HSBC (HOME) - Thursday, 8 May 2003
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Heralded by swallows circling overhead, the bleating of new-born lambs, and Neil Holmes's abdominal protector emerging sleepily from hibernation, the cricket season had arrived. And, less than three hours later, the Loafers' ground record for 2002 had disappeared. Neither Keith Budd (knee) nor Steve King (son's birthday) were available to skipper the Loafers against the might of HSBC, so that honour fell to young Alec Walsgrove. Put in to bat, the Loafers lived up to their name and skulked quietly during the opening overs, pinned down by the nagging accuracy of the evergreen John Simons. The only incident of note in that time was when opening bat Dave Burford decided that it would be fun to hit Simons out of the ground, failed to connect and was stumped. Accordingly, by the end of four overs the Loafers had reached the dizzy heights of one for one. At the other end Martin Baldry had patiently occupied the crease with only occasional forays into the scorebook, and when both he and Juniper were out in quick succession the Loafers had slumped to 16 for 3. A captain's innings was called for, and Walsgrove junior delivered, scoring an unbeaten 31 in a partnership of 80 with Phil Low (42). There was just enough time for Neil Holmes to raise the hundred with a boundary, enabling the home team to reach a quite unexpected 104. Darkening skies, the traditionally ropey New Park wicket - surely 104 would be enough? Tight opening bowling by Holmes and Bernard Walsgrove (temporarily suspending his midweek retirement) briefly kept HSBC quiet, Walsgrove snr picking up a couple of wickets during his spell, but subsequently carnage - in the shape of Ian Dyer - reigned. HSBC's captain helped himself to a fifty before retiring to let his minions pick off the remaining runs. More than four overs remained when Phil Low was hit for a straight six, putting an end to the Loafers' misery. A post-mortem was conducted in the Coach & Horses afterwards. HSBC won by six wickets |
Skulking Loafers Fixture List 2003
