The Highway Hurricanes
— vs Sportsmans Rest

Captain Griff had caused chaos and confusion earlier in the day by saying he’d probably be unavailable on some flimsy pretext relating to his domestic arrangements. With vice captain Stagg also absent this left the Canes with a leadership crisis. In the event Griff did manage to make it and order was restored – though personally this came as quite a disappointment as I’d spent half the afternoon thinking up items of hurtful personal abuse to throw at him in this report e.g. a comparison with the WW1 generals who were quite happy to send their men over the top to face the German machine guns whilst themselves safely ensconced miles behind the lines quaffing roast venison and champagne.

The heavens opened at Caedelyn just as we preparing to do battle with new opponents the Sportsman’s Rest from Peterson – though after sheltering for some 30 minutes the rain stopped and we managed to get under way on a soggy pitch in a reduced 18 overs game. Despite the difficult batting conditions it soon became clear that the Sportsmen were a more than useful outfit who will be a welcome addition to the FTL. Griff had opted for the bizarre opening attack of Laser Lewis and Super Sully, and although J Lo struck to bowl the one opener the runs were soon mounting – with some big hitting in particular from the other opener (who batted right through the innings). There were wickets for Nathan and Griff (plus others that I can’t remember – sorry), a terrific catch on the boundary from Griff (will he ever drop one?) and ‘almost’ an even better one from Sully who had the sun in his eyes. Danny continued to dominate proceedings at the top of the DC table, and Lewis seemed to be fantasizing that he was Ronaldo as he kicked what should have been a single over the boundary (get over it Lewis – Barca won fair and square). The Sportsmen finished on 85 for 5 – though it has to be acknowledged that the wet outfield prevented several boundaries. The state of the ball, which had become likely a soggy pudding and assumed some very interesting shapes after being hit, didn’t exactly help the batsmen either, and so in reality this represented a more than useful total.

However, it started to assume mountainous proportions when the Canes started their reply against very some accurate bowling, on a difficult pitch, and with a ball that had deteriorated even further. Runs were very hard to come by, though Imran finally managed a lusty blow – but was unlucky to be run out trying to turn a 2 into a 3. Meanwhile Sully and poor old Laser were having a desperate time trying to make any headway at all. In fact it was pitiful sight watching Laser putting absolutely every ounce of strength he had into shots which went nowhere at all – like trying to hit a medicine ball with a ping pong bat. Sully had departed to be replaced by Lewis – who promptly put John out of his misery by running him out. The skipper then joined Lewis, and it was here that the match swung – thanks to an inspired piece of umpiring from Imran who persuaded the Sportsmen that batting was becoming a farce and that the ball should therefore be changed. The very next delivery with the harder new ball positively ‘pinged’ off Griff’s bat for a 2, and with the pitch also starting to dry out, it suddenly seemed like a different game entirely. Lewis, who’d managed to keep some runs coming during the difficult opening, started to enjoy himself and picked up sixes off succesive deliveries. What had looked a lost cause at one time turned into a comfortable 5 wicket win for the Canes as Jim joined in the fun after Lewis’ demise. I think it has to be said though that, overall, we enjoyed the best of the batting conditions – especially after the ball change.

Before turning to the man of the match I think it’s worth mentioning the long overdue award of this honour to Stagg Senior in the previous game against the Mitres. Though I wasn’t present to witness the performance that lead to the award I’ve no doubt at all that it was richly deserved. Over the years many experts have described Dave as being the most naturally talented Hurricanes player of all, though perhaps that talent hasn’t always been fulfilled owing to his lifestyle and the company that he keeps. Already barred from half the pubs in Cardiff, too often, rather than reading about his cricketing exploits, we see him on the front pages of the tabloids owing to drunken ejections from night clubs – or as the subject of kiss and tell revelations, or because of various floosies seeking paternity payments. Perhaps this represents a new beginning that will see his talent truly begin to flower – though his absence on a pub crawl in New Quay might suggest otherwise?

But back to the matter at hand. Griff must be a strong contender for his batting, wickets and catch. It was Imran who really swung the match by arranging for the ball to be changed. But of course it has to go to Lewis for his outstanding batting – toughing it out at the start followed by big hitting as the conditions improved.

— Danny