Apologies in advance for what may seem a rather down-beat headline and match report but there was little comfort for us to take from the first teams trip to Watlington on Saturday!
Having lost to league leaders Minster Lovell the previous week after a lacklustre batting display, we were looking to push ourselves up to a fourth place finish on a green Watlington wicket. Having won the all important toss, Marsh elected to bowl first in favourable conditions and were soon in the box seat with Wayne ripping through the top order backed up by Stevie who used seam and swing to good effect. Wayne ended with four along with Granty who needs 2 wickets on Saturday for 40 for the season. Watlington provided some middle order resistance but Marsh were always on top finishing Watlington off for 115.
Marsh were very happy with their work and faced a tricky stint of 10 overs to survive before the tea interval. Joe went early along with Jules, leaving Marsh in a bit of bother before Wayne and Carl steadied the ship. Another splendid tea was enjoyed by all as Gibbon looked to set about getting the runs without too many dramas!
Wayne batted nicely and batsmen came and went in perfect symmetry to the previous week as Marsh tumbled to a lowly 97 all out. Wayne (51) and extras (21) were the only real contributors to what can only be described as a dismal batting display!
On a positive note, with such a ‘pants’ batting display it meant that the porker was suitably filled taking us near to our £400 target for the end of season escapades next saturday!! Granty was suitably fined for a shot (a lovely square cut) on the off side, Big Dave landed a hefty one for dropping Granty from his shoulders the previous week in the Plough and Joe was given the customary 50p for the use of what can only be described as a ‘man bag’ which carried his huge array of toiletry products!
Anyway, despite a few weeks of disappointment we can still finish 5th with a win against Fringford on Saturday at Marsh before we retire to the club to enjoy the fruits of our season. For those who survive that (and Needy’s food) we will be heading into the village a bit later on once we’ve finished the barrels off at the sports field!
I’m sure the ‘s*** shirt’ shout will come from our leader (not too difficult for him to find one) for the day if it hasn’t already, so be prepared for fun, frolics and a £5 maximum from the fines man…oh…and we’ve got a game to win first!!
Dave
