The return of the captains view.

If last week was Lodewijk’s Day then this day belonged to all the members of the fourth team who have played this year because we have all contributed to the turn around in the teams fortunes. We have now won four straight games but this performance was special, it was really an all round team effort. I think it is fair to say that not many people (even in our own team) gave us much of a chance in this game against Qui Vive the league leaders and hitherto unbeaten scourge of Class 4c. Prior to the match there was much thought mainly on the events of our forthcoming tour to Brighton (the party capital of England) but a little was saved to whether we should bat or field first. In our first encounter we were bowled out for 95 but fortunately I was able to play my get out of jail card in the form of rain for the rest of the day. So I think that the team’s motivation to field first was bourne out of fear of again being skittled out for another low score.

So we took to the field without Umer of course who was having a lie in after all he was going to need his energy later. The ten that took the field were soon very happy that after the first six overs we had Qui Vive at 18 for 2 with both Richard Matchett and Abid Malik (our guest from the third team) taking a wicket each. The rain then came down for a couple of hours and the decision to field first was vindicated by a reduction in overs to 30.

When we restarted and it was important to get in amongst the Qui Vive batsmen who are after all only mortal like the rest of us. Richard bowled exceptionally well (there I’ve said it and now I will go and wash my mouth out with soap) taking 4 for 24 off 8 overs and Abid on his debut for us could not build on his first wicket but nevertheless always looked likely to take a wicket. I think it is safe to say that our bowling and fielding surprised Qui Vive and the restriction of the scoring rate caused the batsmen to play a few rash shots. Umer (taking to the field in his pyjamas) took two fine catches at mid on and I was grateful that I could bowl my openers through. At this stage it was just a case of giving Qui Vive enough rope and they would hang themselves. Duncan McNab and Brian Lemmens my first change bowlers exploited this to the maximum, especially Brian whose first ball was not his best, a slow beamer on the leg stump but the batsman top edged the hook and Tim Lewis made alot of ground to take a running catch on the fine leg boundary.

Duncan was a little unlucky because he was dropped horribly by Mike Walsh, then dropped understandably by Richard Wolfe, and then to add insult to injury he dropped himself (conspiracy theorists abound) but Brian finished with 3 for 24 off 6.4 overs and Duncan had 2 for 16 off 7 overs. A good day in the field with two catches each for Umer and Tim while Mike and a pack of Wolfes took the others. Qui Vive were all out for 103, how the mighty had fallen.
So we needed 104 to win off 30 overs but it is not over until the fat captain sings. Haney and Hans Uiting opened but soon Haney was out caught behind and Hans had taken a ball to the throat via the shoulder of the bat (retired hurt). Robert Wolfe and Duncan McNab both flattered to deceived and with 3 wickets down and one injury and only 20 runs on the board this was far from a forgone conclusion. Besides after our Groningen experience last year I know there is no such thing as forgone conclusion. Then to the rescue just as the ACC boat was starting to leak water my two opening bowlers came together at the crease to steady the ship. When the run rate required is only 3, it only takes a couple of sixes to bring a smile to everyones face and Abid Malik did that and gave QuiVive a wet ball to bowl with. He made 34 and Richard Matchett made 18 to take us close to the winning post but some further tight bowling means that I have to mention the 11 not out from Umer Mohammed and contributions of 6 from Tim Lewis and 3 not out from Brain Lemmens to take us to 107 with one over to spare and a a three wicket win.

The taste of victory and some of the Captain’s Heineken was savoured for a couple of hours in the presence of our vanquiched foes who were far from happy at being brought down to earth.

Mortals Indeed.