Match Report - Eight Ash Green Vs Bures 15/09/02
Sadly, Bures tasted defeat again in this Division One clash.
Confusion reigned in the run-up to the game, with a pitch inspection from the Bures worthies finding no pitch at all. Now I know that Bures has been criticised this year for under-prepared wickets, but gentlemen we have been outdone! No creases marked out, nothing! Eventually, amid much head scratching, an area of barren earth and worm casts which looked as if it had suffered about 300 overs of cricket in the last fortnight was selected by EAG and Bures inserted on the dodgiest of tracks.
Low bounce (or in some cases, no bounce) was immediately a problem for the Bures openers and the situation deteriorated further with the retirement of David ("my 'ead hurts") Warden with a migraine. Successive Bures batsmen got themselves in and then out. Roper (a shooter), Haines (ball hit worm cast at grid reference 564872 (a shooter), Lee (missed a full toss!), Mr Slow palpably LBW on the back foot and a bruise on the shoulder to prove it! Six Bures batsmen got into double figures, but the innings closed at 110 all out.
Of course, as has so often been the way this year, the pitch played rather better after tea, the relevant molehills having been flattened by the side batting first. Good spells from Hainsy, Crace and Mr Slow gave some hope but EAG dribbled their way up to the required total in just under 40 overs. Potty feels also that his 5-2-7-2 is worthy of mention and I have to agree, although the game was perhaps beyond us when he was brought onto the attack. Highlight of the bowling attack however was the season's debut of Rupert Tozer, who despite some considerable ring-rust, bowled with commendable control but without reward.
As so it was. Bures 110 all out. EAG 112 for 7. EAG won by 3 wickets.
And so Bures repaired to the bar. This was a BAD mistake, with copious pints of Sarson's vinegar being served under the guise of GK IPA. A hasty departure ensued and the race to the Bures Swan began. Tozer, resplendent in his D-Reg Land Rover, led the way through Fordham and cleared a way through the "Road Closed" signs with the race being won by Potty who was rewarded by being allowed to buy the whole team a pint!
Now that is what I call a result...............
Follow this link for the latest Division 1 League Table.........