Apologies for the lack of report for last week’s match, Felix was too busy “trying to buy shoes from Boots” – Tim Dyer.
Baston hosted Blankney at the Shrine, captain supreme Dyer won the toss and unsurprisingly chose to bowl on a dusty council track. Felix and Grumps led the attack and took early wickets leaving Ginger Cam to block the shit out of it. Tim fancied his chances for a few quick wickets but was soon hit out of the attack, leaving Lamin and disgraced former leader of the attack Hilless to wrap up the remaining wickets. A run out in the last over from Keeno left Blankney 141 all out.
Jon and Liam were sent out to knock the runs off, and for the first time all season, Jon struggled to score, eventually given a dubious LBW to put an end to his suffering. George followed him back to the sidelines immediately without troubling the scorers, and Lamin came in to face the hat-trick. As the rain continued to come down Liam wasted no time in hitting a brilliant 79*, well supported by Lamin in his 46* and a full 20 points were secured.
A good night was enjoyed by all at the White Horse and later Stamford to celebrate Jon’s birthday. Grumps put himself out for the season after a bit too much falling over juice, breaking several ribs in the process.
Felix sits near his hero Big Dave
This week, Baston faced the trip to the vast Memorial Ground to play Slapding, with the start delayed as Jim Clarke took at least 3 kids to a safe house, a new opening partnership of Jon and George took to the crease. After a bright start from Jon on a slow and low track, he made the 3 mile walk back to the pavilion for 28 having patted a filthy full toss straight to cover. Sporty Scott, having won a promotion up the order, looked to capitalise on his chance. A variety of blocks and leaves followed, with Scott finally departing for an uninspiring 1 from 21 deliveries.
Steady knock from George (62) holds the innings together
The variety of pies led to his downfall and round arm Clarke captured one of his most prized wickets. Easton ringer Bowser came in to face Harry Potter himself and looked in good touch until a deadly spell caused the ball to keep low, ricochet off his inside edge and through both pads for possibly the most unfortunate dismissal of the week. George kept the scoreboard ticking along steadily and big biffer Ben came in at 5 to increase the scoring rate. A quick partnership of 48 saw the scoreboard move back into Baston’s favour before Ben tried one too many straight drives and another spell from Gilbert parted the stumps.
Good partnership from Ben and George
Lamin, hero from last week, was next to make the trek to the middle and was unlucky to be caught by Clarkey for 1. AGF soon gifted Potter his 4th victim after a horrendous piece of shot selection. Big Dave soon followed and was foxed by a straight one, leaving Baston struggling to post a par score. Hilless’ credentials as a batsman took a pounding as he departed quacking, and many were left wondering what he offered to the team. George finally played an attacking shot and missed, bowled by Tom Daley for steady 62. Tim reservedly faced out the last over, securing a buzzer to get off the mark but the mighty Baston seemed 20 runs short on 147-9.
Potter bowled a great spell (4-40) #leviosa
Watch George scoring runs on his way to 62: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ivk1DTLXl0
A below standard tea left Bowser and Big Dave questioning why they turned up; and once Adam and Felix finally came to terms with their respective bowling ends, the Spalding innings began. Felix started economically with 6 maidens on the trot, while Adam leaked all the runs. Felix made the breakthrough as East creamed a full toss to Scott at square leg, then the following over AGF potentially dropped the match, dropping S. Juckes on 3 with a regulation chance, he went on to make 62. Felix’s bowling then went rapidly downhill, teeing up leg stump full tosses to allow Juckes to dispatch him to all parts of the ground.
Least threatening opening attack in South Lincs. 1 wicket from 23 overs
Tim deceived Jim Clarke for a miserly 26 to claim his ‘proudest wicket’ while Lamin continued to probe. Star fielder Bowser caught Daley in the outfield, having sprinted 30 yards to make up his ground then utilised vast amounts of cleavage to hold on.
Tom Dale out for a duck, but he didn't mind as he's used to the water
Deadly Dyer then tempted S Juckes into one too many shots and had him caught at long on by specialist fielder Hilless – J Juckes soon exacted some revenge smashing Tim for a monstrous six over the sightscreen to put Spalding within reach. Young Paddy soon followed suit, playing a poor shot to gift Lamin his second wicket. Lincs Prem stalwart Broomfield then joined the fray, only to unconvincingly nudge 8 runs as Juckes ended the game. Scott’s bowling deserves a noteworthy mention, an economy rate of 24 one of his proudest moments in a Baston shirt.
Great way to end your season Sportster
The promotion dream/nightmare was finally over, and now full attention is focused on Friskney and aggravating the forever absent Troops.
Billy messing around with the top food provided by the Bistro.
You don't get that down the Danish!
scorecard: http://baston.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=11629850