Another game against the Hun and another easy victory was expected. Bowen was so confident of a punishing victory that he begged Griff to bat first if the toss was won, ‘Lets bat first, we can score a shed load!’
Toss lost the Hun opted to bat first and set off at a Blitzkrieg, the ex-wicket keeper smashing the ball to all parts. Enter D.Stagg. Feeling good he put himself forward to bowl down the hill, with a short leg side boundary and a tendency for lofted no balls this seemed like suicide. Dave was adamant and he produced 2 tight overs which lead to him being given the ball for an unexpected 3rd. It was in this over that he got the prized wicket of the ex wicket keeper with an appeal that was reminiscent of Diego Maradonna’s goal celebration in the 1994 world cup. The poor umpire, fearing for his safety after looking into the dilated pupils of a rampant badger gave the ex wicket keeper out. Words were exchanged, batsman and bowlers match fees were lost, urine samples were called for but the decision stood.
Victory looked assured, the runs slowed and Normy ‘No Arm’ produced a spell of fine swing bowling to take 2 wickets for 4 runs and Clive rolled back the years bowling 2 overs for only 2 runs. The cunning Hun had a trick up his sleeve, he had formed an alliance in the East and the imported batsman, (who spoke not a word of German) proceeded to batter the heroic ‘Canes bowlers. A target of 148 was set and the ‘Canes needed heroes.
Enter the Jaff. After his hat trick heroics and consistency with the bat he proceeded to punish all before him. Helped by a couple of Danny misfields he rocketed to 50 while Dave and Angle fell. Clive then joined the fun and finally, after 12 years realised his potential with the bat. He played himself in with singles then hit 3 huge sixes. With Jaffa on 54 and Clive on 36 and 30 odds runs needed to win Jaffa disgraced himself. Rather than give the strike to Clive so he could hit his maiden 50 and get his name on the bat Jaffa selfishly decided to attempt to beat the record Canes score of 80 N.O. a noble record, set deep in ‘Canes mythology by Griff against The Chavs. With the German ready to bowl surely Jaffa would fail and Clive would get the opportunity to get onto ‘the bat’. Not a chance Jaffa punished friend and foe, he took no pity on Danny then despatched the underarm German all over the park. The ‘Canes cruised home with 6 overs and 9 wickets in hand.
MoM – There’s no I in team, unless you’re Jaffa and your personal glory is more important than helping others. Should this be rewarded with a MoM? I’m sorry Clive but 86 off 42 balls did win the match. JAFFA.
- Griff