The Highway Hurricanes
— vs The Mitres

Firstly there was the rare sight of a full complement of 11 Canes taking to the field for this revenge mission against the Mitres, and fans were rubbing their eyes in disbelief and delight at the sight of Captain Invisible back at the helm to lead them onto the field – and unless I’m hallucinating that gentleman with the curly mop of white hair is none other Mr Cadenne making a rare appearance this season. But best of all, also making a long overdue return to the fold is the ‘maybe less talented but definitely better looking’ Nathan.

So, a full team and a full complement of Nathans. We even had a 12th man in form of Mr Angle, who’d shown outstanding courage and commitment by cycling to the ground across the centre of Cardiff while wearing his Swansea City shirt, and he’d somehow made it through without being seriously assaulted? This surely meant that the planets were all correctly aligned and that the portents were there for the Canes to resume their quest for world domination – and that’s exactly how it turned out.

The Mitres batted first on a flat track and were largely untroubled by an unusually toothless Canes attack who seemed to miss the outside assistance that they’re used to receiving from the pitches at Blackweir and Heath Park. However, though the scoreboard ticked over at a healthy rate it was never out of control and the Mitres finished on 119 for 2 (I think) off 20 overs in a fairly uneventful innings – though there were DCs from both Staggs and the more handsome Nathan, all very tough chances mind. The 6 year old from last year (and he didn’t seem to have grown much) came in near the end and pushed a few comfortable singles – watch out for him in years to come.

A respectable total then, and it could prove a tough one to chase on a damp ground – especially given our recent batting calamities. It seems that the news that the Canes have become global super-stars (especially in Japan) thanks to the wonders of the web may have gone to some players heads – with discipline and common sense going out of the window in the search for instant fame, a quick headline and a mention in the match report. Well, I’m pleased to say that normal service was about to be resumed.

Jaffa and Super Sully opened and both played very sensibly at the start – pushing the singles and waiting patiently for bad balls to hit. The 6 year old was keeping wicket and let the first ball past for 4 byes – but after that he looked very capable. Sully was the first to break cast off the shackles as he bludgeoned several boundaries before becoming the only Canes wicket to fall. This brought Imran to the middle and it seems that his new kebab-free diet is doing him the world of good as he looked in very fine fettle indeed – effortless stroking a number of very stylish fours.

Meanwhile, on the boundary, Mr Rees was padded up and raring to enter the fray. Before the match he’s vowed that his return was going to settle once and for all the debate about who was the top Nathan – and the sight of his hated rival pawing at the ground seemed to galvanise Jaffa into hyper-drive as he launched an all-out assault on the Mitres bowlers in a blistering return to his best form, and there was no way he was giving up his wicket to allow the other Nathan a chance. The result was never in doubt as the Canes cruised to a 9 wicket win with plenty of overs to spare.

The only question mark was over whether Jaff would make to his half century before the victory target was reached. Well, he did – thanks to some unselfish play from Immy who blocked out several deliveries to ensure that Jaff would have his chance of glory. Dave was observed looking very sheepish and shame-faced following his failure to do likewise in similar situation earlier this season. A comfortable win then – bring on those Gladiators next week.

Man of the Match – great batting from Sully and Imran, but it must be Jaffa.

Danny