Sunday 23 August 2026
Cranleigh 163-9 (35 overs)
SCCC 166-1 (27.1 overs)
SCCC won by 9 wickets
35 over match
SCCC won the toss
Scorecard
Ed Grindrod writes:
The Cryptics arrived at Cranleigh for their second and final visit to the current pavilion, which is due to be replaced next year. Toby struggled to get the flag up, erecting a completely new clubhouse may be the easier task especially given he is not project managing the job.
Captain (Ed) Grindrod won the toss and, having proved he was in fact over-18 (just) to enjoy a beer with the opposition skipper during the formalities, swiftly inserted Cranleigh. Having won eight from eight batting first, this came to several people’s apparent surprise – nothing like a challenge! Ed’s principal contribution to the day was therefore completed before the first ball.
Bridges and Harvey opened the bowling tidily. Bridges produced the day’s most economical opening spell, conceding just 13 from four overs, while Harvey began what would become a productive afternoon with the ball. Head of S&C (Rolly), meanwhile, actually dived to stop one. Those present are asked to record this independently before collective memory rejects it as implausible.
Pranay replaced Bridges and continued to hold down the brakes, conceding only 23 from his seven overs and taking a fine caught and bowled. Meanwhile, Harvey struck twice at the other end with a strong new-ball spell of inswing bowling. One slip catch for Ed, who was masquerading as Keith at first slip, briefly saw him threatened to make a meaningful contribution to the match with actions rather than words.
Cranleigh recovered through their experienced middle order, with the #4 making a delightful 40 and the skipper carrying his bat for a gritty 28. Jim bowled through his allocation without reward, although his figures were not helped by his own catching. Two chances went down, the second while Jim performed an impressive, beached whale routine underneath a catch that would otherwise have been straightforward.
Goss Snr had spent the afternoon informing every bowler that Cranleigh’s slope meant they would lean back and bowl too full. His first delivery was naturally a full toss, struck directly to his eldest son at gully. The most elaborate possible way of proving his own point. Goss Snr finished with 3 for 10 from three overs, putting the game slightly out of balance.
The skipper turned to those known for their batting to redress the balance and Toby lived up to all expectations – 11 off his solitary over. At the other end, Rolly was enlisted in the hope of similar outcomes. His four over spell was considerably longer than expected as he claimed 2 for 14. An average and strike rate both below 14 suggest he may have more bowling to do for this club. The whole Goss family had arrived by this stage, so the boys contributed an over each to close out the innings, leaving Cranleigh on 163 for 9 from their 35 overs.
Tea brought cake supplied by Rolly from his daughter’s birthday, a welcome addition to a very nice tea and further evidence that bringing children into the world can eventually benefit a cricket club.
Chasing 164, the Cryptics unveiled an opening partnership featuring both Goss brothers and their Dad umpiring from one end – what could go wrong. The peace and quiet on the sidelines lasted only a few overs and six runs before Archie ran Rory out for one. Brotherly love knows no bounds, yet Archie seemingly decided it would be good to let Grandma and Grandad calm his brother down and batted nicely in order to avoid his brother for a very long time.
Toby joined him and the pair settled into the chase. Toby batted with characteristic control, while Archie adopted a rather more eventful route. Cranleigh dropped him innumerable times, eventually reaching the point where completing the catch might have felt discourteous. The pair added an unbroken 160 as the Cryptics reached 166 for 1 in 27.1 overs, sealing a nine-wicket victory. Skipper Ed sat with his pads on for 27 overs watching his team get it done, such fun.
Archie reached his century with 17 fours but no sixes (Tommy and DG’s record may be safe), an unbeaten 105 of powerful stroke play. It was a genuinely fine innings, even allowing for the Cranleigh catching. Toby completed an unbeaten half-century of his own, coaching the youngster all the way and making sure to leave enough out there for him (also described as being unable to get it off the square). Jim assisted the opposition by substituting in the field after the Cranleigh keeper caught a shiner to the cheek. He nobly allowed both batsmen to their landmarks with a very slight reduction in his usual fielding enthusiasm.
Beers were enjoyed in the evening sun alongside delicious pizza from the nearby man in a van. Seeckts Snr found time to inspect Harvey’s clothing and ask, “Does Scottie know you’ve nicked his jeans?”. Harvey’s response has not been recorded, although the evidence is below for all to assess.
Jingle Bells.
