DCC V Belton

Belton, Leics(?) 27th April 2003

After six weeks of  dry weather the start of the match was predictably
showery, but undeterred Steve Gaunt clubbed 23 from the first 9 balls he
faced with his own brand of pinch/flinch hitting. Paul & Jamie departed
cheaply introducing the returning prodigal Iain Bamber who stroked a
pleasant 29. Nick Briars nipped in with 51 and newly appointed captain Ian
hit a fine 82, sharing latterly an unbeaten stand of 111 with Dean, who
crashed 65. The Belton bowlers were a bit shell shocked , including S
Edwards who trundled in with figures of 4-0-59-0 and the final total of
320-5 off forty overs really was a super effort!
The local pub delivered the tea time sandwiches, in abundance, truly a
feast that would have kept even the Hibbert family topped up for a few
days!
Belton's reply had difficulty keeping up with the required run rate and
after 10 overs they were 11 for 2. Wily fox Mick Stewardson 6-4-3-2 lead
the way, but creditable arms were turned for the first time this season by
all the front line bowlers. Nice to see Steve Bennett back, with his
inimitable dressing room humour and a low carb tea time of celery & pate
(first burp in the pub wasn't flash). Wickets were not too easy to come by,
until the captain turned to 'Flat Jack' Bamber who span his way to an
excellent 3-1-4-2, including a caught & bowled that he had no right to
catch. After a big dive to the floor he was displaying a red mark on his
forearm, however the concensus was it 'buried in his big guts'. Iain still
had the audacity to say Dean caught like a girl, before the innings closed
with Jamie bowling their last man with his first ball - good strike rate
Kiwi!