Numerous drop outs and other absentees had left the Canes in a sorry state to face the might of the German and his storm-troopers at Llandaff Fields. However, thanks to Captain Griff putting in a surprise appearance, Mr Angle managing to make it through the rush hour traffic from Bristol, and Jaff turning up at about 7.00, we eventually managed to field 9 players – and with the Mac themselves only managing 10 we were in with a chance.
The German himself opened the bowling for the Mac on a damp slow track. The Canes’ openers (well just me actually) struggled from the start as they found him virtually unplayable in the conditions – with his underarm deliveries rarely rising more than a few centimetres after pitching. On this form I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an England call up for the series against India – it would certainly be interesting to see what Messrs Tendular and Sehwag etc make of him?
The conditions seemed to suit Jeremy though as he batted for a fair portion of the innings. I can’t remember how many he scored but I’m sure it must have been a decent contribution. At one point (before I fell victim to the German) he confided in me that he was ‘feeling good’ and was ‘’looking to stick around’. Fortunately Griff was umpiring at square leg, far enough away to be out of earshot – otherwise he might have had a fit of apoplexy?
However, some big hitting later in the innings from COB, Lewis and especially Clive, enabled the Canes to reach a final score of 119 for 5 off 20 overs – a more than respectable total in the difficult batting conditions.
The Macs’ opening pair looked pretty useful and got off to a rapid start before they started to get bogged down by the slow pitch and outfield – and when wickets started to tumble the run rate slowed further. The Mac never looked likely to challenge the Canes’ total and eventually finished on 77 for 6 enabling the Canes to retain their 100% record so far in the FTL. The showdown with Glenwood at the end of July is going to be crucial.
I can’t recall too many details, apart from a much improved display from Jaffa behind the stumps – despite having to manfully endure a barrage of ignorant heckling and abuse from certain of his own team mates who seemed to take delight at every slight fumble, while others seemed to take equal pleasure in flinging the ball in with maximum velocity, even when there was really no need, for sole purpose of making him hop around in discomfort (I’ve been on the wrong end of those throws from Jim – and my sympathies are with Jaff). It seems that a new star may be being born before our very eyes.
Sadly there was also a rather distasteful incident, involving a senior member of the team with a previously unblemished disciplinary record, that I feel duty-bound to record. After having a second lbw appeal refused in quick succession I afraid Mr Campbell rather lost the cool for which he is renowned – subjecting the unfortunate umpire (who was about 5ft 2 compared to Clive’s 6ft 10) to a severe eye-balling accompanied by a tirade of abuse – ‘you canNOT be sEEERious man. That bawl was on the stumps’ – or something along those lines. It was a quite shameful display of petulance that stunned the crowd – and left even COB shaking his head and tutting his disapproval. No doubt Captain Griff will be taking him aside before the next game for a stern talking-to and a warning as to his future conduct. Good luck with that then Griff.
Man of the Match – Clive. Top score and top bowling – and I may have exaggerated a bit about the incident with the umpire.
— Danny