League Match 5: Aliens vs United Cricket Club
With all the talented report writers at the club, an assignment for the match report is akin to being invited to the gallows. We have the rapper match report, then we have the animated format and most challenging of the lot is our treasurer bringing his journalistic background to the fore, to produce masterpieces with a sharp edge. All causing unnecessary stress and trepidation, to future authors of match reports.
So we came to our 6th match of the season, against United. Aliens keen to maintain their status as the only unbeaten team in the division, and United equally eager to continue their winless streak.
Stubberudmyra was bathed in sunshine, but rather alarmingly, the lush outfield was more suitable for grazing cows. The groundsman had obviously forgotten to lower the blades on his mower. With the new nonsensical bonus point system, winning the toss and batting first has become a no-brainer. Aliens won the toss and Aliens decided to bat first.
Shahbaz and Dennis strode out full of confidence, but appearances can be deceptive, second ball, Shahbaz was back in the hutch, and so continued his wretched run of form with the bat.Matthew went in next, another batsman struggling for runs.Still a 24 runs partnership between the skipper and Matt was worth 50 on any other outfield. A solid 15 from the Nottinghamshire passion wagon, which brought a mild smile from him. Damon , next, was the victim of an umpiring howler, given lbw, though it was bat first. a sound audible at nearby IKEA. There were sizeable contributions from Mitch, Simon , David and the skipper. The new bonus rules mean that the side batting first must ensure that they are not all out, so Simon and Nav made sure that they did not lose their wickets at the end, a nice 11 runs partnership off god knows how many balls, with a ridiculously low strike rate. Target set at 111 to win, a lucky Aussie number!!! A word about the disciplined United bowling, just 3 wides!!!
The United innings, showed why they are on a losing run. Only three batsmen made it to double figures, but this should not detract from an excellent show from our bowlers, backed up by sharp fielding and catching. Mark was the pick of the lot, with his first four wicket haul for the club, they do breed some great fast bowlers in Cornwall. Damon, Peter and David chipped in with a couple each. Job done. United bowled out for 80.
Just the fact that there were only four 4s and one 6 in the entire match, makes it even more difficult for orthodox batsmen like Matthew, who played glorious ground strokes, but on this outfield it meant a single. I can understand your frustration, mate. Not to worry.Some team will, sooner or later, face the wrath of Matt.Fasten your seatbelts.
Another 5 points in the bag for Aliens, and the unbeaten run continues .Now sitting comfortably in second position. Pull out the cigars time.