Sundown Specials

Another dismal afternoon in Highgate Woods

A brutally hot and airless day at Highgate Woods against a stronger than usual Palm Tree ended in defeat at a ground where the Specials are getting increasingly tired off.

Having lost the toss for the sixth successive time at this venue the Specials were forced to bowl in unpleasant conditions. Palm Tree, not the greatest of hosts, even found it difficult to muster up a drink after 90 minutes of their innings but we settled on some luke warm water.

We bowled quite well but our ageing team cannot do 40 over cricket anymore and the truth be told we don't want to do it. Mark Naisbitt (1-12 ) Ned Ghaghada (0 for 15 ) Pilgrim (1-38 ) and surprise packages De Silva (4 for 42 ) and Herlihy (1 for 30) bowled well but a fine knock by Hemsley (84 n.o) supported by Glinos (37) saw Palm Tree reach a very challenging 178 for 9 on a two paced wicket. Specials cause was worsened by a recurrence of the Webmaster's knee injury.

Captain Medlock in view of some tired arms and legs put the 'Eric and Ernie' of the team, occasional players I Naisbitt and B. Cosgrove up the order. There was a serious examination of their stomach for the fight and their technique by Palm Tree 'ringer' Assad who bowled very aggressively and we were soon reduced to 13-5 with Ivan, Barry Ned, Luke, and Medlock in the hutch. Bagmaster Cotsen and McGowan rallied to take the score to 67 before Cotsen was ridiculously run out for a very nice 34.

De Silva soon went and McGowan and Herlihy took the score to 115 before McGowan was stumped for. 41. M Naisbitt and Pilgrim didn't last long and Herlihy batting at 9 was left not out on 22 as Specials were bowled out for 120. Russell doing the damage at the end of the innings.

Despite the appearance of former favourite Euan Soutar (does he still owe us £20 for tickets for the summer ball 2003?) and various Sundowner Babies it was a pretty unsatisfactory day.

The Team retreated back to Winters licking their wounds.

On a more positive note at least the bread at tea time had some butter on it this year. Happy days.