Match Report - Bures vs. Hadleigh 21/09/03

Bures 202 for 8 (40 overs, L. Chambers 101, M. Slow 49).

Hadleigh 183 for 8 (40 overs, J. Rolfe 58).

Bures won by 19 runs.

Another almost impossibly fine afternoon's cricket in the penultimate match of the season. The parched Hadleigh outfield contrasted vividly with the green square, on the far edge of which a strip had been prepared for play. A 40 over format was agreed and having unusually called correctly when the coin was in the air and noting the slope of the wicket, Mr. Slow nevertheless decided to bat and the Bures openers of Lewis Chambers and James Lee made their way to the crease.

Initial progress was slow with Lewis particularly struggling to adjust to the characteristics of the wicket. With just 53 runs off the first 19 overs and both batsmen struggling to time the ball, a score of perhaps 150 looked par but the rate accelerated sharply as Lewis found his timing against the change bowlers. James Lee perished when going well as usual and Derrick Messent, looking a little leaden-footed on his goose fat and garlic diet was also soon back in the pavilion. And poor Joe Dutton, undone by the slope was bowled for a second-ball duck! However, Mr. Slow was soon finding the middle of the bat with some lusty blows and Lewis continued what had become a vicious assault at the other end. From the difficult position of 53 for 3, the two batsmen rattled the scores along to 188 before Lewis retired on 102 and Mr. Slow was bowled for an arithmetically perfect 49! The remaining batsmen continued to accumulate with the exception of Les Dutton on his season's debut who contributed only to a family "pair" and crocked himself in the process! The innings closed at 202 for 8, following a swipe or two from Tom Cropper making proper use of the wide mid-wicket area.

The issue of tea now had to be addressed and this was approached with even more enthusiasm than usual, given that none of us had time for lunch on the way to the ground (well, just a little liquid that is.......). Wholesome sandwiches and cakes were presented and enjoyed and mugs of tea consumed. Sadly though, no choccy cake and the Waterworth (an afficionado in these matters) appetite could not therefore be fully satiated.

After the resumption, the Hadleigh openers struggled to come to terms with an accurate Christopher Chambers/Alan Waterworth attack. Both openers perished to the wily Old Fox, but Hadleigh batsman Rolfe batting at three was quickly in the runs and raced to fifty in what seemed like no time. Fortunately, a very sharp leg-side stumping by Lewis Chambers off Mr. Slow accounted for his wicket but the result remained in the balance as the Hadleigh tail wagged, Rix prominent with 37. But Hadleigh were too far behind the rate to mount a challenge in the final overs as their innings closed at 183, 19 runs short.

After a much-needed shower, Bures repaired to the Hadleigh club bar to have the craic with a most amiable and hospitable opponent. The question of en-route refreshment was raised and use of the Edwardstone White Horse was made where Woodfordes Mardler's Mild and Crouch Vale Brewers Gold were enjoyed. Finally, it was back to the Bures Swan for a rendezvous with Wiggy, who had been in London for the day. Wiggy has a VERY interesting new book which he carries with him at all times entitled "Stretching". It is a fascinating work which deals with the various ways which (in the author's view) one must contort one's body in order to play a particular sport. The cricket page is a most interesting read, so interesting in fact the public bar was suddenly empty, save for Wiggy himself and Mr. Slow who was unable to move after the exertions of the afternoon. Finally, Wiggy drained his glass and left leaving MS to hobble off on all fours into the night. Yet another game, another day and another fine victory!

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