George has been a Gower man now for a season and a half, but sadly he only appeared twice for the Gower last season. His results were not startling, but George is a great Gower man and is uncomplaining in this regard. In his 2 games last season, George was required twice, but did not disturb the scorers on either occassion.
The new season has dawned, with George insisting on a change in fortune. So came the dawning of November 17th, for this was George's day. George must have had an inkling that the corner was going to be turned, since he arrived at the game with fan club in tow (one large, two small). Mundane stuff preceeded his entrance. Stead feathered a long hop behind for 50, Berger (fed up with receiving wides) kicked one on to the stumps for 30, Doc hit the nasty fastie for another pretty 30 before missing another pull. Then entered George to partner Grocer's mate.
The Islanders' attack featured 2 of last year's best Sunday left arm bowlers. George was unconcerned. It was his day. Najeeb (who had featured for HK in last week's 6's event) pitched the first ball on leg stump, spinning to off. George lifted him over mid wicket, against the spin, for a single.
Not just any old single, but George's first Gower single. The spectating players rose as one to acclaim the event, as they would to acclaim a Botham Hundred, or a Lillee Wicket. The fan club nodded knowingly. After all, they had been primed and knew what to expect.
But more was to follow. Twice more George lifted the spinner over mid wicket, on each occassion finding the boundary. Then it was the turn of the quick to feel the brunt of George's bat, with 2 further boundaries. His score moved to 20, from only 17 balls. There was awe from his assembled team-mates. Then, disaster. A quick single turned, mystifyingly, into a mis-understanding with Grocer's mate, and George was left stranded, removed in his prime.
Save for Jet's cameo (6 over point first ball, 5 - courtesy of overthrows - from the second), the innings quietly closed at a respectable, though far from daunting, 229 - 6.
George was not finished though, and as early as the 3rd over was plucking the ball out of the air at deep mid off (well, as deep as you can get at KGV), to remove their young opener. Their young guns of Manoj and Lamsam, however, then proceeded to show how undaunting our target was with 80 odd each, and by the time Grocer's 2 mates took on their Sunday "Yamano Friends" counterpart (and lost by some distance), the game was done with some 7 overs to spare.
Good to have the Chandelier back in the frame (with hat), and to welcome John Williams "to that that is CCC" (hope he was marginally impressed).
Thanks to George for providing the moments of the day.
Handing back to the Permanent Skipper for the next fixture - Away at HKU on 1st December.
Cheers, Standing-in Captain Stead.
