Match Report: 1sts versus West Ilsley, 10th July 2010

The Wolvercote 1st team entered their match with West Ilsley off the back of a narrow league defeat to Kilkenny and a conceded victory from Hook Norton. One sensed that anticipation was in the air – or was that just Simon Burns’ flatulence problem? Without captain Campion, Stuart Tofts stepped seamlessly into the skipper role, marshalling his troops with great assurance – truly the iron fist within the velvet glove(s).

However Tofts’ first contribution was to lose the toss and Ilsley elected to bat. Whilst strike bowler Burns has been in supreme form this season, his punctuality left something to be desired, arriving just as the first over was commencing! John Chrystal (2-33) stormed in, fired up as ever. Indeed JC seemed to be particularly hot under the collar on what was a balmy day. With one opening batsman persistently stepping away when people crossed behind the bowler’s arm, Chrystal quipped, “It’s a f*****g park!” You tell ‘em John!

The Ilsley openers started well but once removed the batting line up proved to be dodgier than Pablo’s chat up lines. Simon ‘the Bernabéu’ Burns was probably only at 75% fitness for the game but nonetheless managed to pick up a brace of wickets. Tim MacIntyre supported well with his big away swingers, but it was JVS who produced one of the moments of the match when a delivery hit the stumps with sufficient velocity as to send a bail over the boundary for six! Angus ‘Big Merv’ Stock bent his back as usual and picked up 1-11. The only batting resistance came from John Marston (41 n.o.) whose unconventional technique – holding the bat more like a sabre than a cricket bat – proved effective. The Wolvercote fielding was mixed – some excellent stops and catches (for example Brian George’s diving effort which resulted in a rib injury). However there were a number of dropped catches from Angus Gardiner-Morrison, Asif Amin and there may have been a missed chance (or two) by John ‘Teflon’ Beard.

A top class tea was laid on, as ever, by Margaret which included a wide array of cakes and cookies. Patrick was the surprise teatime guest.

The sound of the vuvuzela could be heard as Wolvercote’s ‘bafana bafana’ openers, Angus and Tim, took to the field. The pair made a solid start but were both bowled to unconventional strokes. JVS (19 runs) was his usual pugnacious self at the crease and was perhaps unlucky to be triggered leg before. WCC’s answer to Tamim Iqbal – Asif Amin – has been in encouraging form of late and this he continued with 31 runs.

On the sidelines Burns and resident cheerleader, Phil Tristram, cracked open the beers whilst JVS tucked into a bottle of vodka. The celebrations may have been somewhat premature but victory was not long in coming, secured by Gilham (24 n.o.) and Beard (11 n.o.) with more than 20 overs to spare. A fine performance lads – keep striving for the double!

About The Author