A rain filled week and a dreary forecast preceded this important fixture. The weather gods were, however, kind to us and Dave unusually won the toss and chose to bat.
A brisk start was provided by Wali & Frankie with Wali making 26 from 22 balls and Frankie making his career best for Civic of 33 from 27, featuring his signature self umpiring, signalling his own boundaries. Both openers hitting a six and six fours between them. Next was the in form Darshan, who didn’t disappoint hitting 2 sixes and 4 fours, dominating the partnership with Dave, who was most concerned not to get out to Dooley, who had been bombarding him with messages all week and set up a £100 bet to get him out. A near scare run out chance was provided by the pair who were too busy ball watching to notice that they were at the same end, anyway Dave scurried back to safety and all was well. Unfortunately, Darshan was provided with a golden jug avoidance moment by being given out on 43 LBW to a ball that he claimed to have nicked. Dave survived until the end making 11* from 10 and was briefly joined by the ever vocal Elmo who carved a breathtaking 4 from 4 balls before being given out for being annoying, although it was recorded in the book as bowled. Charlz stepped up and was unfortunately run out at the death. A score of 139/5 from 16 overs was posted, heavily assisted by Westcliff’s keeper who dropped 3 catches on the way.
There followed a good lesson in pace bowling from new recruit Callum and returning hero Matt who tidied up the first 4 batsmen, 2 each, all bowled by full and straight deliveries with a hint of swing in the heavy air. Jerin ran out their next batsman in rather controversial circumstances as the batter was too busy ball watching and chatting with the umpire to notice that he had not made his ground. There was some talk of calling him back, but the wicket stood and Jerin then picked up a nice LBW for the last wicket of the innings. The remaining batsmen batted out slowly and this gave a chance for Batman, Tom Cruise and myself to turn our arms over. Goth provided his normal pacy over and Charlz was tight with 2 overs for 9. The same can’t be said for me as I bowled the worst spell I can remember, a particular lowlight being a rank legside wide whilst bowling to a 7-2 offside field (oddly not mentioned in the Dick of the Day vote).
Westcliff fizzled out for 92/6 from their 16 and the match was over
Civic win by 47 runs
Player of the match Callum for a great bowling performance (close 2nd Darsh for yet another great knock & Matt for his excellent bowling spell)
Dick of the Day Elmo for being Elmo
Champagne moment wasn’t voted for but Callum getting Lockhart middle peg from a swinging full delivery, Darsh’s pulled 6 over square leg and Frankies self signalling boundaries were my contenders.