Scorecard

Melton Mowbray II v Cosby Cricket Club 2nd XI on Sat 12 Sep 2009 at 1pm
Cosby Cricket Club Won by 2 wickets (22 points)

Match report Melton Mowbray II vs Cosby II, Saturday 12th September 2009

Having secured the prestigious division 7 title the previous week the C2 Unit assembled at the Cosby Oval for their trip to Melton. Before departing Billso presented Frank with a checklist to get him through a game of cricket without any mis-haps (a copy of which can be viewed on this web site). The minutes were ticking by and the 2s were still short of Gok and Whitey. Gok eventually arrived 20 minutes late his excuse that he was getting a bacon bap from the cafe in Blaby, however he still hadn’t picked up Stumpy. Whitey was picked up and the majority of the 2s were travelling in convoy to Melton and were running late. They were further delayed when Woody realised he only had 10 miles of fuel left and the 2nd team were still 17 miles from the ground.

After filling up at the services the 2s eventually made it to Melton just in time to see Vice coming back from the toss. He had obviously been studying Woodys technique as he kept up Veterans record by losing another toss and the 2s were in the field. With time of the essence the “All the Gear But No Idea” presentation was postponed as the 2s only had time to present Usain with his birthday card as he was 40 the previous Thursday (that was one hell of a tough paper round)!

In another eye brow raising move Woody decided that the opening bowlers this week would be himself (not a major shock) and Gaz “Torchwood” Kirby (gadzooks). The move appeared to be a decent call though as Veteran and Captain Jack bowled some testing deliveries. Despite this the score was pushed along at 4 an over both Melton batsman appeared to have the edge of their bats well knocked in and with the outfield like glass boundaries behind square were a common occurrence. Kirbo and Woody continued bowling and continued to test the Melton batsmen but the chances just wouldn’t go to hand and the score soon reached the 50 mark. With the first drinks break at 15 overs Melton had moved on to 60 for 0 wicket.

With the wickets not forthcoming Big was brought on from the football pitch end hoping he could carry on his good bowling form this season and get up to that magic 50 wicket mark. A few overs later and Whitey was brought on at the bottom end to replace Woody. The changes didn’t work straight off as the Melton batsmen continued to hit/edge the ball just out of the reach of fielders and the younger of the 2 batsmen went past 50. Whitey was bowling in good areas and had some close lbw shouts turned down and at the other end Phil was struggling in the sun and for what seems like the 1st time this season the batsmen were taking a liking to what he was offering up. When one wayward delivery disappeared for 4 into the bushes Richard Fairbrass wannabe veteran captain Paul Wood went in search of the errant cherry and disappeared for a couple of minutes. The general theory being that he was in their taking his frustrations out on his cap that had remained firmly on his head all match.

The score had moved past the 100 mark despite the best efforts of the Melton batsmen to get out but with Big out of form and Whitey out of luck further bowling changes were on the cards with a general consensus that perhaps it was time to have a look at Chris Griffin wannabe Billso and his brand of leg spin. However Woody had different ideas and turned to the brains of the C2 Unit as Trig and Frank came on. With the score on 120 the 2s finally got a breakthrough when Trig trapped the elder of the 2 Melton batsmen lbw for 29. To be honest it was a stroke of luck for the 2s as there was quite a clear edge but the Melton umpire was nearly as quick on the draw as Harrop and he was on his way. With the first wicket eventually down the 2s were hopeful this would lead to a precession and it appeared this may be the case when Trig bowled the number 3 middle stump for just 4. However at the other end Meltons other opener was still edging his way on and having been in for a good 30 overs now had his eye in. Runs continued to flow as the opener and the Melton number 4 started hitting out as they pushed on to get to the 200 mark. With the score still going up steadily and Billso still not bowling Frank got in the wickets when he had the number 4 caught by Billso lookalike Grice at mid off.

The Melton opener had moved his way to 86 before e he was finally dismissed for 86 and with 10 overs to go they were 170 for 4 and a big score looked on the cards. Frank was soon picking up his 2nd wicket when he had the number 6 caught by Veteran at fly slip (that’s a deep slip position by the way Usain). With the opener eventually removed Woody could obviously sense wickets as he brought himself on at the bottom end after Trig had bowled his 7 overs. However Meltons burly Welsh wicket keeper was in and was still pushing the score along nicely. Frank finished his spell and Billso was not brought on again as Woody turned to Big hoping his 2nd spell would be better than his 1st. With the score getting up to 200 and still 3 overs to go the big Welshman contrived to run himself out when he pushed one straight back to Woody and attempted to run and was out by half the length of the pitch. Phil was able to pick up a wicket in the penultimate over to leave Melton 7 down as Melton continued going for their shots. In the final over Melton were able to pick up more runs and finished with a boundary four as they closed their innings on a respectable 212 for 7.

Due to their lateness there had not been time for the 2s weekly presentation of the “All the Gear But No Idea” T-shirt. This meant it was done at tea and despite his arguments it was presented to Gok for making us late getting his bacon cob. The 2s went in to tea and had it not been for the spread at Mountsorrell it would have been a tea of the season contender, especially for Frank as there was an abundance of cakes and meat. On the subject of Frank he had so far had a good day having not done or said anything especially stupid (the list clearly works).

The 2s went out to bat with Cindys Baby Birthday Boy Russ (34, he obviously took over Usains paper round) and Billso wannabe Grice opening the innings. The 2s realised that if they got off to a good start 212 was easily gettable on what was a decent track and a lightning outfield. Unfortunately the quick start wasn’t forthcoming as the Melton bowlers kept it tight early on and runs were hard to come by. Grice was the first man out when in the 8th over he was bowled for 9 playing all around a straight delivery. Veteran Captain Paul Wood made another surprising move when Usain was sent out at number 3 and everyone was wondering if Rich could repay Woodys faith. Rich got a decent start as well as the Melton bowler offered him a nice juicy full toss that he promptly whacked for four.

