Its exactly 1 week since the game happened, so it seems like as good a time as any to write a report for it. Week 7 saw the fifth and final 'group' match for the Fitmen, knowing that whatever the result, as semi-final place was waiting for them. So this, added to the fact that they were playing bottom of the league Harborne meant the pressure was off. But this is the Fitmen, a group of highly trained athletes, both physically and mentally, who treat every game as though it is a life or death situation. Let the reporting begin....!!!

The 8pm slot was filled by the WCB (destroyed) and the Sultans of Swing (utterly obliterated). The Sultans batted first and lasted just 8.4 overs knocking up a sorry 74, despite one chap getting 39. Once wonders what the others were playing at, poor show. WCB took a ball less than 8 overs to reach the winners post and secure their place in a semi final, losing just 3 wickets.

Again, the main event this evening was the Fitmen, funnily enough. League losers (I mean they have won 0 games - they seemed thoroughly nice chaps) Harborne tried to keep the Fitmen waiting (bit of a W.M.D trick there) but just about arrived on time, won the toss and put the Fitmen in to bat. History was made with the first Fitmen spectator, Lord Frost of Stirchley, making a visit, he was not to be disappointed.

The Fitmen started slowly with 2 wickets tumbling in the first 2 overs. A couple more overs of steady accumulation took place until one unlucky chap got spanked for 26 in an over. This injection of speed and a fair few swipes allowed the Fitmen to get up to 111-2 after 10 overs. This was an average score but the Fitmen felt it was definitely defendable with some good bowling. Harborne surprised the Fitmen with a good start, being on top of the required rate at the halfway mark. Something was needed and that something was supplied by Butcher and Tucker. The rate dropped but picked back up/dropped/picked up again with a good over/bad over/etc. for Harborne. Luckily, it was then wicket-central with Butcher picking up a run out and Martin collecting his 3 for the evening. The job was done with Harborne finishing 18 runs short on 93. Lord Frost cheered/whooped/jumped with great excitement. It was a classic ending.

Sultans v WCB on Cric HQ
Fitmen v Harborne on Cric HQ

Match Summary

Next Fitmen match 2nd April 2012 v WCB @ 8pm (semi-final)

NOTE: Semi Final 1 was played on 26th March between Kings Heath and 5 Ways. King's Heath knocked up 113-1 but 5 Ways powered their way to a win by 2 wickets with 1.1 overs to go. The winner of Fitmen v WCB will play 5 Ways on 2nd April @ 9pm. King's Heath v 5 Ways on Cric HQ

Finally, you can take a Monty to training but you can't make him catch