Match Report - Bures Vs Leavenheath 31/05/03

Leavenheath no match for brilliant Bures!

Match Result - Leavenheath 81 all out. Bures 84 for 3. Victory for Bures!!!

Fantastic! That's the only word I can bring to mind to describe the Bures performance in this 40-over match. Having won the toss and electing to bat, Leavenheath found themselves routed by a strong Bures bowling attack on a fine hard wicket, on a most glorious early-summer afternoon. Opening bowlers Dutton and Crace pinned the openers down and Crace was quickly among the wickets by virtue of some fine straight bowling. 

Proceedings were interrupted for drinks and the arrival of the Bures spectators gallery, in the form of two good-looking ladies who had come to drool over Big Pat. There would appear to be no doubt that (as far as the girlies are concerned, at least) McKenna has attributes other than those in the cricketing department. But Mr. Slow, in a protective role and intending to uphold the honour and tradition of the club, warned the ladies of the perils of associating with him. McKenna however, forever the smoothy, deflected MS's criticism by advising the ladies that he had taken his medication, a sort-of "I'm on the pill, honest!" philosophy. This did nothing to appease Mr. Slow although he was gratified to be spared the classic McKenna "quick shag in the grass".

Patrick McKenna - Batsman, bowler and philanderer

Back to the side issue of the cricket, there seemed little the batsmen could do against the pace and accuracy of Crace and the persistence of Dutton. Change bowlers Lee and McKenna prolonged the agony before the introduction of Mr. Slow from the pavilion end, taking three quick wickets the last of which fell to a comical leg-break. Derrick Messent, on a rare break from his French property interests, proved his reputation as the renowned off-break specialist and took the last wicket.

Leavenheath dismissed for 81. 

Bures bowling figures......

  After a fine tea and a rare team photograph.........

Victorious! From left to right and back to front - Alan Cropper, Patrick McKenna, Tom Cropper, Joe Dutton, Chris Ayers, Colin Bocking, James Lee, Lewis Chambers, Chris Crace, Si Ayers and Derrick Messent.

............... the Bures batters laid into the Leavenheath attack. The target was quickly reached, with Lewis Chambers excelling with 46 not out, but sadly yet another broken bat for his troubles! An early finish, but an early opportunity for a glass of beer in the Leavenheath Lion. Elgoods Double Swan and Adnams Bitter were proffered but the ubiquitous GK IPA prevailed in some quarters. Mr. Elgood's offering proved too alcoholic and the Adnams was disappointingly sulphurous, reminiscent sadly of less-than-clean beer pipes. But the Bures eleven remained to socialise with their opponents, who are thoroughly good company. Doctor John Symons, on the eve of his 65th birthday and Andy Carr reminisced of old times and it had been a fine afternoon's cricket at the lovely Leavenheath ground.

Cricket at Leavenheath 31/05/03

The Bures X1 (sadly sans ladies) repaired to the Bures Swan for further imbibing. Challenges were issued in respect of a low handicap golfer's ability to hit the church clock from The Swan but ultimately alcohol (and strangely, common sense) prevailed. Lewis Chambers, clearly the worse for wear, tottered off towards Speedwell House but was inexplicably deflected into The Eight Bells. We all understood, but were thankful that we have him back! Welcome back Lewis!

Man of the Match - Chris Crace, on his debut for the season. For excellent bowling, ludicrously athletic fielding and the fastest post-match three pints! 

Thoughts moved on to next week's match against Gestingthorpe. They're gonna get stuffed.....................

We hope............

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