With a space in the midweek fixture list, best mates Tim and Clarkey decided to arrange a friendly against a band of Spalding misfits. It was also a good chance to test out Lloydie’s new track, with months of work bound to be scrutinised by all onlookers.
Paul had spent the day printing off pictures of look-a-likes to put in the changing rooms. Unfortunately his day was wasted as only 2 people used the facilities.
There were Tart debuts for new-boy Jeff “Disco” Northwood and Stamford renegade Simon Lem, as well as a cricketing debut for exciting prospect Ruairi Sweeney, talked about having potential to be a prolific run scorer and agile fielder.
Ben & Paul opened the batting, with Paul determined not to give his wicket away as he wafted at his first 8 balls. With Paul convinced he was playing in a test match, Ben went after the ball as he hit 21 before being dismissed in the eighth over. Paul finally put a bit more aggression in before being bowled for 25 including a perfect cut through point for four.
Lemmy was joined by Clarkey with the Tarts needing to drastically improve their run rate to post a good total. Lem was walking down the wicket and smashing the ball to all parts, but took a battering in the process: already suffering with hay fever induced fatigue, Lem took a Clarkey straight drive in the arm, and the wicket keeper threw the ball straight into his face as he missed another easy stumping, fortunately Lem was wearing his helmet.
Lem was struggling in the heat and delighted to have been retired not out on 30 runs, a great introduction to Baston cricket for the ex Timberland hero.
Shaking off a near broken leg to play, Jon came in at 5 and hit 5* with in-form Clack finishing on 27*. The Tarts scored 119-2 from their 20 overs.
The Tarts took to the field but after setting positions Tim was concerned as they seemed to be short. Ben & Jon both counted 11, but must have included rotund carrot cruncher Clarkey twice. It wasn’t until the end of the sixth over that Ruairi was seen watching from a chair on the boundary.
After a couple of ineffective overs from Darren, Tim introduced Banksie from the Pavilion end. Banksie, resembling a young Allan Donald, broke through with his first ball as burley skipper Parker was caught agilely by Darren Anderton in the gulley. Jeff Northwood bowled some solid lines with a bit of oomph, and despite not picking up a wicket he only went for four runs in his four over spell.
Meanwhile, Banksie was ripping through the Spalding top order from the other end, picking up a wicket in each of his four overs with other catches taken by Paul, Darren and a very casual catch at mid-on by Tom “Big Arm” Dennis. Banksie finished with 4-4 from his 4 overs and will surely expect a full 12 on Sunday against Moulton.
Clarkey came on to bowl against his mates, and should have had top scoring batsman “Dave” (22) out but Darren Parker put the catch down, before running out his 8 year old batting partner, clearly the dangerman. Clarkey had 2 in 2 balls, with Lazarus taking another athletic catch at point, and then bowling the next batsman who didn’t keep his eye on the ball as it kept low.
Ruairi was having a big impact on proceedings, as he first picked up the ball at square leg and fired it into the stumps, but the batsman made his ground... just! Ruairi was encouraging the bowlers; “show him the heat Paul” and was rewarded for his energy taking a catch at point from Paul’s bowling. Not one to take credit for his performance, Ruairi insisted “it’s a team game!” as his teammates ran over to congratulate him.
Superstar Ruairi awaits his next call-up
The Spalding batsmen saw off further athleticism from Jon Howard who came into the attack, but his off spin wasn’t too dangerous as Spalding closed on 88-8. There were late dramatics from Paul C who got a bag-on because he didn’t bowl as well as Banksie.
The boys went back to the Spinner for some grub and refreshing drinks. Most of the chat was of Lloydie’s fine wicket, but there was also a lot of the usual generic quotes from Clarkey: “right spirit”/”good bunch of lads”/”it’s what it’s all about” – what a legend.