In The Balance

Rain denied an exciting finish in the table topping clash at home to Risley.

Tinno had selection problems. Bradman was away in Spain sulking that despite an average in the 90's he wouldn't play enough times to qualify for the League averages, Bobby was resting up his weight bearing injury in Portugal, while Day Hiller was in a field watching NDubz. Angry Hiller started a five match ban for foul language. So, with Drurs as the only spin option, the Skip went in with an all seam attack, in a match redueced to 40 overs.

We lost the toss and were delighted to have a bat. Jay-Vee was starting to find form when bowled by a full toss for 9. At the other end XX Dale warmed up for his pro-am slog with a run-a-ball 43, and would have got more had we not asked how many he was on, and was predictably out next ball. Shelley was all of a quiver in the scorers' tent having not realised IG was sporting a pink box in last week's picture.

Tinno as usual took time to get going, scratching to double figures in 26 balls. Benji meanwhile couldn't resist a slog at the Risley spinner and went for 4, then Drurs was triggered LBW for 13 with the 'keeper almost standing at leg slip when the appeal went up.

News in the week that the Smartphone Generation are addicted to their handsets was clearly demonstrated as the Youth Policy ignored the live action and kept up-to-date with the score through CricInfo. Meanwhile the Silver Surfers kept track by getting hand written notes with carbon copies from Shelley, in-between discussing which of the Pike family had the highest left elbow in the 1920's.

Rocket played his best knock of the season, smashing 38 off 24, including a straight six that had the scorers ducking for cover. The Postman anchored the innings and eased through the gears with some trademark fetches to mid wicket to deliver a super 74 off 80 balls.

Tommy blasted a valuable 16 n/o, while Strongy sensed that IG's lack of appearances could work in his favour, and blocked out the last over for another red-inker on 2 n/o.

213-6 at the break was above par.

Tea by the Strongs had been talked up during the week and didn't disappoint, easily making it through the Mastertea 2011 heats. The watching Dan Miller and overseas chums were so impressed that they helped themselves before the players arrived! Home made coleslaw was dreamy, but was rejected by the Youth Policy on nutritional grounds in favour of cocktail sausages and twix's. Corned beef and pickle on white took the captain's retro eye, while coronation chicken and wholemeal tuna wraps were a joy. Dimps was slavering over the home baked cakes, moist carrot followed by triple artery chocolate. A feast well worthy of 8/10, and would have delighted Paul Griffiths at West Essex CC, denied a season leading 9 only because the juicy chilled melon slices arrived late.

In reply we got off to a tight start. Strongy found his favourite jugglers in normal butter-fingered form, but Liam had more luck getting a clean bowled with a late in-swinger. On first change, Rocket made a second breakthrough with Tom taking a great one handed catch above his head. Some other great fielding supported the cause from Tuckers, See-Soar, Dale-O and even the Chairman, but Benji took the fielding point with some great diving stops.

We had to content with the normal pitch invasion from local kids behaving badly. However, for a change it wasn't the local yobs, but the Rendu children trying to evade the clutches of mum Louise in search of Dad Steve!!

The match was finely balanced with 100 needed off 14 overs with 8 wickets left. Showers then arrived and time ran out to get the remaining overs in. A frustrating end to a good day.