Thanks to The Hinckley Times For Match Photos

On a searingly hot summers day, Huncote's second eleven travelled the short distance down the B4114 to local rivals, and old sparring partners Sapcote. With the blend of youth, experience and rubbishness (Max Swords recalled) that we have become accustomed to with the two's, HCC were expectant of a fruitful afternoon dans le sun.

All this changed when two things became apparent. The venue for the game of cricket was in fact on top of a castle, decked out in Sapcotes defensive frivolities, moat et al and secondly, Sapcote had gone a bit bonkers in the transfer window and picked up three London based imports on free transfers, two of whom it turned out, were straight from the Indian One Day International squadron. The third member turned out to be in for his experience behind the wheel of their Mercedes and was probably a founder member of the Indian AA.

Sapcote inserted themselves into bat and one of the free transfers accompanied a young Sapcotian across the drawbridge and onto the pitch. What happened next was both frightful and delirious. Runs were amassed at a rate of knots, halted for a millisecond with the wicket of the young Sapctoian, only for the other one day specialist to arrive at the crease and continue in the same vein at a higher rate of scoreage!

Female captain Betty eventually grabbed a hold of the game and whipped out the stars leaving the traditional Sapcote line up to be wheeled to and from the crease at a rate similar to that of the run scoreage previously.

Sapcote declared (!) on 249 for 9 and handed possession of their remaining 3 overs to the Huncotians. Lady Betts undoubtedly the pick of the HCC attack picking up 5 glorious wickets, including Musson Snr for a 1 baller, but the other troops battled well in the hot hot heat and never gave in to the barrage.

Tea was taken.

Frubbs and Swords strode into the turrets via the dungeons and both departed soon after, presumably fearing hot tar being poured over their heads in a sneak attack at any time.

Summer Snr and Summer Jnr were paired together at the crease and although the scoreboard was ticking nicely, the Indian, sorry Sapcotian total always looked out of the HCC boys reach.

The Summers played some eye popping drives, pulls and paddles, mainly against the one day specialists who completed around 90% of Sapcotes work during the day, but the father/son relationship became strained when young Carl was dismissed just 7 runs short of a half century.

Big Al continued on his merry way and ended undefeated on 67, rolling back the years and looking every bit the class act he once was and still could be.

The rest of the batsmen that HCC supplied for the occasion came and went at fairly regular intervals, but in true plucky HCC fashion they held on for a losing draw.

Reflections after the game were mainly about the result had Sapcote not done the equivalent of Ipswich signing Ronaldo, Carlos and Ronaldinho but nonetheless an enjoyable game played in lovely weather, good spirits and Sapcote.

Yours Sincerely,

Maximum Power.

Man of the Match- Alan Sommer

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