Port Rejects 28/04/19

The new season began in April this season with a return to Port Rejects.  After a beer or two in the Mitre (and some redirecting of players who tried to go direct) we arrived to start the season with a few spare places (early season illness and unavailability).  Nipper’s girlfriend turned up half way through the innings to make 10 players.  With the hosts electing to bat, Zee opened the bowling with Ali (on debut).  Despite the lack of fielders, the early pressure limited the rate to 3 an over for the first 10 overs and Zee took the opening wicket of the season with a fantastic in-swinger that took the top of leg stump.  An unwise decision to take on Nipper’s arm resulted in the next wicket with a sharp run out before Ali got just reward for an outstanding spell, bowling the next batsman when he started to strike the ball well.  After an expensive loosening over, Luke found a good rhythm and he got the other opener LBW.  Pete was a revelation on the newly re-laid artificial pitch.  His leg spin deliveries caused much decision making for the batsmen – should they go forward or try and play back when the ball was bouncing so high?  This resulted in PW getting 2 catches by Simon behind the stumps.  Nipper bowled with great pace and then his better half Jemma bowled an over.  – was a good total but not too great on an artificial that plays well if you adjust to the bounce.

A delightful tea included a cous cous salad and cheese and jam sandwiches!

Mike Moore was back playing again after a season lost to back pain but failed to trouble the scorers.  Dane was LBW and then Nipper tried to score off ball 1 only to realise there is more bounce in the artificial and edged through to the keeper.  Ali was bowled to a good delivery which brought Simon to join Mike W.  Things were going along nicely with Simon hitting the last ball from a very impressive opening spell for 6 (although Mike M failed to notice this while scoring).  The leg spinner was proving difficult for similar reasons to PW and Simon was caught trying to hit a leg-side drive square.  Zee played with his usual attacking flair and hit 4 sixes in his cameo 42 not out.  Jemma batted at the end and should Nipper exactly how to survive for several overs.

Although a defeat, a good day was had by all and the season is underway.

MOM: Zee

Catch of the day: Simon edge from PW

Quote of the day: How do you eat the cous cous with no spoon? Answer from Nipper – use the tea spoon!