Match Report - Bures vs. Hadleigh 12/07/03

Bures  155 all out (Chambers L. 31) Hadleigh 101 all out (Waterworth 8-3-15-5)

 Win for Bures.

Glorious weather again for the first encounter between these two sides, with Bures having first use of a now-customary hard and flat wicket. Openers James Lee and Lewis Chambers dominated the opening Hadleigh attack, seemingly hitting boundaries at will and a target in the region of 200 seemed likely. But they (Chambers 31, Lee 10) and their successors perished, Marc Norton (18) to an ambitious drive and Chris Ayers (17) to a remarkable catch. Enter Joe Dutton who raised the stakes as only he can with yet another classic JD heave-across-the-line-and-another-golden-duck. Oh dear Joe! Tom Cropper walked following the faintest of tickles (ooh err Missus) and it was left to a languid and sun-stuck tail to ensure respectability; Si Ayers 10, Chris Chambers 18, Mr. Slow 20 and a spectacular 2 not out from new-recruit Alan Waterworth in a stunning last wicket partnership with Steady McKenna, bowled for 2. Innings closed at 155, arguably 20 or 30 short of par.

Tea was taken courtesy of Kate Mitchell and in the absence of Mitch (who was having a kip) welcome assistance was provided by Tina. Fresh sarnies cakes and about a gallon of tea each to slake Bures thirsts. Just the job, Kate! And Mitch arrived just in time to help with the washing up!

After the interval, Hadleigh immediately found the opening Waterworth and McKenna attack tough going, with AW shattering the stumps on regular occasions while Big Pat tied up the other end. A excellent performance from Mr W. who was asked by the Captain to continue his spell just long enough to secure the obligatory jug of beer! Five wickets, clean bowled for Waterworth - hurrah! The change bowlers also made progress, before an obdurate eighth wicket partnership frustrated the home side, increasing the likelihood of a drawn game. Enter Chambers C. and Mr. Slow in an attempt to prise out the last two batsmen, with the latter bowling VERY slowly even by his remarkable standards in that department! With just 5 overs to survive and all the fielders round the bat, the Hadleigh pair looked to have the game saved but a wicket in each of two successive balls from Mr. Slow ended the Hadleigh resistance. Sweet victory for Bures over an amiable opponent who may well provide sterner opposition in the return game in September!

Both sides repaired to the Bures Swan and drank deeply from the Waterworth jug. As the Hadleigh boys made their way home, a majority of Bures players returned to the playing field for the swing night of the annual Bures Music Festival. Fine 40s-style jazz was much enjoyed and needless to say, the bar enjoyed some very keen patronage. A deep and meaningful group conversation ensued at the back of the marquee, with Messrs. Chambers L. & C., Slow, Ayers C. & S., Haines and Mesdames Slow and Haines putting the world to rights. Chambers L., surprisingly lucid, eshewed the demon drink after 10.00pm and reverted to coffee, but was persuaded to have brandy in it (and rather more than he knew about, I'll tell you....!). Chambers C. forever the pint man, in the absence of vintage champagne and port. Mister Slow, having made the somewhat dangerous transition to red wine at an early hour, enjoying a surprising lack of vigilence on the part of Mrs. Slow. The Ayers twins gulping down the fizzy muck and getting lower with every mouthful. And the ladies, casting their beady and justifiably wary eyes over the gentlemen's bar-fly habits. A fine evening to end a fine day, with no one able to remember anything about what was said. Great stuff!

Bures Vs Hadleigh 12/07/03

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