BURES BOUNCED ,BRUISED AND BEATEN

 Bures League Team hosted leaders West Bergholt in a bid to secure their second win of the weekend. Wicket three was 'chosen' - being the only strip in semi-decent order on the square. Following a quick mow and a light roll, battle commenced. Wamos won the toss and inserted the opposition.

Bergholt were clearly very much up for this one and set off at a five-run per over pace right from the start. The Bures attack clearly knackered from the previous day's exertions bowled away manfully but with little reward and when their scoring rate threatened to flag even chipped in with the odd wide to keep it going. The introduction of our bowling machine was considered - but it was thought that even the visually-impared umpires may have seen it. Balls in the air were agonisingly wide or short of fielders and the Bergholt batters dodged the increasingly lively wicket to race to 215 for 5 at tea.

 Tea Czaress today was Theresa Arthur and the Arthur family who provided their customary wholesome tea and, in Jim's case the halftime team talk. Sadly this was Theresa's last tea and Potty made a brief bubbly presentation to thank her for her past efforts - very much appreciated by all members.

 Back to the action - or in our case - lack of it. Unaware that the wicket had been drying out at a frightening rate the Bures reply commenced. It was clear that the Bergholt attack relished the rare opportunity to bowl on such a strip - each short delivery ( and not so short ) took a divot and threatened to decapitate any batter daring to 'get in line' without a helmet. Their pacey attack had a field day in front of our biggest gate of the season and Bures were reduced to 15 for 5 early doors. Obviously the home support was most welcome but where the hell are they when we play well and are in a position to actually win a match ???? - like yesterday!!!  Instead they witnessed Bures batters being taken one by one to the guillotine. Perhaps their French tea lady (reciprocal fixture report refers) was taking her revenge (Oooh la la!).

Nevertheless the chase was on to score 75 runs and at least secure 'un point de batting' . Despite a spirited performance from Chris Ayres this was not to be and Bures were all out for 65 runs - some 50 more, however, than seemed possible after 10 overs.

Their opening bat scored 56 and took 6 for 11 and was the undoubted man-of-the-match.

 Back to the drawing board and the nets, chaps!

The good news is that we should still be playing League 1 cricket next year!!!! (somehow !)

 Attendance 37

Teas 8 / 10

Umpires 5 / 10

Guide Dog 9 / 10

Derby 1 Burnley 2 (well at least we scored more than Burnley, eh Al...Ed.?)