The return of Andrew Chadwick to Longmead always fires up the Stoke and today was no exception. His presence coupled with the spicy goings on at the recent Nieman Pick golf day involving the LSCC skipper, spilt claret and a headlock gave the day an “edge”.

The Bishopstrow attack, slightly stronger without Bomber and Ski, ripped into the Limpley top order dismissing Smith, Twist Owen and Bush cheaply before Jimmer and Gregory (whinging about his freefall down the order) steadied the ship with 38 and 30 respectively. Underdown played as straight as ever but fell before his innings had any momentum. Limpley reached 128 all out; no one really thought it was enough.

Tea was taken but due to a curious local milk shortage it was squash all round.

Things looked ominous as Safraz (the opening batsman and bowler) started tonking Hannel and Tyrie to all parts. Skipper, fielding at mid-off hommed out of a catch, hurting his hand. Luckily nursey was near by to administer first aid and he was back on the field sledging the batsman in no time. Bush made a diving stop to his left worthy of note as the next ball saw the back of Safraz, mis-timing a cover six and being caught by Bush at backward point. We knew the danger had passed. First change saw Bush and Mike into the attack. Mike bowled a tidy spell and the crowd were heard to remark how good it is that LSCC have some raw pace back in the attack. Bush and Hannel dealt with all but 1 wicket taking 5 for and 4 for respectively (Bush picking up the prize wicket of Andrew Chadwick). Short spells from Richards A. and Gregory dragged the game out way past it’s predicted finish time and Tyrie came back to mop up the innings with not the first dubious lbw decision of the afternoon.

That was that, Limpley romped home led by their wounded skipper who is now undergoing an intense course of physio to get his finger fit for his Madrid holiday, which sees him miss the Priston game.

With the squad growing by the week nervous selection murmuring is abound. Will Richards S walk back into the top order? Has Gregory done enough to reclaim his 3 berth? How many balls will Owen dive over in the field this season before skipper hides him at fine leg both ends?

Bring on Seend !!

Tim Bush - The Millennium Skipper