GAS V ARLEY JUNIOR PLATE TUESDAY 18/7/17
WINNERS ARLEY
MAN OF THE MATCH SAM BAUGH ARLEY 69 NOT OUT PLUS USEFUL BOWLING CONTRIBUTION.
REPORT
A bright evening at Chester Road, 27 degrees with a pleasant breeze blowing in distant cumulus clouds. Will light become a problem? The ground as always was beautifully presented awaiting the gladiators in white, Arley and Gas making the annual entrance.
If nothing else, the league offers this opportunity to play on a first-class arena. Our thanks to Chester Road and in particular Chris.
The toss was made at 6:15 with Arley taking the field at 6:23 with umpires Oakley and Morris prompting proceedings.
An excellent wicket resulted in few victims, the fascination being the contrast in styles. The exuberance of youth versus the guile of maturity. The flurry of air shots, edges and gasps versus the nudges and dabs with minimum effort, the daring dives versus the outstretched boot, the slow grenades versus the fizzing wides, all created a tense and close encounter.
A moments relaxation as Sam performed his kangaroo hops from fairy circle to circle and a procession of country casually dressed gentlemen each armed with a folder hidden inside a range of receptacles ranging from Tesco’s best carrier to Bond Street briefcases proceeded to their meeting.
With little to choose between the teams, the confidence of youth responded with an appropriate acceleration. No to be out done by the final ball of the Gas Innings which disappearing over the pavilion spending the remainder of its life amongst the cabbages, another joined them, followed by a third in the opposite direction attempting to catch the 8:30 to Marylebone.
A very pleasant evening concluding with an explosion of excitement.
My gratitude to both teams for respect shown throughout, excellent league ambassadors and a special mention for Gas who mature members are like a good wine.
Gas 135 for 4 from 12 overs
Arley achieve this target with a dozen balls to spare for the loss of two wickets
