SCORECARD

After weeks of Biblical rain storms and single figure temperatures, the sun broke through and shone with 27 degree strength on the hottest day of the year so far. The Graveyard was transformed from a squidgy mess to a still-rather-soft-but-playable surface within the space of a week. This weeks opponents were Bournville Mis-shapes and rumour had it that Caesar Senior would be captaining. In fact, this was still widely believed to be the case by all present including during the made up toss which was won by the Fitmen who decided to bat (due to pre-arranged late comers). Unfortunately both teams had a number of late comers so the 18:00 start was pushed back to 18:20, despite strong protests from the capacity crowd and host broadcasters.

In a late turn of events, Lord Caesar Senior was forced to pull out of the game despite having issued the team sheet to the home captain just seconds beforehand. All sorts of issues were raised and a fine may be imposed once this issue goes to the Board. Details to follow.

Messrs Bice and Howarth were sent in to bat by Caesar Junior on Fitmen captaincy debut. The first over set a good base with 10 off it before Howarth missed a straight one and was bowled in the third over. Mr T came to the crease having recovered from his frostbite from the Sunday game at Atherstone, playing very solidly to start with, scoring just 6 off his first 20 balls. Despite Bice's run-a-ball 24, the Fitmen were in a precarious position at the half way stage on 44-2.

Fitmen heads went down as the crowd, having lost all interest in the game, began hurling abuse (some details may be exaggerated for whatever reasons). Jim Frost strode to the crease to join Mr T in blocking out the good balls. And the bad balls. And the rest of them. Something really special was needed from these two in order to post a reasonable score after being on just 63 with 6 overs remaining. Mr T suddenly changed gear, smiting all balls fiercely to the boundary and the run rate immediately increased. Frost soon departed after being bowled, allowing Butcher, fresh from 70 not out at Atherstone, to have a swing for the last few overs. Butcher took this invitation in good spirit and drove, pulled, flicked and dabbed his way to 25 off just 9 balls. Tahir continued his expansive shots ending up with 64 off 51 balls. A brilliantly timed innings that allowed the Fitmen to post a very competitive 141 on a low and slow pitch.

A quick turnaround was achieved in great fashion by both teams, in order to claw back the time lost at the start of the game, due to demands by the evenings broadcaster. It was still nice and toasty when the Fitmen wandered on to the field to have a bowl. Ash opened the bowling from the 'Non Golf Course' end taking a wicket with the last ball to give the Fitmen a great start. In partnership with Sunny, the Fitmen restricted Bournville to just 9 runs off the first 4 overs. Some tight bowling from Raj and Ian meant that at the half way stage, Bournville needed 89 off 60 balls. Despite the 'field placings by committee', the Fitmen were in a string position.

A partnership was taking shape and with a number of drop catches by various people, the oppo were looking like they could accelerate and take the game to the next level at any moment. The Fitmen managed to fight back with some good ground fielding and disciplined bowling from all. Sunny was brought back on for his last two overs and produced some spectacular toe crunchers, taking 3 wickets in 7 balls and making sure there was only going to be one result. Butcher kept the other end free of runs and Bournville eventually finished on 102-8 off 20 overs.

A great result from the Fitmen which keeps them unbeaten so far this season. Next match away to Newbold-on-Avon on Sunday 27th May.