DCC V Breadsall Priory CC

Breadsall, Derbys, 30th May 2004

Match report scribed by Smudger

After the Rolls Royce debacle the previous week, the fellas were looking to put in a quality performance against Breadsall, a new fixture on the outskirts of Derby and quite a pleasant setting it was too. Also a warm welcome back into the fold for Alec, looking a picture of health after a long winter with his feet up.

Not sure who won the toss. Either we did or Crossy stuck his NATO hat on and negotiated first bat for us.

The skipper opened the innings with former skipper Paul and both started off at a cracking pace, the momentum only being broken by the endless number of balls being lost in the thick rough surrounding the ground. I've never seen so many balls go missing since Crossy and I last played golf at Trent Lock

Anyway, Ian eventually departed for an entertaining 35 (partnership of 76) which brought Nick Briars to the crease. He and Paul kept the run rate rattling along for a 110 partnership before Nick was out just short of a fifty but just in time to answer nature's long overdue call.

Paul meanwhile just kept going and reached a well deserved ton just before taking a corker yorker right on the end of his big toe. Alec, umpiring at square leg, could barely control his concerning, sympathetic fits of laughter. Paul struggled on for a short while before deciding to retire hurt, very hurt indeed at some of the "protecting his average" accusations from his team mates.

Back in the middle, Hibbo came and went sharpish while Steve Gaunt sent the ball to all parts in the last 12 overs for a quick fire 76. New recruit John Cooper joined in the fun for 18 not out and we finished on 299 for 3 after 40 overs.

Then we had tea, and what a tea. Cream scones, trifle, cake and yet more cake. Absolutely tremendous. Alec said he felt like the cow on the club badge. Crossy pointed out that with half a dozen strategically placed udders, he would look like it too. Hibbo declared himself unable and unavailable to bowl.

So off we trudged to field and our other new recruit John Siddons opened from the top end and was soon making his mark with a couple of wickets. When they did manage to get the ball away, it seemed to follow Hibbo around the park and he was soon running off that big tea he'd had.

Wickets were spread around fairly evenly with John ending up with three, me with 2 and Spenno, Alec and Andy with one apiece. Two run outs finished the job. Special mention to John Cooper who bowled a tidy five overs with no reward and also to Hibbo who took three catches. Finally, mention must be made of one of their players called Jerry who wore the world's scruffiest pads. I think he must store them in a pig sty over the winter.

They ended up on 164 all out so a job well done by us in the evening rain.

Hopefully another fixture can be arranged for next year.