Match Reports 2012

1st XI Beaten by the Weather

Wet, windy, cold – just another set of perfect cricketing conditions at Broadleys for this league encounter against Royal Wootton Bassett. Nothing Royal about huddling in the pavilion though, and when Chalky lost the toss (again!), that’s exactly what his team mates did when Marshfield were asked to bat.

Despite the fielders not being able to feel their extremities, conditions were well suited to bowling first with rain in the air all afternoon. This proved to be the case as Marshfield’s top order failed for the first time this season being reduced to 40 for 4. Hobbs, AJ, Pigeon and Matty Watts all back inside keeping warm. Harvey Cummings bowling up the slope claiming three of those wickets although, some of the dismissals were not down to unplayable deliveries – perhaps more a case of batsmen looking towards the pavilion seeing their team mates with cups of tea inside and wanting to join them!

However, Big Dawg and Mini Dawg showed the rest how to play putting on a stand of 70 before Mini Dawg got a leading edge just before a rain shower brought the players off again. Upon the return, Jezzer decided enough was enough and proceeded to smash the ball around, proving that conditions were like a warm day in Antigua, making a lovely 34 off just 20 balls. Some further chipping around and with Big Dawg bringing up a well deserved birthday fifty, Marshfield closed their innings at 184 for 8 off their (reduced) 47 overs.

Tea saw a lovely spread of cakes, crisps and one of the best egg sandwiches I’ve had the pleasure to taste. It also brought torrential rain which hung around for hours. This was enough for both captains and umpires to call it a day. Leaving time for the Bassett boys to run around the outfield in just their briefs (some briefer than others) and for Big Dawg to enjoy a few more glasses of Moscow Mule with his birthday revelries kicking on into the night.

Ben White