SCORECARD

Winning streak continues.

Fitmen 173-4; Whitehall 120; Fitmen win by 53 runs

Despite an afternoon downpour the excellent facilities of Barnt Green CC and the work of the groundsman ensured a dry and firm wicket was ready for a 6.20pm start. Even with the delay still only 6 Fitmen were present at the toss so we were allowed to bat. Bice was again in good form smashing 25 off 16 before retiring. The pitch had a lively bounce and with the outfield damp, quick singles and 2s were the order of the day. Why would you want to slap the ball to the boudary when you could get a fantastic aerobic work-out nurdling it about? Howarth took this tactic to heart and ran a half marathon on his way to a mature 28 retired (in the 14th over). In amongst this epic evening innings Chiz, Martin and Nutt all came and went in single figures with Frost unlucky to pick out the oppo's point fielder with a looping shot hit so gently, Jim actually passed the filder pre-catch on his way back to the hutch.

The late arrivals then got their chance with Tahir and Sharif grasping it with both hands. The next 20 minutes brought tears to this reporters eyes. I will gladly pay £5 just to watch Mr T give it the heave-ho and then look up with an anguished expression to see that yet another 3 needs to be scampered. Sharif having walked 40 miles earlier in the day simply skipped the 22 yards with increasing joy. Both were excellent value especially after the local sniper shot his 1st victim of the night taking Tahir in the groin. Being such a good friend Sharif did hook one (in May!) for 4 and blasted another through the covers. Tahir now running like Jake the peg (with an extra leg) couldn't wait to retire and in due course both did for 27. Ash and Green continued the great work to bring the team home with a mammoth 173 off 20.

With a stellar, or should that just be Stella, array of bowling talents available, skipper for the day Martin plumped for a quality first approach with Ash serving up a quality 12 balls going for only 6 runs. Sharif, bowling a touch leg side, was more expensive but did snaffle the opener clean bowled. With only 2 overs permitted per bowler first change brought the fearsome pairing of BIce and Frost into the game (think McGrath and Warne). Bice was parsimonious and Frost's first ball got a wicket with a good stumping by Chiz. Frost then bagged another scalp before changing his final delivery mid-stride from a flan to a vegetable product and was hit again by the local marksman in the hamstring region. In a great deal of pain comments such as “stop rolling around, you're acting like a heavy roller on the wicket“ and “where does it hurt“ are not particularly helpful.

After being air lifted directly to the Hamstring specialist in Hamburg, the game had to go on. Green bowled 10 good balls and got 2 wickets from 2 distinctly average balls, but as our resident Boycott would say, 'that's cricket'. Nutt and Tom twirled down 4 overs without a break through, then Bice pulled off the catch of the season diving low and to the left to hold on brilliantly one-handed (thanks Rich!). With the run rate now un-achievable it was time to bring on the talent. Howarth's first 3 balls were dots, then a wicket, then the last 3 were wides. Form is temporary, class is permenant. Tahir then somehow shuffle/limped in to finish the game off with 2 wickets, another excellent stumping and run out for Chiz and a victory by 53 runs. A lovely evening's entertaininment from the not so Fitmen.