A day when the record books were broken, with the aggregate score of 389 being the highest ever recorded at Salle.
Marcus Seaman managed to assemble 13 players – with the half being under 25 years old* (and also old Uppinghamians OU’s).
Andrew Waters (OU no 1) led the way with a ruthless 46 not out. On 45 and after being told he had one ball left before taking early retirement, he proceeded to protect his average with a push for 1. Everall made a useful 26. Harrison J faced an over, scored 6 and then decided to selflessly give up his fielding slot to Tim Ulph (spelling?). Arthur Carey* (OU no2) was bowled for 0 (1st ball) on his WNCC debut after the largest build up from his school mates since De Vere Hunt (see tour report). Jim Thompson* (OU no 3) came in at 5, scored an elegant 29 and it was pleasing to see the Thompson dynasty within WNCC was secure for another generation (no offence Alex).
After 10 overs we were 112 for 3. Blackiston and Gurney had a very brief partnership after Gurney thought he could match the power shown by the youth and tried to unsuccessfully hit a straight six (it never got halfway to the boundary). H Stackpole*, on debut, showed why he should stick to rugby (he plays for Munster – another International sportsman to play for WNCC maybe!) soon followed the captain back to the pavilion leaving Chris Symes* (OU no 4) and Blackiston to dig us out of a hole. The famous ‘celebrity’ chef more used to ‘nouvelle’ than buffet tucked into the feast that was on offer (amazing what can be served for only £5!) hitting 3 consecutive sixes before retiring on 40. Hanson Smith (OU no 5) scored a muscular 31 from 7 balls and was quickly retired as we were running out of balls leaving Thompson A (OU no 6) to block out the last over – although he did manage a run.
A footnote to our innings requires a mention of the local rule that any ball hit into the wood behind mid on only secures 2 runs (given the short boundary and the thickness of the forestry) – it is a rule in place to discourage an aerial shot in this direction. This however did not stop 4 of the six OU’s all targeting this area with regularity – as one of them remarked – ‘lovely fellas OU’s but f…..ing stupid!)
WNCC took to the field and everyone got a bowl, with the only criteria to getting a second over was that you had to have been hit for at least 10 in your first over or give the captain the impression you were capable of being taken for at least 10. The faster bowlers such as Hanson Smith, Ulph and Symes were all banished to watch a diet of filth be served up by the others. The chief beneficiaries of this policy were Everall and Thompson A who both collected 2 wickets with pies that our bowler no 6 (who was in the score book under the name of ‘the cook’) would have been pleased to serve. The last 4 overs were bowled by whoever fielded the final ball of the previous over. An excellent way of ensuring full concentration for all 6 balls from every fielder – Straussy take note.
Note to future match managers – Everall is in danger of getting into the bowling averages!!
To conclude – what a pleasure to see the next generation turn up en masse – please play again.
