Lobsters 23/05/21

With storm clouds gathering and our very own John Kettley (Tommy will need to Google him) (aka Big Dog) predicting 50% chance of getting to the pub and 10% of playing any cricket, the start time was brought forward to 1pm and 18 overs-a-side.  It wasn’t long before Stuart and Luke were getting pinged to the boundary whenever the length was not accurate.  It was Stuart who got the breakthrough when a decent appeal from Big Dog convinced the umpire it was pad then bat, but was unable to convince the batsman. Simon misjudged a high catch at long-on, but Luke got his man soon after with a fine full delivery.  Luke managed to bowl another batsman but this time on a ‘free-hit’ from a no-ball.  With a bowling change came the revelation that the pitch was taking turn – even Tommy managed some turn when he managed to pitch the ball!  It was this novel occurrence that got Tommy his wickets – 2 bowled and 1 LBW.  He also managed to serve up a leg side full toss on a hat-trick ball!  Having seen 2 batsmen retire having passed 25, the Wanderers were keen to restrict the tail, but again were frustrated with all the bowlers at some point losing the length and getting punished.  112-5 from 18 overs was good going for the pitch.

Mike M (1) huffed and puffed but couldn’t make the right connections to play the helicopter shot (feeling the after effects of a dodgy pint the night before) and was soon bowled to bring Skipper in to join Simon.  Skipper (10) hit an enormous six off a delivery at head height but was brilliantly caught next ball having middled straight to the man at cow-corner.  Tommy (7) had the opportunity of facing a ‘free-hit’ following a no-ball but didn’t manage to get the ball off the square.  After he was caught Simon’s (15) innings also came to an end after he too was caught trying to push on.  Big Dog and Stuart halted the rot with Dog hitting firmly and straight when the fast bowler came on with 5 overs to go and still 50 to win!  He was eventually caught straight, and with Stuart bowled the following ball, Mike H was due in to face the hat-trick ball.  However, he was still asleep in his car so David came in and calmly faced the pressure ball.  The rain was coming down as the last pair of PW and Luke lasted out the final balls once Mike H was caught at gully following what looked to be a good shot through backward point.  77-8 meant a 35 run victory.  The gulf in the bowling accuracy was key, with the Lobsters giving very little away.

MOM: Connor – the substitute fielder provided by the Lobsters.  He fielded well and when he bowled, gave nothing away!

Catch of the day: None taken

Quote of the day: Tommy: “What is the collective noun for a group of dwarfs?” Skipper: “Pay day for Tommy”