Sunday 30 April 2023
Cobham Avorians 138 all out (37.3 overs)
SCCC 139-5 (34.3 overs)
SCCC won by 5 wickets
40 over match
SCCC won the toss
Scorecard
Richard Seeckts writes:
Avorians in April, where winter’s dreams are shattered, someone gets injured and Hugs gets a duck. And yet, after 15 games, we have won nine and enjoyed all of them. Summer’s first outing didn’t disappoint; the youngest ever Cryptic skipper led with aplomb, two debutants fitted in perfectly and the game ebbed and flowed nicely until Scottie and Pup realised the bar was open and wrapped things up with a stand of 54 from seven overs. Yes, it was good to be back in white (and chatting sh1te).
The young may not understand cash but Toby called the right side of the coin and inserted, concerned at our lack of bowling. Ridiculously, four bowlers then took a wicket in their first over, while Gossy and Scottie took tea having conceded most runs and not taken a wicket between them. Rust related wides played a part – even Daddy G started with one – as did a shocking LBW decision that saw Ed removed from the attack for having them 33-4 after 12. David Mulae and Rolly Jordan got themselves in the club records immediately, the former announcing himself as a guileful, flighty twirler, the latter as (presumably) a specialist batsman. Seeckts Snr’s supposedly mended shoulder still has a broken radar but a smart legside catch by Pup saved some blushes. Dreams shattered.
Smart catches were taken all round the field, a blinder at slip by Gossy topping the chart. The only drop of note thumped David in the eye, fortunately with no serious damage beyond a bashed finger. Injury. Ed finished with 4-13 as Avorians’ tail wagged sufficiently to set a target.
Tea included broccoli, but there was plenty of the usual fare for traditionalists.
Captain Toby led the chase with Ingo, initially with respect for decent opening bowling and April’s low bounce and slow outfield. Patience eventually yielded frustration when Toby’s stumps were scattered as he tried to heave one into the woods on 15. Two overs later, Keith pulled a no-ball (for height) for a single to give the hitherto circumspect Ingo strike. Next ball Ingo charged and swung frantically to be caught at mid-on. After discussion among all concerned, it emerged that Ingo believed he had a ‘free-hit’ which was of course utter nonsense. Still, 28 better than running himself out for nought last year. Keith and Rolly came and went too rapidly for scribe to notice, each for two. Having lost four wickets for 12 in seven overs, Pup joined David to rebuild, adding 22 before David went for 10, leaving 54 required 13 overs.
A tense finish looked likely (at the day’s run rate of 3.4) but Scottie (28*) and Pup played smartly, picking off the change bowlers and doubling the run rate as the target got closer. Routine stuff for the little leftie and a welcome return to form for Pup with 37*. Back at the pavilion was 782 caps and over 9400 runs of experience in case anything went wrong. Ed’s bowling to mark his 50th cap might have made him MOTM if we did that sort of thing.
Hugs being on a well timed holiday meant no Cryptic duck, so little Ricky P0nting’s stay in the tender care of Grinders is now into its tenth calendar month, but Hugs is back next week.