SATURDAY XI v Tichborne Park II's - 29th June 2019
That feeling when you step off the plane on your summer holidays, or when you return to the car when it has been out in the sun baking all day. That’s what it felt like at Reading Room Lane on Saturday as the assembled athletes made sure they were well hydrated both before and after the game, and strapped on a double dose of sun cream to protect themselves from the elements.
Skipper was blessed with a full squad to pick from so a confident Curdridge eleven took to the field looking to build on last weeks momentum against a new opponent in Tichborne Park.
The toss was for once a success as skipper won it, and had a tough decision between running round a field in 30+ degrees heat and having a bat.
Mark and Mike were promptly instructed to put the pads on and skipper put his feet up for the next hour or two.
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A gentle start then ensued as M&M saw off a dangerous attack, blunting the bowling and whilst the scorecard only showed 10 runs after 10 overs their work was done, and a platform was in place.
Mike succumbed trying to up his scoring rate, and Mark soon followed leaving Dave and Jay at the crease.
Dave miscalculated and edged a lifting delivery so the second best beard in the club (Jack) joined Jay in the middle.
Block and Boom then followed with Jay taking the singles and Jack using the full blade to get the scoreboard moving.
Curdridge had broken through the 100 before Jay discovered he had one too many Big Mac’s on board and was run out attempting an ambitious second.
Alan then had a brief cameo before falling to a slower ball bringing skipper to the crease with 10 overs left and some late order biff was required.
After experimenting with a forward defensive, skipper decided the agricultural approach was the better option (less running), and the ball was promptly heaved to all parts, complimenting Jack’s classically assembled shot selection at the other end.
Jack fell just short of his fifty, bringing Tav to the crease. Leg side heave was his chosen method, and it worked well, pushing up the run rate in the latter overs before he tried to test skipper with a quick single.
Unfortunately for Tav, it turn’s out skipper doesn’t deal in those and sent him back - however back wasn’t an option and Tav was well short of his ground.
Rob and Sam then nursed a panting skipper through the last few overs and the scoreboard showed a respectable 193 at the close.
A Del Boy deluxe tea was devoured and the machine took to the field, looking to make an early breakthrough.
Tav was the man, bowling the opener, and Del then picked up the number three well caught by a diving Rob at point as Curdridge started well.
The larger opener was still at the crease, and looking dangerous crashing a few boundaries as the Tichborne lads were striving to keep up with the rate.
Despite the hot weather the Curdridge fielding was on point, and delivered another wicket as the big lad was trapped well short of his ground by a swift Dave to Jack relay.
Into the middle order, and Dave was unleashed delivering another wicket before spin was the chosen option.
Sammy, sporting some sharp headgear, twirled away at one end, and Rob was employed at the other, and the wickets continued to fall with three more finding the spin twins too much to deal with.
A brief flurry of runs then required a change, and Jay was roped into the attack.
He soon had the opposition tied in knots, and Punter took a good catch to send another one back and the tail was exposed.
Unfortunately the tail was a determined one, and Curdridge were struggling to make the last breakthrough until Pythagorus got his sums right and Tichborne were eventually dispatched for 133.
A really good all round performance from the Machine and they move on to Langley Manor next week sitting 5th in the table and looking to push on towards the promotion places
Man of the Match: Jack made a good case this week with a well made 48, but this weeks award goes to Andy Patterson - umpiring 80 overs in that heat deserves a beer or two (which he duly accepted) - thanks mate!
Champagne Moment: Rumour has it skipper has found some form and a six that was still rising as it went into the car park takes the bubbles this week.
Donut of the Day: Jay - Rope, need we say more!!!