Match Report - Bures vs. CAMRA Suffolk 02/08/03

Scores uncertain.

CAMRA approx 80 all out.

Bures scored more than that, for 4.

Bures won by 6 wickets.

Preparation for this encounter with a new opponent had begun some weeks previously with a phased drying-out of the communal Bures liver, in readiness for the onslaught from the boys from the Campaign for Real Ale. What a welcome bunch of disorganised beer-swillers! CJC, in the captain's chair (in the absence of Mr. Slow who was rusting gently in the Florida Everglades Monsoon) knew he was in trouble when the opposition contacted the Fixture Secretary 5 days in advance of the game to make arrangements for a suitable venue for pre-match drinks. The Eight Bells was suggested, but as 2.30pm came and went without sign of the opposition, it became clear the the real ale boys had not confined their sampling to the one hostelry, but that all three Bures boozers had benefited from the influx of trade! At about 2.30pm most of the Bures players were changed and ready for battle and Little Si reported a sighting of a group of people in The Bells whilst Chris A. reported a similar sighting in The Three Horseshoes. The position seemed to be deteriorating, much to The Skipper's approval.

At about 2.35pm they began to arrive from all three corners of the ground mainly on foot quite clearly having not just checked out The Bells but all three pubs! CJC invited their captain to the square and, as one does, tried to make polite conversation on the journey outwards. Such little pleasantries as the weather were involved and a casual remark was made about their strength and previous fixtures this year. Apparently a competitive game went in their favour the previous week at Bildeston so perhaps Skipper Chambers' concerns were unfounded. 'And, you have a good side today?' CJC enquired, 'No' came the reply. CJC politely suggested therefore that it might be helpful to the afternoon's cricket if Bures were to bat first - a surprised acknowledgement followed by the toss of the coin. Needless to say CJC called wrongly and to his complete surprise, CAMRA elected to bat! Skipper Chambers was quite curt and went out with the desire to get the thing over and Cropper T. led a vicious pace attack. Some good things came out of it, though. Roger Chunnoo took his first wicket in 87,000 hours on the cricket field and Mitch also bowled well. CAMRA made about 80 and having reversed the order, James Lee at 5 got the required balance of 30 very quickly and got us to the Swan neatly for about 6.45pm. It was a game of cricket on a sunny afternoon which was much enjoyed and the evening jolities progressed in appropriate Bures fashion.

Credit is due to the guys from CAMRA who are combining their love of real ale with the noble sport and not a soapy undertone in sight! Well done and we will see you all next year.

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