Soggy end fails to dampen spirits
Lyme Regis, Dorset, 5/16/2010
Match abandoned [rain]
Strongroom: 179-4 [M.Mellor 48*]
Uplyme & Lyme Regis:
View the Scorecard
It was always going to be a struggle to have 11 fit players for the third consecutive game on tour. Looking around the breakfast table at 9am on Sunday, discussing the reverence of the Nando's gold card, I don't think we fully appreciated having 13 largely able bodied Strongmen still able to enjoy their toast and West Country butter. The Ormanator was still recovering from the T20 on Friday, Hemlet could barely walk after a glorious 4 wicket spell Saturday, and 25 year Strongman veteran Guy Wilson once again had done himself a mischief with his youthful exuberance. But, after two days, The Dolphine, aka The Whale, had not got stuck on any one way bridges, Rich Woolhouse did not plough into any oncoming traffic or Devon banks, and brothers Gower did navigate us through the maze of country lanes.
We all ended up at Uplyme and Lyme Regis CC in good time (The Dolphin even making its first overtake on the way), but with rain falling we were only barely more enthused about the prospects of a game than the demotivated opposition skipper. Fortunately our leader and motivator, Jon, was around to talk some sense into us and the oppo. After a brief break to check out the coast and wait for sunshine, we got under way. With a bang. Rich (31) racing to 18 in the first two overs before the bowling of Jones and Newson tightened up considerably. Though Jules (29) did smash a few loose full tosses convincingly over the boundary. Jules and Rich played the bowling with respect before a Rich mishit was held at mid-off, bringing in the eager Ujjal "Napalm" Roy. Nape (1) has looked good with the bat but has been unlucky to not capitalise so far this year. He was undone by a devilish delivery that was angling down leg but cut straight back off the deck to take out off stump, as he walked off he rightly said he "didn't deserve that ball". The Skip (29) then strode to the crease and finally, for the first time on tour, we we able to witness some "proper" cricket shots. The mighty Dave Proctor (11) replaced Jules after he was caught, and it was a pleasure to watch the contrast of the text book skipper with the unorthodox but very determined big fella. Proc's determination to maintain his very high average was spurred on by a roar from the Strongmen on the boundary as he passed 10. Unfortunately the cheer for 15 did not come as Proc was also caught, bringing to the crease Mark "The Magician" Mellor. Once again Magic (48no) pulled something out of his hat, this time it was a six that cleared the club house. This was mixed in with plenty more boundaries, albeit some off the 14yo Brimmicombe, who bowled well for his 2 wickets. After many stop/ starts due to rain, the game was finally called off after Strongroom completed 36 overs with the bat. Tea was again a treat, with the Uplyme, Lyme Regis skipper's wife baking not one, but two cakes that Guy Wilson particularly enjoyed. 4.5/5. The tour was a resounding success. Many thanks to Jon Gower for pulling together such a ragged bunch of misfits and keeping us together throughout, and of course to the three oppositions for being very welcoming hosts. Lets do it all again soon!
Written By: M.Newkirk
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