SCORECARD

Blackwood 97 v Fitmen 100-3 - Fitmen win by 7 wickets

With the last two Sunday games being called off it was with anticipation that a well selected FItmen XI rolled up at The Graveyard met with sunny skies and a strong breeze to dry off the outfield after an overnight deluge.
The Oppo were also nice and early ensuring a 2 o'clock start was adhered to, just after time for a quick pint...
The Oppo skipper called tails and won, and elected to have a bat on the slightly worn-at-one-end track. Guy and Raj opened up the bowling, and kept the slip courdon interested with a combination of swing and seam movement. Scoring shots were kept to a minimum and wickets fell regularly, leaving the two with excellent figures of 6-3-4-3 (Guy) and 8-1-19-2 (Raj).
Ade Martin made it 20 for the season and Chaz was turning it 90 degrees to account for 2 wickets, whilst Geraint cleaned up the tail with 2 late wickets. 97 all out was a bit below par on a not so tricky surface.
Wickets included a couple of LBWs, and some smart catches from Tom (2) and Chiz (1). Also included however were a couple of dropsies that should have been bagged.

The Tea interval included a Will Pakora and some refreshments courtesy of our Russian comrades - rumour has it there is a Polish version on the way at the end of season bash...

So to the chase. With Messrs Howarth and Caesar Jnr striding to the crease it was a little over 2 an over that was required - just the ticket for the turge pair. Tom unfortunately fell courtesy of a 'Ryan Harris to Joe Root esque' seamer, bringing Tahir to the crease.
He didn't hang around and cut, drove and pulled beautifully to charge to 31 from 29 balls (3 fours and 1 six). Simon kept the run-rate ticking at the other end with some delightful late cuts and was joined by Chiz when Tahir fell. Chiz slapped 5 fours in a more than a run-a-ball 26, before feathering one to the 'keeper.
Rich Harris saw off the last runs (6 n.o.) and Si carried his bat for 28 n.o., with the job done before the drinks break.
And so it was back to the last of the Bulmers and Russian Vodka, before Thommo meandered his way across the outfield and safely down the steps.
Not a bad toss to lose and an excellent performance from the Fitmen.