Duffield 150-8
Selston 90 all out
Jodhpurs, stirrups, riding hats at the ready????? Usual match report is provided by Dickie Stevenson, though his decision to go and watch the Badminton Horse Trails has denied us his usual entertaining ramblings and it is down to Mr Short to provide this weeks report. Incidentally, contrary to popular belief down at Eyes Meadow this weekend, it is understood that no rosettes were attained by Dickie Stevenson or his good lady!!!!
In 2002 captain Ed Sims displayed outstanding ability in his role with the coin, but so far 2003 his tossing skills leave a lot to be desired. Another loss meant once again Duffield were asked to bat first by Selston skipper Chris Dunn. Missing Mills, Olsen, Bygraves and Dickie Stevenson, Duffield drafted in Carrazedo, Richard Jordan and Robin Stevenson who kept wicket. Phil Jordan and Ed Sims made a cautious start and moved quietly along to 28-0 from 20 overs. Sims was then spectacularly run out, as he attempted to run, and Phil Jordan in customary Peter Turner style, declined to move. Sims scurrying back saw his poles down. Kris Elliot, attempted to exert some class into the proceedings, and a rapid 29 came to an end when he attempted to launch the bowler down Selston High Street, only to be caught on the boundary.
Phil Jones, fresh from his 50 the week before, carried on where he left off and his straight 6 into the bowling green was greeted with raptures from the Duffield team, although Richard Jordan was less than impressed when he was employed to scramble over the fence to retrieve the ball. Jones departed for 20, soon followed by Richard Fry who was clearly showing the effects of not being able to use his own bat!! Duffield were teetering now, Antill lasted 2 balls before being run out, despite his amazing turn of pace, and Carrazedo could only score 1 before holing out. Duffield were 92-6 off 40 overs, and Short could only face one ball before the umpires decided the rain was too hard now, and tea was taken.
A fair spread including scones with strawberrys on, and a constant supply of tea, which always goes down well.
Selston must surely have wished tea would last longer as Short and Phil Jordan layed seige to the Selston attack when play resumed. A 50 partnership which saw Phil Jordan reach his 50, although he couldnt celebrate it as he was being ticked off by the umpire for running down the wicket, and some lusty blows from Short saw Duffield progress to 149 with one over remaining. Jordan was out 2nd ball attempting to bosh one into orbit, and was subsequently stumped. Robin Stevenson fell first ball, harshly adjudged LBW, although Short (24 n.o) and Nicholls saw Duffield through to 150-8 from their 50 overs.
Had Duffield scored enough???? Could they keep Selston at bay???? Enter Hugh Nicholls. A devastating spell with 5-48, including the early wicket of key batsman Chris Dunn, gave Duffield hope. The umpires took the players off three times for rain, and once for bad light. Selston were losing wickets at regular intervals, and the match now played as a timed match, was due to be complete at 8.30pm. When play resumed for the last time at 8.00pm, Duffield still required 2 wickets. Sims was bowling from one end, and then enter Richard Jordan, his spell of 5.2 overs, 5 maidens, 2 wickets for no runs, brought a vital 27 points the way of Duffield. A huge result, especially as many of the other matches were abandoned due to rain.
So Duffield were buoyant at the end of the match....a much needed win, and alas the time was nigh to indulge in a beverage or two. After last weeks discussions relating to the tottie meter, it was down to Short and Elliot to assess this weeks candidates. The tottie meter failed to rise above the well below average 10, during the course of play on a cold, wet Selston Saturday, but the Selston lads soon proved they could deliver. Their choice of after match beverage in the Red Lion, was truly inspired. The tottie meter was buzzing, as this particular establishment must surely house some of the finest array of tottie in the region. Selston have shot to the head of the table in the tottie battle. So it was at this point we managed to drag ourselves away, and head back to the White Hart in Duffield, where it was decided that Elliot, Short and R Jordan would indulge in yet another night on the sauce. After last weeks murmurings, the events that took place will remain confidential, although one of the three did get a taste of the action!!!