Eastwood, Notts 17th September 2000
Paul and Sookram argued amongst themselves, never tossed, and we batted.
Weather : Damp under foot, dry, but dark.
The season, as is customary for Dorchester, ends with the big one. Eastwood, where 3 of our finest cricketers learned their trade, some as the complete opposite of what they do now, eh Smudge? The old stomping ground of both Gaunts and Smudge was particularly relished this year as Dean has been taking wickets for them on Saturdays's like its going out of fashion. I'm still looking for the reasons why he bowls like he does on a Sunday....
For a change, we had a bat. Normally we chase, but Paul bowed to peer pressure and Alec's gob, and in we went. The pitch looked damp and slow, and quickly proved it, wickets falling regularly before anyone really got in, especially Jamie, who took a good look at the first ball he faced, head up, tongue out, straight down point's throat. Goodnight Vienna, for a golden. Second week on the trot Rob's been down the other end for a golden. Make's a change for him this year not to be the first to go of a partnership. As always, the prime topic of conversation on Eastwood's first floor balcony cum windtrap was the destination of the batting award. Crossy, Paul, Alec and Jamie were the main contenders, but with Paul and Jamie falling cheaply, and Crossy on holiday (protecting his average on a beach somewhere) it was left to Alec, who came to the crease needing 7 to win the batting over Crossy, and proceeded to get a couple and look OK. Frantic maths was completed on the balcony, then the unthinkable, Alec missed a ball that literally just brushed his off bail. Game over, Crossy takes the cake. Alec trudged back like the duck on the Aussie TV cricket. Still, can't win 'em all Alec.
We got to 135 off 40, which was not a bad score given the conditions and deteriorating light. Tea as always was livened up by hilarity at some of the shots of teenage Gaunts and Smiths hanging on the walls of the pavilion. I just hope we never play West Bridgfordians. Lets just say I had quite a lot more hair then than now.
Paul's plan was to put Eastwood under it from ball 1, with Alec and Benno opening the bowling, to contain them. The danger batsmen were Sookram and Neil Gregory, at 4 and 5. The bowling from the first 2 was superb and nothing was given away. At about 30 odd for 3, the big two came together and departed soon afterwards, not in double figures between them, Sookram to a mis timed, steepling drive, caught by Benno's left breast, and Neil similarly. Dean was bowling as well as he has all year, and sledging like a good 'un. We felt like it was almost over, but it wasn't. Batsmen can be stubborn things, but eventually, in fading light and slow bowling, even Dean, Eastwood came up short. A memorable victory for DCC, especially as we were soundly beaten in 99.
Personally my season couldn't end fast enough (see averages for details, near the bottom), but a super season was had by nearly everyone else, highlights obviously Adam's hat trick and the half game at Skeggy, as well as Crossy's total domination at Papplewick.
Not long til Christmas, it'll soon be April......