The hot summer continued, with Heckington the visitors to the Shrine. The whole field was dry as a bone, except the track. Continuing the theme of the season, Baston were again missing numerous players, but had a much more youthful side than the geriatric display at Billingborough. There was a welcome return to action for fan favourite Teddy, who turned up in a flattering vest. Eshan returned and brought his twin brother super-Hans for a Baston debut. Cricket novice Baseball Tom also made his first appearance for the club, as a late replacement.
Hans on debut
Heckington had battered Baston earlier in the season, but superstar Revu was missing from the travelling party, which gave the home team some hope of revenge. Ben duly lost the toss and Heckington decided to have a bat on the damp track. With Buzz and Neil both missing, the new ball was given to young guns Bash and Eshan.
What happened next was about as good as you could hope for when you’ve lost the toss on a hot day. Bash and Eshan were electric and reduced the visitors to 3-3 in no time, with Heckington’s top three all recording ducks. Bash trapped Machin, while Eshan cleaned up skipper Kopp. Nunn showed a brief bit of resistance before a smart catch in the gully by safe hands Lamin.
Heckington showed resistance for the 4th wicket. Normal first teamer P Patel showed some fight, ably assisted by Dan Hawkins. Eshan took his second wicket, trapping PP in front and top ump White had no hesitation in raising his finger. PP, famous for claiming he never hit the ball in one of the clearest caught behinds of all time in 2020, had the cheek to claim he’d hit this one, moaning as he slumped off for 14, with his side 40-4.
Dan top scored for Heckington with 24
As the day was hotter than Roffy’s mum, Ben looked to rotate his quick bowlers, bringing on Hans for Bash. Bash had bowled superbly with 2-12 off his 5 overs at the top of the innings. He was like a different player, but with the same set back face, and the same stupid haircut. Just as everyone was starting to think that Bash had matured into a proper cricketer, he dropped the easiest catch of all time at mid-on. Hans had a maiden wicket for Baston soon after as Millward was cleaned up for another Heckington duck.
Lincs player Lamin was champing at the bit to get on for a bowl, but Eshan kept picking up wickets. Removing top scorer Dan (24) and tour operator Garrett (0) in the space of two balls, while brother Hans picked up his second wicket as he took 2-19 from his 5 overs.
County player Lamin annoyed at not getting on earlier
Eshan completely an impressive 5-fer soon after as league secretary Carter (14) couldn’t keep the straight ball out. Lamin’s moaning finally paid off as he was given a go from the far end, taking the final wicket with his second ball as safe hands Teddy took the catch, ending Heckington’s innings, 70 all out. Eshan was the standout bowler, taking 5-30 from his 9 overs.
As Heckington’s innings had lasted less than 20 overs, Baston had 70 overs to score the 71 runs required. Due to the high required run-rate, Ant requested that he didn’t open as he couldn’t adapt his natural game, nothing to do with what he called a “suspect” pitch. Garmo joined his captain in the middle to open.
Bombshell Garmo opening the batting
Heckington obviously wanted the game finished quickly, so opened the bowling with their two opening batsmen who sent down a mixed bag, which is generous. Ben and Garmo were never troubled at any point of the innings and knocked off the required total in just 11 overs. Ben backing up his 50 last week at Billingborough with 31 not out, including 6 fours. Garmo started a little slower, but then accelerated as he got himself in, scoring 33 not out, including 4 fours and a big six down the ground. A great 20 points for the boys.
The team went back to the White Horse for a few beers in the garden, where Tim spent most of the time shamelessly flirting with Hans and Eshan’s mum.
Scorecard - https://baston.play-cricket.com/website/results/5175410