In a game played in surprisingly good spirit for Cowdrey, the balance swung in both directions before Cowdrey finally saw off formerly 3rd place Deal by 30 runs. After Gary Marshall lambasted Hammo a few weeks ago, he has taken a good hard look at himself and showed a responsibility and maturity in his batting yet to be seen this season. Perhaps it could well have been the discussion of thermo-dynamics and political theory that meant he couldn’t sleep off a well-earned hangover in the villager’s trap and pony, that made him realise all he could offer to the club was a bit of form with the bat!!

Although to be fair to Hammo, he was in form after Rooney and co sent a team of under 12s to give him a hitting session last week, which resulted in 155*. Having won the toss, luckily the good form continued with a controlled and disciplined 77, (in the 1st Village opening partnership over 100 this year) and set the tone along with Ratty (36), with all eyes looking to 250 plus.

However despite good starts for “Megan’s Protectors” and the skipper, the lower middle order did not capitalise on an excellent early position, with no-one below 5 making double figures. Deal bowled disciplined lines and fielded very well, showing a level of commitment in the outfield to surpass many of Cowdrey’s efforts this year. However, on a quick outfield, Cowdrey coughed and spluttered to 206 all out in the final over, from the jaws of 250, both sides knowing that there was a lot of cricket still in the game and a couple of key performances would turn the game decisively in their favour.

After an excellent (and huge) tea, that defeated even the digestion of Barney “the dustbin” Scott, and a darts “Oche” that thoroughly confused and tripped Tom “what do you mean, chess is a pub game” Probert, Cowdrey took to the field, everyone ignoring the “Dunkirk” spirit captain Warner tried to instil, instead opting to play cricket.

The flowing locks of “Probes” joined “Muzza” as the Cowdrey openers. Very quickly created a chance, by bowling with pace and bounce Tom got the edge only for returning keeper Andy to put down a fairly regulation chance…. A dose of the F*ck-its from the ever encouraging captain was swiftly followed by the 1st break through. A late call, and an excellent pick-up and throw from Hammo, lead to danger man Marsh being run out for 4. Killip soon followed, going for an expansive drive to a ball that left him and bounced, thudding into the chest of Hammo at 1st slip, only to fall in to his hands. Muzza after a slow start started to find movement and quickly had Toon bowled, as he played all round a straight one (much to Roberts’ relief).

In a surprise move, Gary “long hop” Marshall came from the short boundary end – it was just too tempting for Moran, who willingly took the challenge on and was the main person responsible for “Café’s” figures resembling a Cowdrey batting score prior to collapse. However Moran went for 1 too many, and the “syrup” got revenge as it stuck in the safe hands of Muzza at long-on. Farrow stuck with Birkett for a time, before turning a leg stump half volley from Warner (no change there then) in to the hands of Will Needham.

It was then that top scorer Brannan and Birkett combined, batting sensibly and with application. Glen “its alright I’ve got a plan” Warner, finally put the ball where he meant to and got impulsive puller Birkett to put it straight down Barneys neck at deep mid wicket, however Barney’s head and maybe shoulders were not in the game and despite getting there in plenty of time, he shelled it. Warner took this as a sign and Needham came on to replace him.

Immediately, Will struck, with flight, guile and plenty of turn, Birkett played and missed a couple of times before getting a thick edge to a ball that bounced and turned, this time Roberts made no mistake and pouched it. Muzza put “The Buffet” out of his misery and came back on and the wickets continued to tumble, with Megan’s protector the younger pocketing a simple catch in front of square and Ratty finally sobered up to take an excellent running catch at wide long on to dismiss the dangerous Scott McNamara. Meanwhile Needham was weaving his spell and apart from a couple of bad balls, had every batsman guessing and often not getting near him. He finally accounted for Brannan (who batted very well) caught by the skipper and then to finish the game, with Deal still requiring 33 runs from 5 overs, completed an excellent bowling display with an athletic caught and bowled – if only next week he could remember his spikes!!!

Special mention for “Pencils” for ever diligent scoring even in the midst of the greatest adversity, and to Jack Southwart for realising that Will had more need for his spikes than he did. However with Betts managing to get the full 20 points also, the gap remains 5 points at the top and all Cowdrey can do is keep applying pressure and hope for a slip-up.

AR