Russ was beginning to get his eye in and was taking a liking for the Melton bowling and hit three boundaries in quick succession. However despite Ken having emigrated Vices luck with Cosby Umpires continued as Ken Mark 2 aka Gary Whetton carried on where Ken made his name and sent Russ on his way for a suspicious lbw having got 23 runs. The Tiddly went out number 4 hoping he could get back into some form. However a few overs later he was soon on his way back as he was bowled off stump once again having got 7 runs.

The C2 Unit were staring down the barrel and their unbeaten record looked in danger at 49 for 3 after 18 overs. However cometh the hour cometh the Right Said Fred tribute act. Woody was in number 5 and alongside his lookalike Usain they started repairing the 2nd teams innings as both the skipper and our new star slip fielder both took a liking to the Melton bowling as they both tucked in to the loose deliveries that were offered up.
Meltons captain obviously had been speaking to Woody as he too appeared to not like slow bowlers as he persisted with his seamers which was to the liking of both Veteran and Usain. The 50 partnership came in with both batsmen looking in fine form and running well between the wickets (Woody scampering like his life depended on it and Usain barely breaking out of an amble). As the score past 100 Woody decided it was time to start increasing the tempo as he started batting with increasing aggression and boundaries became a regularity. With 15 overs to go the 2s still needed to score at over 6 an over but Woody and Usain were able to keep with the rate assisted by some indifferent Melton fielding including one shot that went over the mid on fielders head and appeared to bounce just inside the boundary but he somewhat embarrassed by his fielding signalled 6.

Woody went past his 50 in trademark fashion with one of his back foot slaps and the 2s on the sidelines were beginning to believe that an improbable win could be on. Also on the sidelines Trig had with him a bag of rice(?) most of which managed to find its way to be poured over Russ. Back on the pitch Woody and Usain were still keeping up with the rate as both continued playing their shots as the partnership went past 100. The score had moved on into the 170s when the partnership when Woody was bowled for an excellent 79.
At this point the Melton skipper finally decided it was time for some slow bowling in the match as he brought on a spinner. The move paid instant dividend as he was able to bowl Usain 1st ball for a well made 44 runs. With 6 overs remaining the required run rate was still 6 and Frank and Big were at the crease. Big was quickly back in the pavilion after batting like he bowled as he was also removed by the slow bowler for 0. This had Whitey at the crease and he and Frank were able to keep up with the rate largely thanks to their running between the wickets and had took the score to 200 when Frank became the slow bowlers third victim (quote from Woody for not bowling Billso “Not a slow bowlers wicket”).

Trig was in at number 9 and with 12 balls remaining the 2s needed 12 runs . Off the first 5 balls of the 5 balls of the penultimate over they had got 5 runs and off the 6th ball Whitey was able to hit a 4 through cover meaning the 2s needed 3 off the last over. Trig was able to pick up a single off the 1st ball of the last over and with the field closing in Whitey told trig that if he got his bat on it to run. Trig unfortunately took this a bit too literally as the next ball Stumpy hit one straight back to the bowler and Trig ran past Whitey leaving Alex stranded and ran out for a valuable 18 off 14 balls. Kirbo was in at the non strikers end and Trigs instructions with just 2 needed were just run , Kirbos response was f-off you’ll run me out! Mikey had 4 balls to get the 2 runs required and if he didn’t do it the rest of the unit were looking to kick his head in for running out Whitey. The 1st of the balls crashed into Trigs pad and due to the closeness of the field there was no run. The next ball however was on Trigs les and he was able to push it through mid wicket for the 2 runs necessary and the 2s had picked up the win which made Cindys Baby Boys birthday cake taste even sweeter!

Result: Cosby Win by 2 wickets

Points: Melton II 11 points, Cosby II 22 points

Quote of the Day: Pre-match the C2 Unit are discussing Usains birthday:
Grice: We were going to give him the bumps but we couldn’t bring the 1st team with us!

During the Cosby Innings Frank is having gastric problems:
Frank: I’ve either got trapped wind or I really need a poo!
Vice: Either way you’re better off finding out on the toilet.
Trig: Yeah, I’ve seen that happen to someone before!

MOM: 2 contenders for the MOM honours this week with Usain and Woody both batting well to set up the victory. Woody gets the decision as it was his aggressive innings that turned the game around.


Verdict: A strange performance with the ball with the 2s having very little luck but it seemed like no one was that bothered after winning the title last week. However the batting performance by Woody and Usain turned the game in the 2nd teams favour for what ended up a good win.

Cosby Cricket Club 2nd XI Batting
Player Name RunsMB4s6sSRCtStRo
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 8 wickets
0
214		        
Russell Sullivan Lbw  23
Steve Henshaw Bowled  9 1
Richard Fairbrother Bowled  44
Nigel Meredith Bowled  7
Paul Wood Bowled  79 1 1
Phil Needham Bowled  0
Ben Spencer Bowled  11
Alex White Run out  18
Michael Whitehead Not Out  3
Gary Kirby Not Out  0
Matthew Bills  

Melton Mowbray II Bowling

Player nameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
No records to display.

Melton Mowbray II Batting
Player name RMB4s6sSR
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 7 wickets
0
212 (0.0 overs)		     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Cosby Cricket Club 2nd XI Bowling

Player NameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
Paul Wood9.012800.003.11
Gary Kirby7.003600.005.14
Alex White7.021900.002.71
Phil Needham9.0152152.005.78
Michael Whitehead7.0140313.335.71
Ben Spencer6.0123211.503.83

  • Umpire :
    ??????????
  • Scorer :
    Super Simon Cooper