Friendlies are fun. For some!

Having filled my stomach with a large Sunday Roast I decided to head to Milton Road to have a brief look at the Treasurer’s Friendly XI against an Old Junior XI. The Old Junior XI were batting when I arrived and were looking comfortable on about 135 for 3 with Rob ‘Ernie’ Earnshaw batting majestically towards a 50. I had however missed the champagne moment of the day; Gavin run out by yards having faced his first ball. When I say run out by yards I am reliably informed that he had actually passed the stumps before the ball hit them, but the umpire’s finger is the most important thing in a game of cricket and this finger said, “On your bike!”

It was interesting to note that the Old Junior XI consisted of Shambles, fresh from the lash. He had been at the Test Match the previous day dressed as a Smurf. Very apt as he seemed to be batting and bowling like Papa Smurf! Only Joking! The Juniors (Old) posted a respectable 198 from their 40 overs. A handsome Treasurers tea courtesy of Mrs Treasurer fully equipped with sandwiches, cakes and large jugs- of Orange squash and other beverages was devoured by both sides.

In reply I sat, with injured foot up watching the OTCC reply. It got off to a fine start and Nick Groom was moving along nicely into the 40’s when my tea beckoned and I had to leave. However, I was regularly updated with text scores and comments one of which was about a run out by a member of OTCC. For the life of me I can’t remember his name, but if money does not pass my hands soon I’m sure I can remember it!

OTCC Friendly XI lost by 9 runs, but it was certainly a very enjoyable game to watch and I hope next weekends Chairman’s XI produce another good game.

The Peter Burnham Memorial Game:

Player Profile 2: Dennis ‘Old Bones’ Compton. Dennis announced his retirement from OTCC at the beginning of this season only to be lured back within 2 months to turn out for the Sunday 2nd XI. Currently the longest serving playing member of OTCC Dennis is named after that other famous Dennis of the same name. Yes, youve guessed it, Dennis Bergkamp! A member of the exclusive OTCC Left Hander’s Club he has scored runs and taken wickets regularly over the years and I am banking in him doing it again this weekend.

After my injury this last weekend I can genuinely put my foot up to watch the Chairman’s XI without fear of being asked to play, however I am glad it wasn’t like this;

At Lord’s in 1969 Alan Ward bowling very fast from the Pavilion End hits Glen Turner a terrible blow in the box off the fifth ball of the over. Turner collapses in the crease, writhing in pain for about 3 minutes. He then staggers to his feet looking pale and obviously in great pain. Enter the commentary of Brian Johnston.

” Turner has now got up off the ground and, although looking pale and shaken, is obviously going to resume batting. A very brave effort. One ball left!”

Ah good old Johnners. Bless him!