Grocer, skipper and the eternal optimist, felt that everything was on track for a splendid victory.
I left the field with Stead's arrival and everything picked up dramatically. Muller was taken out of the field, where he was doing a great job at parrying the ball away from the net, but no retention, and so was hidden at the bowlers end. Took a quick 3 himself off his 10 and turned it round from chasing 300 to chasing 200. Jet chimed in with 2 for 50 and Osama too 2 for 67 off 3 fast, and 7 overs of wronguns. William Turner Hilton Wadsworth made a huge return, dropping a dolly at mid-off, followed by a regulation at deep mid-off and then a blinder at gully, to dismiss St George's skipper, who can hit a ball. Holding St George's to 220 for 8, grocer reliably informs me, a combination of brilliant captaincy, man management and foresight.
Berger and Stead set about it. Berger crashed to balls through the covers for 8 in the first over and then played the Berger 'tuck' shot off his legs round the corner just behind square for another boundary. Stead was meanwhile pushing the ball back along the pitch. Berger leapt down and cover drove out of the middle one bounce over the line through cover down towards the old nets - this was really looking like something. Berger walking back to the pavilion put a stop to any silly thoughts. Stead was now pushing the ball slightly wide of the pitch and the 'accumulator' was off and running. After protracted discussions with the Grocer Wino was sent it at 3. It turns out that this was the 10th game of cricket in his life. That is the sort of astute management at CCC. He made 28 - he made them quick - he got out going for ball placement in Mong Kok.
It was 105 off 20 overs and 220 seemed a long way off.
Stead was now hitting the ball to all parts of the ground.
A family of Slacks had turned up to partake of the spectacle.
Osama started hitting boundaries and it was all over red rover.
230 for 3 ourselves (do not ask me how we beat them by 10 runs and 7 wickets but it is a funny game cricket). Stead a magnificent 130 no and Ahmed 28 no.
Grocer - won the toss and inserted. Won the game. Had that ridiculous fixed grin on his face that nothing would remove. I tried to explain that the game had run its own course and that he influenced things very little. He would not have a bar of it and I left him explaining to anyone who would listed about astute bowling changes, field placement, opening a can of Carlsberg and anything else that anyone wanted tips on .
What can I say, except, well done - this is a team of character.
My contribution - umpired 18 myself, turned down 123 appeals for lbw.
Always a joy to receive the Monday morning update (you really are far more entertaining by email than in person)- I also look for it in the sports section of the Sydney Morning Herald...... never there.
You can say what you like about Grocer, but he picked WTHW didn't he - inspired!! I suggested this to you several WEEKS ago but I note you failed to act upon it. You should not be afraid to take well meaning advice from some of the past skippers who have over-achieved in the capacity.
You have alot to answer for you arsehole. You could put your Mum as Captain for all I care but not Grocer.What a fxxxing ear-ache I have all because your inept. Who in their right mind would make Grocer Captain of anything. No wonder your not a doctor anymore - probably you were fxxxing up too many minds. Anyway how do I get rid of this ear ache.
