21/09/2010

Into Winter

Thats it folks for another season.

20 games, won just 7 this season. Think most of the ones we lost were close games though.

Date of AGPU to be announced soon, hopefully November.

Nominations for champagne/ magic moments now being accepted.

Wendel v Window. Both Got Smashed.

We were all present by 11 o'clock with bright blue skies above, but rather on the chilly side. The toss was won by Rick and play commenced with us batting first, Knobby as usual taking the first ball. And the only ball it was, as he was comprehensively bowled around his legs for a golden. Most amusing. Steve, Jim, Phil did well and we were 46/3 from 10 overs. Wendel came in, for a quick fire 44 including 4 sixes, one of which came from a legside full toss, flicked off the bat, over square leg, over our heads and straight through the double glazed oppositions changing room window, as we sat and watched helplessly, leaving shattered glass all over their kit, and room. He was soon out to a great catch, leaving Paul and Adam to see the team to the end of the 20 overs, the score finishing 120/6.

A team photo and examination of said smashed window ensued.

Hatfield in to bat, but tight bowling kept them well in check. A steady partnership was beginning to build until Wendel had one of the guys run out with a direct throw, one where he took his time and aimed at the one stump. 2 wickets for Ian left them on 88/5 and 32 behind. 2 run outs, 2 catches for Wendel, 1 for Paul the claw.

Tea - a fantastic spread of sarnies, pasties, crisps, fruit, cakes, scones, squash, tea....very nice.

Back into bat, Adam and Paul, the not out batsman from the last innings, just like last year. Fortunately Ad wasn't quite so pissed and managed to bat his way to 27 before being caught by the bowler. Ian didn't last long. Paul, despite serious heckling from his own team, dug deep and took the score to 103, scoring his first 50 in 4 years, until he was bowled going for a biggie. A succession of wickets fell, including Knobby, bowled, for a 2nd golden of the day, much to the cheer of both teams and spectators, with only Jim (not best pleased with being run out), Phil and Wendel from the last 9 getting into double figures, the team finishing on 150/9 from the 30 overs, a lead of 182.

Everybody, but Jim and Adam, bowled in the 2nd innings. Hatfield never really looked likely of getting the runs, perhaps the rotating batting order working against them, as their lesser batsman used up the overs. 2 wickets a piece for Ian and Steve, who both bowled well at the front. Ian managed to find the only puddle on pitch, knee deep in mud...Hatfield finishing on 128/7, 54 behind overall and 22 on the 2nd innings.

So, another glorious victory for the Leisure.

Two bottles of JD went missing from the changing room but, unlike Pauls boot and Wasims kit bag, were not recovered. One bottle is still thought to be up Adams backside, delicately placed there by Wasim, as he showered.

Over to the White Horse for a beer as dusk fell over the Heath, Wasim fortunately taken home before being beaten up, leaving the rest of us to sample the delights of Zafrani restaurant, the Stag and then back to Roberts van for more frivolity.

Rick, Wendel, Knobby and Paul managed to play, and win, for Mags on the Sunday, with 5 wickets a piece for Rick and Paul, 41 top score for Wendel, and Knobby managing to avoid a third golden of the weekend, with a very patient 3, an average of 1 for the weekend.

02/09/2010

Ken the Ozzie

Kens last game before returning to OZ, after 2 seasons with the Leisure, ended up being cancelled due to inclement weather. Basically it pissed down all day and at 2pm it was obvious it werent gonna happen. Being a friendly and thirsty bunch we made alternative arrangements, namely the Fountain Pub.

Ken, handy with both bat and ball, maybe not so hot in the field, rugby worn knees not helping the mobility. Infact, he was beginning to get a reputation for either running others, or himself, out (will consult the scorebooks to see how many exactly). A great find though, and from a skips point of view always available, always reliable, and able to find his own way to games, albeit via some strange satnav routes. In the 2 seasons he scored 395 runs and took 15 wickets. Not bad for someone who apparently hadnt previously bowled.

Keen smoker of menthol ciggies, he told of fav innings, wickets and grounds. He was presented with a Hounslow Leisure CC shirt and a mini bat signed by all the team. Hopefully we'll see him again, maybe when we tour Brisbane.