I lost the toss and Devon batted first.   My economy cricket ball lost its shine very early and was not an asset to our bowlers.   It was a batting track as well, so I was not very popular.   Devon had only 10 players so Peter Doust’s son David played for them.   Devon also had the Zimbabwian lady umpire.   With hot weather, duff ball, the bowlers were rotated frequently to try to limit the score.   The Zimbabwian umpire was even happy to replace the ball at 15 overs but the opposition didn’t have a better one!   Tim Player (3-0-25-0) opened the bowling with Daryl Osborne (8-0-55-1), followed by Chris Batten (5-1-25-2), Barry Newton (8-0-43-1), Peter Doust (9-2-39-1), Clive Babbage (9-1-52-2) and Pat Wickson (3-1-6-1).   Devon totalled 252 for 8 after 45 overs.  

 Lovely teas were followed by our batsmen facing a quality ECB 50+ cricket ball and swing bowlers.   Steve Lent 17, Colin Handley 74 off 74 balls, Andy Donoghue 24, Peter Doust 37 off 36 balls (before being run out by Chris Batten), Christ Batten 51 not out off 32 balls (including the six to win the game), Guy Clifford (22 off 14 balls), and Clive Babbage 2 not out, meant we reached 253 for 5 off 43 overs.

Thanks to the 2 part time scorers organised again by Peter Tapper.

So that’s 4 wins from 4 games.

I have some new balls available for Mickey Mouse cricket.

Pat Wickson captain

Scoreboard