Tom has a fairly good day, all round

This was an exceptionally good game, between two strong sides. All 3 results were still possible in the final over, and relieved handshakes were exchanged all round after a nailbiting draw was the eventual outcome.

With the 3rd team on gardening leave this week, skipper Bird was given the luxury of ‘hoovering up’ some of his stronger 4th teamers back from their ‘wintering in the 3rds’ adventures, to give the side an experienced and capable look about it. This was very important against high-riding Springhill, an all adult 1st team containing some very impressive and powerful players, particularly with the bat. They won the toss and were disappointed not to reach their basic target for every game of 200! They made a blistering start, rattling up 100 in 15 overs, with magnificent hitting by Thomas, Hudson and Poulsen. Alex BW, Josh Phillips and Mike BW were the unfortunate recipients of this barrage, although Josh did pick up the scalp of Thomas with an excellent catch by Alex BW from an inevitably skied yahoo. Thomas had absolutely murdered the first ball of the match through extra cover, but was nonplussed as he usually hits the first delivery of a game for six! The first steadying operation was performed by Alex Gray, bowling a superb spell of accuracy and economy, collecting 2 prizes along the way. Amazing that they were his first wickets of the season. Tom Bird then took over where Gray left off to put a stranglehold on the aggressive instincts of all the Springhill batsmen, collecting wickets all along the way. Tom was a slight bonus on the teamsheet having established a 3rd team place recently, but having played in the 4ths this season, his place was justifiable. The comedy sideshow was provided by Mr Naeem at no.7, an effervescent and highly excitable individual, who provided a hilarious mixture of walloping boundaries, frantic running and absurd calling (screaming actually) before conjuring an inevitably bizarre dismissal. He skied the ball, ran about six half-runs yelling “yes, no, easy run, no way, yes, no, your call…”, Barry Piper dropped the catch but still had time to collect the ball and jog to the stumps to run him out. Marvellous, thanks for the entertainment Mo! 198 was the final total, and Tom had collected six wickets in a smashing display. Dave Betts’ keeping was amazingly good considering the amount of chucking himself around he had to do. A lovely tea was provided by the Banks family, thank you!

The powerful batsmen were also the opening bowlers for Springhill and they took 3 early wickets. Barry Piper (27) and Olly Tipton (37) then showed great diligence and skill to see them off, mostly with clever gap-finding, judicious running and the occasional boundary. Barry’s demise brought Tom Bird to the crease, and he gradually increased the scoring rate, complementing the increasingly confident Tipton with similar strengths, but adding some extra beef. Wickets started to fall around Tom however, but the rate required to win was still only between 5 and 6. Tom eventually fell trying to win the game for us, and his 50 was well received. Even at the end a few wides and nerves amongst the bowlers and fielders left the result in doubt. Gray and Alex BW defended stoutly. 2 balls remaining, 8 to win. Gray goes for a big hit, gets caught. One ball left, one wicket for Springhill to win. But just like last week in the 3rds, the ‘Madnesses’ held out to give Brewood some thoroughly deserved points. Phew, what a game! Well played Springhill, a very entertaining bunch of fellas. Well played Brewood, but can’t expect such a strong side next week, methinks!

John Bird – 05/06/2011