The Canes batted first against old enemies the Cavaliers. There wasn’t really any other option as we only had 5 players present at the designated start time. Time-keeping is clearly becoming a problem and Captain Griff is going to have to put his foot down and instil some discipline in this respect – or maybe not, as he was just about the last to arrive himself.
Now to a Cane life holds few pleasures quite so sweet as the opportunity to administer a severe and well-deserved pummelling to those rotters the Cavaliers – especially when that archest of arch-rotters Mr Sparkes is in the line-up. However, things got off to a desperate start with Jaffa (still hung-over from his weekend at Glastonbury) bowled first ball, followed soon afterwards by Lewis – also bowled for a duck – and if that’s not bad enough Mr Angle soon follows. Not much sign of premier league quality there I must say – more like ‘straight back down to the Championship next year’ quality if you ask me.
So – three down for not very many at all. The Canes were in deep trouble and were looking out for a hero. He had to be young, he had to be strong, and he had to be faster than light, faster than li-i-ight – but at a push we’d settle for Griff. Yes indeed, step forward Captain Fantastic himself and, aided and abetted by Sergeant Sully, he proceeded to stage a terrific recovery with the Chav bowlers being swatted around to all quarters. He eventually finished on 56 and Sully on 28, and with a late cameo from Jim (21 not out off 11 balls) the Canes finished on 151 for 6 off 20 overs. Now Griff may have his critics (not me mind, never – I know true quality when I see it) but it’s at times like this, when the chips are down, that he comes to the fore and shows his worth.
Near the end Mr Sparkes had entered the attack and produced a positively ‘Germanic’ spell of bowling that including trapping Normy lbw for 11 – though it must be said that for that decision Mr S should be grateful for my almost complete lack of knowledge of laws of the game – in particular what constitutes a no-ball. Someone explained that the ball is allowed to bounce twice before it becomes a no-ball, in which case I should perhaps have kept my finger in my pocket – though Jim made the reasonable point that it actually did bounce just the twice, and then rolled along the ground after the second one? Who knows?
When the Chavs batted their hopes were soon hanging by a thread as Jeremy produced a mighty impressive spell of bowling – striking twice in his first over before finishing with 3 for 9 off 3 overs. Steadman lead a recovery before steering a cut off Lewis straight into Jim’s grateful hands, and when danger man Marchant was also caught on the boundary by Jim off Sully the writing was on the wall with the Cavs finishing on 105 for 9. It was interesting that as soon as the ball left Marchant’s bat like a tracer bullet, on its way to a surely inevitable boundary, cheers and cries of ‘yes’ went up from the Canes as they realised that Jim was lurking out there. He complained afterwards about how off-putting that was, but we all knew he was going to catch it. Not a moment’s doubt.
Man of the Match.
Normally it would hard to argue against Jeremy for his outstanding bowling – but I think it just has to be Griff. Apart from his match-winning innings there was another incident that, for me, showed that the man is an undoubted tactical genius – when he had me adjust my position in the field by 10 metres or so. From having had the sun in my eyes I suddenly found myself in the one bit of available shade (cast by the spire of the cathedral), and the very next delivery saw the batsman smite the ball a mighty blow – but straight to me in my new position, therefore saving a certain boundary. You just can’t teach stuff like that you know.
You know I think it’s time for the knockers (I’ve never been one) to give Griff a break. They should recognise how fortunate we are to have among our ranks such a marvellously talented cricketer and inspirational leader – and even more, one who so endears himself to his many admirers with the way he wears his greatness so lightly with his modest and unassuming demeanour. Oh dear, excuse me a moment ………………………………….. ah, that’s better.
Sorry about that. I’m not quite sure what happened there, but I was suddenly overcome by the most dreadful fit of choking as wrote that last bit. It’s never happened before?
Danny
suzuki — June 29, 2011 at 1:20 pm
I clicket fan from Yapan and follow Hullicanes. My helo is Gliff – he vely vely handsome and vely good player. I want mally him and have lot baby Gliffs. I love all Hullicanes except Jellemy – him too slow – no hit ball.
suzuki — July 1, 2011 at 6:27 am
Gliff – why you no answer my message?
I like come UK and watch you do whackee whackee with battee, and then we make jiggy jiggy – but if you no love me I mus mally Jellamy instead. In my countly they say man who no like make whackee whackee is no good for make jiggy jiggy. This I no like.
Don’t blake Suzuki’s heart Gliff. I love you – I leally leally do.
Griff — July 1, 2011 at 8:56 am
Suzuki, you sound like a lovely girl. Are you sure you’re from Japan? I get the feeling that you may be fom Bangkok . Unfortunatly I am married as is Jeremy, but there is hope for your dream of landing a Cane who likes the wackee wackee (although not for the last couple of matches). His name is Jaffa and he is moving into a small flat in the lovely Leckwith area of Cardiff. I’m sure he needs a ladys touch to turn that 1 bed flat into a home, plump the cusions, cook hot meals and offer handjobs.