Leicester Taveners V Huncote 2^nd XI

As the July month rolled on the gods smiled on the world of cricket and oh joy the sun came out on pleasant rural Leicester.  With the elite of Huncote Cricket not in action the all to scrupulous spotlight fell on the second string collection of participants.  A visit to Taverners, the old foes, and another defeat for tosser Stratford, led to a batting primary goal for the team.

With Crossley in adding silkiness to the batting card, and Tim Kirby adding firepower to the bowling attack the team look fortified and full of hope.  In went the buccaneers Frank Hubbard and Jamie Smith.  The young bowlers toiling against the sun and a fantastic battle of wits between youth and experience, with Frank and the young lads fighting tooth and nail.

The score ticked ever onwards.  Batsman came and went, Smith oh to eager run out, Frank tied down and bowled, but everyone contributed and things looked good.  Now new bowlers, adding depth to the attack, batsman struggle, Crossley gone in the slips, things look bad, Stratford beds in for a long stay.  In come to unmistakable Matthews, what can he do?

He must be out for 3, no a costly drop as two gladiators of the field collide.  Is this the life Ross Matthews needs?  Yes a flash of the willow here, a dashing blade there and the score accelerates onwards and upwards.  Stratford only standing and admiring from the other end, Matthews ploughs on.  Stratford goes bowled on in comes the young lion heart James Swann.  He seems to struggle the inexperience not helping, stumped for 6.

Kirby joins Matthews, the score rolls on, Matthews to 43 and a 50 looking good.  But then a moment of madness.  Yes is the call, is there a run there, suddenly no rings round the small picturesque ground, too late Kirby is on his way, no turning back and Matthews is run out.  43 from only 45 balls and the crowd salute a worthy competitor.  Kirby dancing round the crease adds some quick fire runs, Webb follows suit, lovely to watch a player at work.  Farmer gets his spot in the limelight and shows some cameo shots.

Frazer Hubbard next in, the score still rising over 150.  With Geoff scoring and the overs running dry, Hubbard has to chance his arm and is unlucky to be caught.  In come the most experienced of pros, JW Smith, prancing to the wicket, eager to have his spot in the game.  One ball, one chance what will he do, a great shot two runs and the score ends on 170-9.  A formidable target?  Only time will tell.

MOM: Ross Matthews, fours round the park.

No game