Eltham CC

Match Report

Match report Eltham CC Vs Dulwich CC

A very enjoyable game against a nice bunch of blokes who seemed to enjoy playing a proper game of timed cricket.As the scorecard suggests, Dulwich were grateful to 2 players... Mr Davidson (who scored 83) and Mr Extras (who scored 44.)Last week, Mr Redman was lying on his back in the sun in Madeira... this week, he was lying on his back (and front) on the fields of Footscray RFC! Was he bitter? Did we see many teapots? I don't know who is writing the match report but if it hasn't been completed by Wednesday (when I get back from a couple of days away) I will have my say!! Well played Pete Fish by the way, a stylish 57 which I hope will be repeated next week at my particular favourite fixture of Swanscombe Sur Merde.

As promised/threatened, with nobody else stepping forward, it's down to me to report further on this fixture! Whether or not I can remember much, given that more than 24 hours has elapsed and 'old timers' has kicked in, we will see.

It was a bit of a shock to return from holiday and find that the square had been roped off...it almost looked like a proper pitch! I had heard that highlights of the previous two weeks had included fights and sendings off on the neighbouring football pitch but today,the footballers seemed to be in their rightful place and, to all intents and purposes, behaving themeselves! But would it last?

Lord Bulpitt was in charge on the pitch and from early on (ie ball number 1) as noted above, there were choruses of 'welcome back Andy' as I spent many happy moments lying face down (and up) on the Footscray turf. Early wickets for Tanveer (including a catch for Redders to take his total for the season to 2!) tended to suggest that Dulwich would struggle. Enter Mr Davidson. Early on he was troubled by Tan's pace and accuracy but with time came confidence and a wonderful sense of timing. I noted later from their scorebook that he didn't appear in any of their other games so would suggest he plays at a higher level... not exactly Sherlock Holmes but it's worth mentioning.

As usual, during the innings, our footballing friends ended their game (following a penalty shootout.... as you do in a pre-season friendly.) Also, as usual, they sauntered behind the bowlers arm for an eternity. Lord Bulpitt politely suggested that they hurry up and was treated to some pleasant banter in return. Later we found that our urn had been turned off.... now how can that have happened? Bless them.

To be honest, if it hadn't been for Mr Davidson (and his colleague Mr Extras) we would have had a very small target to chase. As it was, 177 wasn't going to be straightforward.

Tea was a triumph with Lord Bulpitt thinking out of the box and providing rolls...actually this was because it was quicker and he had only realised at the last minute that he hadn't asked anyone to do the teas!

And so to the Eltham innings and The Fish opened with Nic Pearmaine.... whose stay at the crease lasted 4 balls and he departed, bowled, with a Redmanlike crossbatted swish to leg. Enter Lord Bulpitt and a partnership with The Fish of 84 which seemed destined to secure a victory. As M'lord powered towards his half century he was stopped in his tracks being judged LBW. It is safe to say that he might not have agreed with the decision but the ensuing bat throwing was less dramatic than others I have observed (notably in Sevenoaks!)

Pete continued to play beautifully and fully deserved his 50. Unfortunately nobody could stay and support him and the innings began to falter giving me serious cause for concern that I might have to face my third ball of the season. David Jones started briskly and his first ball was despatched. David, obviously believing we were playing 'tip and run' set off for a quick single .... you can guess the rest.

And, following a few lusty blows from Greg, it was left to The Friar and Tan to see the game out. I publically declared that, should Gary stay in and avoid the need for me to bat, I would buy him and pint. He did and I did!

A very enjoyable game and a good bunch of chaps although, as they pointed out after the game, if we were to play them again next year, because they run so many teams, it could be a completely different group of players. In my opinion, it would be worth trying.

And so to the bar and just in time to witness Mo's second gold medal. The Fish then arrived and kindly bought a jug .... unfortunately just as the oppo disappeared! This left Lord Bulpitt, myself and Sarah, Derek and The Friar to consume said ale!! Fortunately Sarah agreed to drive so I could help... Matt consumed several packets of crisps to 'soak up' the beer.... and finally it was all down to Gary. No problem!