2nd XI v Luddesdowne
8th May, 2010
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.
The second team’s first outing of the season was to Luddesdowne CC, who are new members of the League this season: a cause for celebration all round. The weather however declined to join the party and we were huddled round warm mugs of tea before the game. Had it not been Luddesdowne’s first match would we have gone out there? Probably not. Staying in the clubhouse would have been a far, far better thing to do.
As it was, Shoreham took the field in light drizzle and freezing cold for a 30 over game. Andre bowled seven consecutive overs, finishing with 7 – 0 – 35 – 1. At the other end, Wyn opened and did not concede a run from his first over. Under previous management, he was only ever asked to bowl one over in a game, and so he was quite confused to be asked to carry on. He lasted only two further, rather expensive overs before being withdrawn from the ‘attack’. Wintergreen (surely ‘evergreen’ – ed) Ray Trick replaced Wyn and bowled seven economical overs, finishing 7 – 0 – 26 – 0. Father and no-relation team of Nick and Miles Walker undertook the rest of the overs. Nick took two wickets, but, on the evidence, Miles was the pick of the bowling – taking three scalps in his 6 over spell. One of the wickets was a lofted caught and bowled. We were a little concerned that the excitement as he watched the ball looping up and then down into his waiting hands would prove all to much for Miles, but he claimed the catch with a final, climactic scream of delight.
Out on the steppes, the rest of the team took what shelter they could and tried to keep their core body temperatures above freezing. Special mention should be made of Derek Richardson, who last played in his comeback game in August 2009. I reported that after that game he was last seen being gently manoeuvred into a car for the homeward journey having kept wicket heroically to some demanding bowling – particularly from Jamie Bromfield and James Asplin. This was his first game since, and in the first over he damaged his leg making a fine stop out on the boundary. When will we see him again?
Chasing 158, Shoreham became bogged down in the cold and the damp. A total that should have been within our compass gradually became less achievable. Notable contributions came from Ray (34), Nick Walker (28), and Derek (18). Otherwise, the only notes taken would have been to add Nick Pearce and Wyn to the early contenders for the Duck Cup.
So Luddesdowne won their first fixture, and we were part of that.
Saturday was also Nick Walker’s first game as captain, taking over from the inimitable Chris Brown. Chris was captain of the infant second eleven and nurtured it as it took its first steps. He was a selfless captain and took his responsibilities very seriously, trying to balance the needs of individuals and of the team in everyone’s best interests. He has been a good father and now, like any wise parent, he is giving his child its freedom. Unfortunately though, he is turning up to dance at its parties.
Wyn
