Weather - warm and sunny
Bank Holiday Weekend probably isn't the best time to go to Matlock for a game, but we got there………eventually. Paul won the toss and decided to have a bat. A healthy following turned up as well to cheer us on (by healthy, we're talking nearly double figures plus dogs). Smudge's turn to try and remember all the details and do the report.
Paul opened the batting himself along with Jamie and I've got to say that Paul went for it a bit and got us off to a brisk start with a quick fire 25. Top banana. Jamie wasn't too far behind and one six out of the ground nearly took a motorcyclist's head off. Not generally what you get worried about when riding a bike through Matlock, I must say. Not too long after that though, Jamie got hit on the pad and Andy 'Gunslinger' Gaunt gave him out LBW before the bowler had even had chance to appeal. Most humorous, except for Jamie of course.
Then followed a mini mid-order collapse with Dean getting in and then out for 19, Crossy getting caught and bowled for 7, Ben getting clean bowled for 1 and Spenno going for just 2.
The tail needed to wag and with yours truly playing the anchor role big style (28 in 20 overs for heavens sake) the cameo crew entered the fray to rescue the innings, with entertainment added at no extra cost. Alec got 28, Benno 18 in 4 consecutive scoring shots (out the following ball) and Andy a superb 23. So this took the score from a precarious 109 for 6 after 24 overs to 209 all out at tea.
Not a bad tea either with the hot sausage rolls being a bit of a winner.
On to Matlock's innings and Alec started things with a wicket maiden with the first over and he and Andy bowled superbly for the first 14, getting one apiece. On came Adam who also got a wicket in his first over while Steve bowled a tight spell for no reward.
With a run chase never on, just about everyone got a bowl with Jamie, Ben, Paul and myself getting the rest of the wickets. In the end, Matlock scored a disappointing 122 from 37 overs.
A pleasant evening ensued in the clubhouse with thoughts quickly turning to Papplewick next week. At least it's a game in our home county.
Oh, by the way. Cracking week to play your joker in the Fantasy League. Possibly a bit better than next week....
DCC 209 all out (40 overs) Jamie 34
Matlock 122 all out (37 overs) Smudge 3-15