Cricket: Sunday XI win thriller

Posted on May 21, 2012

Deep in the Chilterns on Sunday, the Bray Sunday XI won, what can only be described as a nailbiter vs HC Trotters. Bray called up youth cricketer Fil Davies, due to Chelsea fan and alcohol lover Harv pulling out last minute, in a frantic phone call to Peacock, where he entertained him with puking up whilst on the line!

It was "agreed" that Bray would bat first, and after welcoming 1st team skip Norris into the team, it was hoped that a large total would loom. How wrong we were. At 41-4, some would deem a gentleman's agreement where one team bats first as utterly stupid, of which I would agree... BUT! There was to be some joy, as captain Peacock was joined by keeper Alden in a mammoth 5th wicket partnership of 142 that rocketed the run rate along as both enjoyed an outing in freezing weather. Alden who was doing his best to intoxicate the skipper when chatting between overs, was eventually out for a typically beligerent 66, which included 10 4s and 1 six. This brought in the introduction of Portugal's finest cricketing export and possibly the most optimistic runner in world cricket Fil Davies, who scored his first senior run for the Bray but was unfortunately dismissed shortly before tea, the innings closing with Peacock junior registering his first century of the season (104*) helping to get Bray up to their total of 214-6.

After eating what might have been the most expensively made tea in history, Bray were put under the cosh early as the HCT openers raced to 40 from 7 overs, until Peek had Wolfenden for extra pace, caught behind for 23. Both bowlers kept things tight enough but with Jones readily available, (he had been stretching for extra cakes all through the tea break), it seemed that if a carrot could be dangled, that the HCT start could be disrupted. The thought process worked, and Jones dangled his carrot, returning excellent figures of 4-28 from his 8 overs. There was even talk of a Sunday afternoon trip to the Mango Lounge in Amersham! There was though, one boy standing at fine leg, doing his best to get a bowl. Fil Davies announced himself to HCT taking the wicket of Jonwood to spark wild celebrations and birthday bumps all round (it wasn't his birthday but he felt like a rockstar). There was one small problem left to deal with however, who would the Bray's 6th bowler be? The scoring was well up with the asking rate and someone was needed. Well, of course Davies snr was an option, one to sneak a few cheeky wickets, maybe buy the tequilas? Unfortunately, he had pulled his thigh, so the ball was thrown to Ringsell (he was as surprised as you, the reader) but he stepped up, and in occasionally bowling very straight, returned career best figures of 3-28 to swing the game in the right direction, with Trotters finishing 207 all out.

A great effort by the team, which if can be maintained, will kickstart the Sunday XI's quest to improve on last season's efforts!

Josh Peacock - 21/05/2012

Scorecard

• Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 7 runs
• Date: Sun 20th May 2012
• Start Time: 14:00
• Ground: Amersham Hill CC
• Type: Friendly
• Scoring: Standard
• Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat

Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club