In our thirteenth official match of the season, the All Ords finally were scheduled to play Robos Pet Farm for the first time. Given Robo's were second last on the ladder, hopes were high, however since we had been beaten by the bottom side earlier in the season, no-one was too confident. The team comprised all the older members of the squad in Doc Watson, Captain Hanlon, Smithy, Pinman, Serry Senior and Pretty Boy Webster. What we lacked in speed, ability and agility, we made up for in age (I'd like to say wisdom or experience but I am not sure about either!).
We were sent in to bat and our regular openers Doc and Smithy strode in. After one of them realised (not mentioning any names) that he had his gloves on the wrong hands, we were worried about just how ready our normally reliable openers were. Needless to say they started brightly and put on 7 without loss for the first over. Ten in the second and nine in the third despite one run out and the dynamic duo were on fire. The last over added only four runs due to another run out but the first pair had successfully made a fine start with 30 runs (Doc 14, Smithy 16).
In a change of normal routine, Captain and Pinman came in next. A superb six in the first over by Captain and a magnificent 19 runs off the over was a wonderful start. A very steady 8 runs without loss off the next, and 11 without loss off the third and the pair were turning over the strike very well and scoring at will. Despite a nice four from Pinman off the first ball of the last over, a slight relaxation and a run out meant only 6 runs but the pair had put on a magnificent 44 (Captain 25, Pinman 19) and the All Ords were on a very comfortable 74 after eight overs.
The last pair was the first time pairing of the hare between the wickets, Pretty Boy and the tortoise, Serry Senior (who, in his own defense, was STILL limping). Just how the running between the wickets was going to work was uncertain, at least until Serry Senior told Pretty Boy no fast running, and especially no lapping your own partner, was allowed. The pair started well with 13 over the first over, including a nice four to Serry Senior. The second over, also for the loss of no wickets saw only 5 runs produced, the third another productive 13 without loss with the guys batting well. The last over produced 7 runs and one run out, with the pair producing a total of 38 runs (Serry Senior 24, Pretty Boy 14) and the All Ords sitting on a score of 112, which should have been comfortable to defend if they bowled and fielded well.
Doc opened the bowling and bowled unluckily again taking 0/10. Pinman then went on the rampage and with three run outs off the over, managed an exhilarating 3/-5. Pretty Boy then bowled very short and fast, intimidating the batsmen and managing 1/0. Doc bowled the last and allowed 0/15 and the first pair had made a solid 20 but the opposition were already behind the required run rate.
Smithy opened the bowling to the next pair and three catches later should have been bowing to the crowd (if there was one) with figures of 3/-4. Serry Senior then bowled tightly but allowed eight runs, Smithy came straight back on to continue his domination taking another 2/-3, with two more catches. Smithy had put in an enormous performance. The Captain had hidden Serry Senior in the back corner because of his limp but the ball kept being hit near him and three nice catches, two of which required him to actually move, led to much surprise from everyone including Serry Senior. Captain came on for the last over to this pair and bowled with scary pace managing a fine 1/2. The opposition had put on only 3 runs and at 23 after 8 were in big trouble.
Pinman, continuing his fine all round form, took 2/-1 including another two catches by the fielders who were doing brilliantly. Pretty Boy's pace succeeded in battering whatever confidence the opposition had left as he took another 1/2 and Captain then continued the onslaught with a fine 1/3. Serry Senior bowled a steady last over taking 1/2 (it should have been two wickets but Pretty Boy, who was wicket keeping, dropped a catch that went over his head, hit the back net and bounced forward. Instead of turning round to catch it, Pretty Boy simply twisted his hand round, fumbled the ball and dropped it. Serry Senior, not being one to ponder quietly, asked him what the hell he was doing. The answer was " Sorry, I got dizzy!". We are all still trying to work that one out? The last pair had put on a total of 6 runs and the All Ords had earned victory number 7 with a resounding 112 to 29 run performance. The fielding had been excellent with 6 run outs, 8 catches and a beautiful stumping from Pretty Boy.
Bowling figures: Doc 0/25, Pinman 5/-6, Pretty Boy 2/2, Smithy 5/-7, Serry Senior 1/10, Captain 2/5
Official Man of the Match: Captain Hanlon for a fine 24 runs and 2/5