Theale & Tilehurst 3rd XI vs Royal Ascot 4th XI

9th July 2011

The News of the Third XI World

Result: Theale and Tilehurst CC - 3rd XI Won Batting Second by 6 wickets

That sums it up nicely.  We should just leave it at but I don’t know any better so let me tell you what happened.  Besides if I didn’t I’d be in trouble not only with little boy Robby who got his maiden 50 and his dad the skipper (which I’m willing to risk) but more importantly we have to think about the growing fan base of loyal supporters, who read up on the tales of the Third XI in far reaching places like Gloucestershire and the millions abroad (whoever they are). So for the benefit of the fans of the Third XI (mainly Phil Stevens -happy birthday buddy) and the rest of you who read this slop, it’s time to blow the dust off your reading spectacles, put some spit on there and dry it off to make sure you take in what? I’m about to tell you.

Alan lost the toss (should have kept it a secret) and thankfully decided to bowl by default. There was a bit of cloud around and a bit of moisture from the light rain which was still hanging over the ground. James Bozarth wasted no time in making use of the conditions as he stepped up to lead the attack with Paul Robinson who came back from his hiatus. They both bowled well and James made the initial breakthrough as he made good use of the variable bounce.  Trapani’s defence was well beaten by a combination of James’ pace and the one ball that kept low all day.  Paul worked away at the other end but didn’t quite get a chance as the batsmen kept teasing him with caught and bowled chances which never were.

With James being restricted to 6 overs this paved the way for another man who was making his long awaited return from injury. Double M, Mark Mason, the cunning old fox, the man who has no more descriptors left to be placed before his named started with a short length ball on a slow wicket which proved deadly. The batsman weighted up his options on where he would ideally have liked to dispatch it but then just decided to chip it back at a nice and slow pace to MM for a comfortable catch. Mr magic Rob had a slight blooper as he dropped a catch at cover from MM which was well hit but being the competitor that he is didn’t take it too well. Things didn’t get any better when father Alan managed to hold on to a much simpler chance from the bowling of Raj at short extra cover and celebrated by immediately looking over to Rob and saying ‘’that’s how you catch son’’!  MM and Raj both bowled good long spells and Mark managed to pick up 4 wickets as he looked threatening throughout his spell.  Rob came back to tidy up the tail as he made short work of them with his 3 wickets in only 2.1 overs. He was assisted by some smart glove work by Andy Shotter who pulled off 2 very good stumpings and for some bizarre reason the scorecard gives Charlie Cooke the credit, but I’m a fair man and don’t think that should be the case, so well done Andy!!  

Second Half

They were bowled out for a modest total of 116 and Alan made an executive decision to tinkle with the batting order. Me and Barry got us off to a start but Barry was first to go as be played around a straight ball which was given lbw. Andy was promoted up the order and started making his case to become a permanent fixture as he looked solid in defence and also started to score quite freely as he overtook me in his scoring rate. He was eventually out for 18 after pinching the strike for a good number of overs but all is forgiven as it was a decent innings. Charlie was bowled as the ball managed to find its way onto the stumps after pitching on his boot outside leg stump hitting his pads and finally flicking the stumps. This brought Rob to the crease and I was unable to last very long to see the innings of the day. I was caught behind down the leg side and Scot Stroud was given his chance to shine by playing the anchor role.

Scot and Rob steadied the innings and eventually Rob started to score at ease with shots both sides of the wicket. The opposition thought they were into the tail unaware of the fact that Alan, James, Paul, Mark and Raj were yet to bat, a line up which is enough to strike fear into the hearts of many bowling attacks. But this was all insignificant as the opposition found out that Scot’s forward defence was not going to be beaten. With runs coming slowly from one end (4 in all) Rob took the initiative and managed to push the score home. He managed to pull a short ball down the ground by using his height advantage something I can no longer manage in amongst other more orthodox shots. When he reached 50, he was unsure why we were clapping as he thought we had won the game. He then realised that we were clapping his maiden 50 in all cricket. I was surprised by the lack of a celebration but that will come with time (next time raise your bat or do something at least) and if you’re unsure mate just celebrate every boundary (that’s the approach I favour at least). The wonder boy proved a magic lesson that - ability is nothing without opportunity and today he took his right on cue, with next week in mind - who’s next??

Back to winning ways, a big well done to Rob, Scot, Andy, Mark Mason and everyone who is part of the team, we’re still top and going strong.

Farewell – stop the press - till next time

Arsalan