled, court. But cut a fine figure in his blue cap. Soldya helped out with a stallion of 5 runs until LBW. And then into the frame strolled Robski Dixon. We had to go for a draw. We had no choice. There were well over ten overs remaining and it wasn’t going to be easy but Robski got his head down and was defending beautifully. Andropov Slipswell, despite doctor’s orders, took to the field, runner was Yuri-P. Andropov was after some pay-back for his ankle and hit out for a total of 6 runs until caught Court. This meant that as we had not 13th man, Yuri-P got a second bite of the cherry.

So there we stood, Robski and Yuri-P. We had a total of ninety plus balls to survive to hold a draw. This would not be easy. But in true comradely style, Robski and Yuri-P got our heads down and defended and played tactical. Indeed, the partnership battled on to the pen-ultimate over, when after moving a fielder to the repeated destination, Robski was lured into a midfield catch by Goodwin and we were finished. BUT a great attempt.

That was the game and the game is all done. We had a great match and a great day and the tea was truly lovely. The pitch, venue and pub was bang on and we shall be back next year for a return match. Comrades… Always, victors occasionally (one day!!)

Yuri-P

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