Marsh finished the 2009 season on a high with a comprehensive victory over Fringford. With fine weather, a good pitch, a lovely tea and the prospect of a evenings worth of pre-paid booze, it was all set up for a good day….and thats what turned out!
Having won the toss and elected to bat Fringford were soon in trouble with guest star Mase rolling back the years by removing the dangerous Hicksy who nicked behind to Dave to snaffle his 25th dismissal of the campaign. With Wayne (17 wickets for season) struggling with injury, it was down to Frankie (24 wickets) and Grantie (42 dismissals for the season) to battle it out for the wickets, both grabbing four a piece, ensuring that the bowling cup will go right down to the wire. With wickets falling regularly coupled with a professional fielding performance, Fringford were dismissed for 85, leaving Marsh 10 overs to bat before tea. The danger signs of the early shunt were already starting to occupy the minds of the players, some starting to take bets on who would be left standing by 9pm after the inevitable early finish!!
The openers did a good job before tea with Ollie and Joe playing freely, leaving Marsh only 30 odd to get after the re-start. Joe (21) went soon after tea, leaving Jules and Ollie (39 not out) to finish the job before Needy’s antique clock had struck 5pm!
So that was the for the cricket and then began what for some turned out to be a 10 hour marathon effort! With a £5 max on fines, the porkers tally tipped over the £400 mark for the season! As we stoved into the ‘jugs’ and tucked into Needy & Sat’s food (hence the headline!), the atmosphere at the clubhouse was fantastic as we all celebrated our seasons efforts with players, umpires, WAGS, supporters and kids alike. A big thanks to Carlos and Sat for the scoff and Marcelle and Jackie for running the bar and putting up with the noise!
Then the announcement came from Crossy ‘right i’m going to the plough and i’m taking the pig with me!’, who seemed very eager to get there, can’t think why…… was it the prospect of a dance perhaps? Was he put off by the very average ‘backstreet boys’ impersonations? As we piled into the Plough pool room with our fine array of s*** shirts, bouyed by the news of the 2nds narrowly avoiding relegation and the firsts finishing in their joint highest place in league cricket, the beer flowed into the early hours, which didn’t really do much for our pool skills or Jules’ air guitar!!
A great night was had by all, which topped the season off perfectly! A big well done to all on their work for the club and thier achievements this year with special thanks and congratulations to both Carl and Tef who have both called time on their respective reigns as captains. Thanks must also go to all our umpires this season who have done an invaluable job for the club.
Looking forward to next season already.
Dave
