No Show Can’t Dampen Enthusiasm.

Excitement was high for the Under 12’s first ever league match, with Caythorpe the visitors in the pairs format. With preparation complete all that was required was the opposition. Optimism remained high from the assembled as Tuckwell searched the phone book as the time passed the scheduled 6 o clock start.

With each car that entered the car park Tuckwell took a step nearer to a return to the City Hospital, as the elation then deflation became unbearable as first the bowls team, then the Cubs appeared, proving false hope.

A bemused call from Caythorpe arrived at 6.25 with the news that they had decided to pull out of the league a couple of days before, Cheers for that!

16 eager children and even keener dads were baying for cricket and a pairs match ensued. It was wickets a plenty for Brown, H. Stolworthy, J. Stolworthy, Mills, Newell, Neece, Palmer and Normington. Newell with 3 thanks to the safe hands of Mills and Normington. Mills Snr pouched a nice one at midwicket with Neece rock steady on the boundary taking a fierce pull shot.

Plenty of wickets also for Healey, Tudor, Steiner, Shepherd, Coulthard, C. Cairns and Snooks as Jack Cairns took the gloves impressively for his first ever go. Healey was unplayable removing the bails 3 times. Brown Snr took the catch of the evening: a casual over the shoulder take on the move after Steiner connected.

Leggy and Normington Snr did a sterling job as umpires amidst much merriment.

Despite the temperature dropping on the sidelines it was more great news as Sharon Cairns very kindly offered to cater for home games with a Tuck Shop being open. Thank you very much.

The next fixture is Kimberley at home on Thursday 14th. The Wollaton Cup game, in the diary for Monday the 11th, is now Tuesday the 19th at the Rec.