Many apologies for the delay in the match report, but I have been practising my catching with the kids, as I like to hone in on my skills!!!!!

Who would have thought that after the euphoria of our first win on the opening day, we would continue in the same rich vein of form. Well folks, stand by your beds, lock your wives/partners up, the 2nd XI are on the rampage.

On an overcast Saturday afternoon, the omens looked good. Talking to Lullington Park skipper beforehand, his body language was all a wishy washy. He felt that even though they led the division, they would be found out at times. And boy, were they found out. But that's another story.

Dave Stevo, standing in for Bill Gates, who apparently was throwing up on the seven seas, called the toss wrong. This resulted in Lullington Park putting us into bat. As BG was away we opened with a new partneership, Mark Antill, on loan from the firsts and Graham Wendon. Playing on a used pitch did allow the full flow of strokes to be played initially, however, as the youth of our opponents tired, the Ant and Graham started to take them to the cleaners. After some bludgeoning blows by Graham and to a lesser extent Ant, we lost our first wicket for 79 - one that pitched up rather surprisingly, a missed timed shot that dollied up nicely to be caught. I can hear some critics on the balcony questioning the Ants running between the wicket, but lets put this into perspective - he's not as young as he was, he is carrying an injury, that was put through a rigorous fitness prior to the start (full portion of fish 'n' chips), and he is out of form. All right, that's bull!!! Pete Turner, a whippet between the poles, joined Graham at the crease. With Graham playing a swashbuckling role, the Robin Hood of Eyes Meadow, ground the opposition into submission with a quick fire partnership of 70, reaching his 50 with a cover driver for four, of exquisite style, that it brought tears to my eyes recalling the many a time I played that shot ... in my sleep. With PT, Dave Olsen, Dave Stevo and Nick Bygraves providing 33, 24, 18 and 19 respectively, we piled on the runs to total 218 for the loss of 4 wickets. (Bonus points Duffield 5 L Park 2). A special mention in despatches has to be made, Graham for a fine 70, but Nick, our wicky for many a year, played an innings beyond his years. At 14, what a prospect.

Tea

Tea was provided by the good lady wife and Olive from On the Buses, my sister-in-law, entertainment by little ones. A pep talk was given by our skipper, when he got a chance to get in edgeways, depending on who was talking loudest at the time. As usual, yours truly, sat in the corner quietly, pondering on the battle ahead. And what a battle it was.

Part 2

Ant, opening from the Meadow end, brought memories rushing back of Colin Milburn, think about it! and John White, with an arresting personality, sorry John I couldn't resist it, made one in his opening spell rear up so much, it had there batsman floundering , like a fish out of water. As our two fine opening bowlers knocked the poles down, it has been noticed that a little practice may be required . For the second consecutive week, the POTY has surpassed himself. After missing a difficult chance last week, this was even harder. Hit at a rate of knots off of a full toss from the Ant, it needed the quick reflexes of an athlete. Unfortunately, it went to POTY. He dropped a dolly. In his defence however, 2 balls previously the Ant did mention that he had dropped a dolly against Old Derbians last season. I feel that this intimidated the shy retiring person, and caused his confidence to be shot. Back to the cricket.

When, one person displays qualities both at the crease and in the field, I believe he deserves a mention - Well Stevo, for the belly flop at square, I give you 5 out of 10. If you can imagine the advert where the lardy gets max marks for a bomb in the pool, that was similar to Stevo. when Graham exploded into the air catching a ball that looked as though it had passed him by, it came to pass that we realised we were on for 27 points, and our best start for many a season.

The Ant continued to bowl splendidly, 6 for 50, a mention in the bellygraph, but the true picture was that though he was running off a couple of paces he was carrying an injury. Ably supported by John White and Mike Poyner, 2 for 10 and 2 for 16 respectively, we cruised to an early victory by 100 plus runs. 27 points.

To say we played well is an understatement. The batting was of the highest quality, eager beavers on the sides waiting to scoop a few runs to improve averages, the fielding of the utmost quality, very few mistakes and bowling of the kind that win test matches. Even without the services of Bill Gates, our answer to Jack Simmons, and not requiring the bowling of a seasoned campaigner, everything is looking rosy for the future.

With an away double header next weekend, we could be sitting pretty. So come on down and watch some real cricket.

Related Links:
Duffield 2s vs Allestree
League Tables
Duffield 2nd XI Fixtures