Match Report - Bures Vs Jolly Rogers 10/05/03

Magnificent Bures lower the Skull & Crossbones!

Mighty Bures were more than a match for the 37th annual visit of the Jolly Rogers from Beckenham, Kent. The faces may have changed since that first fixture 37 years ago, but the spirit on both sides remains the same and a convivial yet competitive game was much enjoyed by all.

It was not all plain sailing for the ten-man home side. Batting first, the Rogers were quickly into their stride and the opening Chambers C. /Lee J. attack were put to the sword.  But with the former finding his length, order was restored and a combined McKenna/Mr. Slow attack slowed the rate. Still, opening batsman Butler continued his onward march before exiting to a deft run out from Chambers L. albeit for 94 well-struck runs. The Rogers closed at 176 for 6, a respectable total but not an ungettable one.

Bowling figures...

Tea was superlative. Ros provided a sumptuous feast including copious strawberry meringues and sarnies to die for. Fortunately Mr. Slow, in the captain's chair for Bures, knew of the dangers of such treats and had correctly accounted for their peril in winning the toss and deciding to field. At least WE wouldn't have to field after such a feast!

The Rogers' lethargy was exposed after tea. Lee J. and Chambers L. enjoyed a brisk start before the former's swish across the line accounted for the first wicket. Enter Mr. Slow in determined mood and in an unaccustomed role as a number three. However, Lewis and he added some 80 runs in good time. MS, all obdurate defence and waiting for the bad ball, Lewis more classy and with a wider range of strokes, but no more effective. With MS's departure, the target was within sight and McKenna relished the challenge with some hefty blows but his departure brought young James Bocking to the crease. At 13 years of age, James is already used to the close attention afforded him by fielders, but he has a habit of scattering them with a lusty blow or two. A straight four, back over the bowler's head, caused a furrowed brow or two in the Rogers camp and his fetch from outside off stump into the wide mid-wicket area was vintage Bures! A Plymouth Gin moment! Bures were now on a march and were not to be denied. The omnipresent Chambers L. clattered the ball to the boundary thrice in the penultimate over to secure victory, while his brother relaxed in the pavilion with a large Pimms à la Brogan. Well done Bures! Chambers L. 77 not out, Mr. Slow 44. Bures 178 for 8.

The Swan beckoned and was accepted. Both sides drank deeply of the ale and bought tickets for Ros's tombola; the prizes in which were exclusively alcoholic! The fortunes of the day were discussed in convivial surroundings. Mr. Slow, anchored to the bar, could not be moved and accepted all offers of drinks, quietly proud of his team and delighted at the victory. Lewis Chambers on seven occasions announced his departure, but was persuaded to stay for "another half". Los Chunnoos, Roger and Richard, both impossibly enthusiastic and the latter accompanied by an animated brillo pad called Jack. McKenna, brimming with pride at the victory, sitting apologetically with his pint of Maiden's Water. Lee Norton, such a good member of the village side now, gulping down fizzy muck the like of which will surely make him pay the following morning. Mrs. Brogan strode to the rostrum to draw her tombola, with James Bocking winning the first prize, a bottle of Plymouth Gin. There followed an intricate set of negotiations as various public bar personnel sought to exploit his youth and inexperience in these matters by offering a paltry sum to relieve him of the goods. Forever the opportunist, Chambers C. offered a derisory sum but this was rejected by JMB following legal advice from his father. Thus the coveted bottle was retained chez Bocking, where it resides to this moment. Shame!

Potty has now moved into his new, palatial abode and I have explained to him that he now needs a wife to help him share the good things in (cricketing) life. I am not sure that I should have suggested such a thing whilst sober, but I have to say that he did not pour his usual scorn on my suggestion. I feel justified therefore in formally advertising his availability in this respect. Potential candidates should apply here in the first instance. Prerequisites include a fetish for bat oiling and spent cartridges. Oh....and sympathy for Tyson the Labrador.

Our adventure continues tomorrow.............

more match reports...........

Contact us - here