Sundown Specials

Medlock bags a 6 wicket haul as Calthorpe crash to a comprehensive defeat

On the hottest day of the season so far I lost the toss and the team prepared themselves for two and a half hours of torture in the field. Without three of our strike bowlers a new ball pairing of Clive Moore and myself took the battle to Calthorpe. Clive made an early breakthrough and bowled tight whilst I was a bit more expensive but also managed to pick up a wicket.

Opener Simon Tanner was batting steadily but after the first half hour when 50 runs were scored Calthorpe plodded along on a decent wicket with lightening fast outfield to 110-2. The runs were drying up as Tanner reached his 50. Skipper Medlock was getting bored and restless and rotated the strike with Cedric De Silva bowling very tightly except one ball which nearly hit V in the head whist fielding at first slip. The debut of James Vassey brother of Luke was encouraging as he got a debut wicket smartly caught by keeper McGowan.

The game changed dramatically as Medlock wreaked havoc with a quick six wickets (6-20) as Calthorpe fell to pieces and were out at 4.30 for 134 and were left scratching their heads as to where it all went wrong after such a good start. Their innings had capitulated after the new ball had been lost in the Woodside Park Sports Club's undergrowth.

Another top quality tea followed and incredibly this lasted nearly 45 minutes as both teams seemed happier watching the Australia/England one dayer in the club house.

A good crowd had turned up to watch the Specials reply. Faisal and Golds survived some early scares before Faisal was out on 35 his lowest score of the season. Golds And V put their foot on the accelerator and soon the scores were level. Calthorpe's skipper came on and bowled a wide one outside Gold's off stump. Golds was expecting the wide to be called and to march back to the pavilion with a good 67 n.o in the book. I told him it was a good ball and he should have moved his feet.

The next ball, indeed he did move his feet, back to the pavilion having been bowled by a beauty. This brought Bagmaster Cotsen who throughout the day had complained of sore eyes due to an excess of sun lotion. Others in the team attributed his temporary problem to certain nocturnal habits. He strode to the crease with the scores level. He faced one ball a wide. The game ended with an 8 wicket victory.

Former wicket keeper Dave Reed was an interested spectator along with the sundown babies and Roy Naisbitt father of former all rounders Mark and Ivan. He was pleased to see the brotherly traditions being carried on by the Vasseys. He offered to find the missing new ball but within one minute was next seen slumped asleep by the bushes.

Tony Blair wants the working age extended to 70 - he might have second thoughts after watching the performance of Naisbitt senior. I don't think his wife was too impressed either.

A good win which avenged last Autumn's heavy defeat. Next week it's away at Enfield Invicta. Keeper McGowan has declared himself unavailable in order that he can spend more time with his family. Right.