Fresh after the victory of last week against the same team a strong CCCC arrived with great hope of adding another win to the solid start to the 2023 outdoor season.

As usual Dave lost the toss (a missed opportunity for a vote for Dick of the day surely) and Westcliff decided to bat. Will bowled a fantastic first over and seemed to be robbed of a plum LBW that hit the batsman’s toe on the full right in front of the sticks, but in true village stye the decision was not given. Suffice to say that this did not lift Will’s mood which gradually worsened over the course of the match as his patience and luck were tested to the max by umpires and fielders alike. Although it was with some indignation that Will denied backing off catches himself, making the spurious claim to being the fattest member of the squad and therefore not so mobile (I think I may have that title but would be pleased to relinquish it). Adnan picked up the first two wickets (2-9) clean bowled in repeat style full length straight quicker ones. The score however crept up with a couple of spilled catches & a few misfields, one fielder, who shall remain nameless, being accused by Dave of fielding like a “trout”, on the legendarily undulating outfield at Chalkwell . Amusingly at one point Adnan waited until I had run all the way to the deep legside boundary to offer to go there instead so I ran all the way back over into the covers, only to witness a seemingly magnetic attraction of the ball to Adnan (Magneto) in the position as the it flew to him, past him and over him several times. I was glad that he was there and not me, especially when a steepler went up to him and got buffeted around by the wind only to end up on the deck. 2023 new recruit Steve persevered and picked up 2-21 in a good 3 over spell. 2 catches for Luke sees him fly up the fielding table. A decent containing performance saw Westcliff reach 137/5 in their 18.

CCCC took to the crease with great intent, but Rash & Goth found it hard going as the opening bowlers managed to get both swing on pace, and some significant movement by the young leg spinner. Both succumbed quickly and it was 16 for 2 Jerin punched a stylish boundary but also fell cheaply and at 24 for 3 it was time to dig in, Dave nudged the ball around to keep the scoreboard ticking and, as shown on the Group watsapp, hit a particularly stylish straight boundary back over the bowler making 38* from 29, whilst Luke at the other end muscled his way to the innings of the day getting 51* from 32 before retiring at the death, his innings featured 8 fours and a towering 6. By the time Adnan stepped to the crease to grab the glory only 10 runs were needed and with some assistance from extras the innings closed at 141/3.

Civic wins by 7 wickets with 2.5 over to spare

Thanks to all for a great performance. It was followed up with drinks at the ground and Chinese meal at Zen.

A good night and as always Civic has the best social side in the league.

Man of the Match : Luke Wells
Champagne Moment : Luke’s 50
D of the Day : Will