DCC won the toss, and had a bat
Weather cloudy at first, warm and humid, but no rain at all, in a major change from 2000!
Return visit in 2001 to the jewel of the west coast of England, at least according to Skegness Town Council anyway, Skegness.
Once again, despite Mr. Chairman's organisation, the coach turned up in all the right places at all the right times, and even more miraculously, so did all the players. We were without Benno, as he was driving Llandudno to Skegness for the game, due to a wedding which couldn't be got out of. A long journey, and not much to show in the end, more of that later.
An excellent journey in the quality transport provided got us to Skeg at 11 ish, despite Ant following the coach for the last mile, and getting the big brown eye from Jamie and Alec. Classy touch, lads! As soon as we parked, the boys were off to the Chippy (semi pro athletes always do that in Skeg) and on to the golf course. Links? Par 3? No, crazy. Reputations were won and lost as Paula's 2 kids tried their best to make justifiable homicide the plea of the day and Crossy cheated like billyo. A quick paddle in the sea, then back to the ground.
An eclectic bunch, Skeg had an Aussie, a Kiwi and a South African in the side, as well as some indefinable accents and the odd local. We had a bat as we were a pretty batting friendly side, and Steve and Jamie opened up. Steve carried on as normal, only to fall on 38 to a shot I'd rather not comment on. The pitch gave more than a bit of help to the ball and wickets fell regularly, Crossy getting a blob for a pair for the weekend, and Benno driving nearly 300 miles for a golden. Pride of place must be Dean, who was bowled by a full toss that hit the top of off stick from near vertical. Some soft wickets were given away, and no mistake. 131 was a low score, but the pitch was in the mood to be bowler friendly, so a tight performance in the field was required.
Tea was a solid 13er in the cafe, the only major surprise being that, given the choice of burger or salad, we chose 11 salads! Whatever next?
20 overs of excellent bowling, that's what, as Andy and Alec tied the batsmen down and Andy deservedly got a big threefer, the bowl swinging very well. Dean bowled a quick, aggressive spell, but never really beat the bat, and Benno was unlucky to end up with nothing. At 80 odd for 5, there were still 2 teams in it, but the 6th wicket pair of Skip and Aussie put on some good runs, scoring 4 an over, as required, without ever slogging, and we helped a bit by putting down a couple of 3/4 chances. It fell to Steve Gaunt to get thrown the fateful ball in the 37th over, needing a maiden from his over really, from a part time bowler to 2 well in batsmen. 10 came from it, and it was left to Paul to deliver the pie that ended it all (0.1-0-4-0)
Frankly, and excellent, tight, quality game of cricket was Skeg's by 5 wickets in the 39th over, in fairness, probably the right result. Beers were served, after some showers nearly as bracing as the seafront in February, and the coach took us home in luxury.
Thanks to Tom the driver, and I feel that this come become a traditional thing......
DCC 131 all out in 38.1 (S Gaunt 38)
Skegness 135-4 in 38.1 (A Gaunt 8-4-8-3)