Coseley 73 Lokucewicz 5-13; Elcock 2-8;Round 3 – 40
Wombourne 74 – 1 Horton 33*; S Priest 27*


St Michael duly won the toss and inserted a weak looking Coseley who never really got going after MBKR struck an early blow as Deeters snapped up a smart chance. The other opener having already been dropped just stuck there like a limpet, and carried his bat for a massive 14.

Elk bowled with very little luck again on a track that seems to have developed a great deal of lateral movement, something you don’t often see at Wombourne. This doesn’t disguise another fine bowling and fielding performance.

Two stunning catches set the tone, first as Moler held on to a fierce shot, causing himself a good deal of pain. The next miracle catch came from MBKR who saved the umpire from certain death, or at least severe head injuries, from an absolute screamer. Mind you most of the slips are of the opinion that MB was actually in the process of getting his hand well out of the way.

Cue Lord Lokucewicz of Krakow, shortly to be leaving our shores on a state visit to America, carrying the banner of 70’s chic to the Yanks. His Lordship produced a fine spell of controlled bowling and was only despatched to the boundary once in 10 overs, a far cry from Butcher O’Connor who left no roof tile unscathed in the now legendary “Massacre of Church Road”.

A chance for a leisurely tea gave Penndragon the chance to blag his way into opening after the cruel injury to the newly booted and gloved Moler. As Bear announced all he needs to do is, “To get rid of that bleedin’ ridiculous cap, and he could almost be seen as a cricketer.”

Horty decided he needed to be home quick, slapping two fine sixes into the bowls netting. First slip told me ruefully that his Granny could get the ball over that boundary, it’s a pity she didn’t turn up, she would have outscored their opener and made more of a game of it.

The innings progressed steadily as Penndragon showed the touch of a man born to be an opener until he missed a perfectly straight one, giving Poolside the chance to pick up where he left off against Aldridge. That left no alternative but to sit in the warm summer sun and sample, rather heavily I admit after waking up at 4 o’clock in the morning on our settee, the refreshing taste of Carling Extra Cold.

So, the first half of the season has gone and the twos still look a good bet to finish well placed if we can get through the awkward holiday period without losing too much ground.