Pedmore v Bedouins – Wednesdsay 19 August
Bedouins won by 23 runs
Austin writes:
After what can only be described as a series of legal wranglings worthy of a daytime courtroom drama, Austin’s Army were unable to raise a team for their final fixture. Thankfully, the Bedouins stepped in to make sure there was one more excuse for a game of cricket and a trip to the bar, heading over to Pedmore for an end-of-season friendly.
A late call-up for Matt Gill finally gave us the magic number of 11 players. Austin captained the side and immediately demonstrated his consistency by losing the toss. The Bedouins were invited to bat.
Openers Neil Smith (25 retired) and Chris Bastable (17) got things off to a flyer, putting on 42 in the first six overs.
The Enville-based middle order kept the momentum going. Dan Mahoney and Ron Miller both retired on 25, while Inderjit finished unbeaten on 18. Ed Hickenbottom was 20 not out and appeared determined to wake every churchgoer in Pedmore with at least one enormous six. By the close, the Bedouins had rattled up an impressive 156 for 2. With a rapid outfield and a pitch doing just enough to keep everyone interested, it felt like a workable total.
The Bedouins were a little light on bowling resources, with Jono understandably occupied by the small matter of welcoming son Ernest into the world. Congratulations to Jono and family. Everyone also sends their best wishes to Mick Robbo and hopes for a speedy recovery.
When it came time to bowl, Matt Gill wasted no time making an impact, taking a wicket with his very first ball and finishing with 2 for 22 from his two overs. Austin Gregory chipped in with 1 for 29 before handing responsibility to the all-rounders to bring things home.
Ed bowled four tidy overs of spin, Dan contributed some useful medium pace, and both picked up a wicket apiece.
Neil “Pixie” Smith’s spell began in memorable fashion when his first two deliveries disappeared to the boundary. Fortunately, he quickly tightened his line.
One of the highlights of the evening was a fine stumping off the bowling of John Branch by wicketkeeper John Howells. While younger keepers continue to queue up for a chance behind the stumps, John keeps producing performances that remind everyone why he’s still first choice. In fact, he stands up so you have to bowl straight and at the stumps.
As the light faded and ageing eyes across the field struggled to pick out a cricket ball against the setting sun, Pedmore battled hard but finished on 137 for 6.
The result meant back-to-back wins for the Bedouins to round off the season in style.
Both teams then retired to the bar, where curry, cake and excellent hospitality awaited. Let’s be honest, this was probably the part of the evening everyone had been looking forward to most.
With attention now turning to the AGM and the legendary Duck Supper, another Bedouins season comes to an end.
See you all next season… unless there are any more legal wranglings