The Canes met at Blackweir to take on new opponents the Planning Pythons. This report is likely to be a bit hazy as several days have passed since the match and I haven’t got the scorebook to refresh my memory.
The main thing that sticks in my mind is yet another example of the sort of dynamic and imaginative leadership that has seen Captain Griff widely recognised throughout the cricketing world as a master of his trade – with the batting line decided by means of a pre-match game of boules, using cricket balls and a single stump. What will he come up with next I wonder? Bowlers to wear blindfolds perhaps? Actually that might not be such a bad idea – and could lead to significant improvement in one or two cases.
I can’t remember too much about the Canes innings – it must have be the trauma of being unluckily run-out when poised on the verge of the match-winning, career best score that I’ve been so close to producing for several decades? Lewis was the main contributor though – smiting his way to a typically hard-hitting 50 before retiring. I think the Canes finished on something like 150 for 6 off 20 overs.
Of course the main interest had been whether Dave could succeed in writing his name in annals of Canes (and possibly world) history. After being bowled first ball in each of the previous 2 games a unique hat-trick of golden ducks was tantalisingly within reach. All it needed was a straight ball and a cross-batted shot – could he do it? The tension was unbearable as the bowler ran in to deliver what could prove to be such an historic ball – only for there to be a huge groan of anguish and frustration from the crowd as it found the outside edge and flew over the top of slip. Unlucky Dave – that place in Wisden will just have to wait.
A tough target for the Pythons to chase then – and their hopes were soon in left in tatters by the Canes’ intimidating battery of pace bowlers and they were only able to reach somewhere around the 60 mark. However, they were able to bat out the full 20 overs – mainly due to a doughty knock from Tim ‘nice but dim’ (well, he supports Brighton) Walter. The good news is that the Canes seem to have discovered a new all-rounder as Jay followed up last week’s 30 not out against the Baa Baas with an impressive couple of overs. I take back all I said last time about his athletic prowess in the field.
There’s a new film out called Fire in Babylon which is supposedly about the brilliant West Indies team of the 70s and 80s, and especially their terrifying fast bowlers – but after this performance I think it’s pretty clear where the film-makers must have got the original idea from?
Man of the Match – Lewis.
— Danny