SCORECARD

Raj’s Dirty Dozen in Graveyard Blockbuster

Highcroft and Great Barr 232-6 Old Moseley Arms 234-6

Old Moseley Arms Fitmen win by 6 wickets

The Dirty Dozen is a 1967 war film directed by Robert Aldrich, released by MGM, and starring Lee Marvin. The picture was filmed in England and features an ensemble supporting cast including Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson and Telly Savalas. The film is based on E. M. Nathanson's novel of the same name that was possibly inspired by a real life group called the "Filthy Thirteen": the name given to the 1st Demolition Section of the Regimental Headquarters Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, of the United States Army, which fought in the European campaign in World War II.

Raj’s Dirty Dozen, following a clerical error, consisted of Sgt. Caesar, Admiral Lord Frost, Flt Sgt. Tahir, Gen. “Napoleon” Howarth, Cornet Green, Air Chief Marshal “Bomber” Harris, Sgt Maj.Tucker, Cpl. Singh (S), Cpt Singh (R), L Cpl. Yousaf, Bombardier Nutt and Sapper Faye. (Pte. Hussein,A, would indeed have made it the Filthy Thirteen, but for a late withdrawal)

Attempting their second offensive from the North came Highcroft and Great Barr, who proved worthy and valiant adversaries, whom Cpt. Singh invited to bat first. Sunny opened up from the St Agnes Rd End and quickly accounted for the Highcroft no.2 courtesy of a smart catch by Tahir at cover, but that was the end of the wickets until the 27th over, despite the efforts of Raj, Harris and Nutt.

Highcroft looked well set for a big total, but didn’t quite capitalise on their good start closing on 232, despite fine knocks by their No.1 and No.3 batsmen. Unusually, the stumps remained undistubed throughout, save a sharp stumping by Tucker, with 4 catches and 1 LBW being the other modes of dismissal. Wickets were shared (2 each) by Sunny, Taz and Pat.

Tea was taken with the Fitmen contemplating their biggest run chase of the season. Rob’s Scones and Victoria Sponge, Raj’s Pakoras, Sunny’s Chicken Wings, and Mark and Si’s Sandwiches (with contribution from the younger Howarths) certainly satisfied the hungry troops.

The counter attack began with Tom and Jim, who put on 49 for the first wicket, before the Admiral was returned to port for 27 off 42. Tahir and Tom then put on 115 for the second wicket, with classy shots all round the wicket, so that with 10 overs to go 70 runs were required and the Fitmen were well in the hunt. Si, Rob and Harris all fell whilst attempting to maintain the impetus. Tuckerrr kept the run rate up before shelling one back at the bowler which was caught courtesy of (one suspects) a great deal of bruising to the chest.

With 7 required for victory,and with Tahir on 98, in came Cpt. Raj. Surely another centurion could not be denied? Four byes and only 3 left. Surely not? However, Raj never fails to capitalise on a half-volley outside the off stump and a trademark cover drive to the boundary followed; securing victory and denying Tahir a well deserved century with 8 balls to spare.

And so to the bar to enjoy a convivial drink with the opposition and watch France and Honduras kicking lumps out of each other.