Bearsted away at home to Meopham

After last week’s narrow 125 run defeat thriller, the Bearsted 1st XI approached this competitive fixture with a real sense of optimism! 3 points was on the cards. Because the chances were it was going to absolutely ** it down. Leo Charlton and Lew O’Brien also made their debut for the First XI this week, so a big game for them.

It was the first fixture to be played at the newly adopted and newly renovated Hollingbourne ground, affectionately known as ‘The Hollies’. FUN FACT: The ground was hired out to NASA during the winter, to allow astronauts to become accustomed to being in an environment with absolutely no atmosphere.

The weather was miserable from the off as the opposition arrived, and the toss was taken on time. It was mutually decided between Barry Watling and himself, that the game was to be reduced to 25 overs per side. Bearsted were to kick off proceedings with the ball.

Alex Lush opened the bowling from the Upper Agricultural End, and Mark Sandu assisted him with a spell from the Lower Agricultural End. Alex immediately reverted to his normal tactic of overstepping 4 times every over, in order to fool the opposition into thinking he was totally incompetent. It worked, and the opposition raced to 50 odd off 6 overs. Meopham’s ‘well built’ number one came out with intent, attempting to smack the ball to all parts. He played a variety of shots, and when he got his bat above the water line, this paid off. He was eventually brilliantly stumped by Dave Shutts behind the sticks off the bowling of Mark Sandhu for a well made 30 odd.

It was at this point that the skipper, Piers Cottee-Jones, brought William Terry into the attack. He immediately found his rhythm, and despite having to dodge driftwood on his run-up, immediately reaped the rewards of his hard work. He picked up 4 quick wickets. He was particularly proud of an LBW dismissal which came in off the seam, and struck the batsman’s wetsuit just above his flipper.

There were unfortunately enough poor balls from the other end to help Meopham along to a respectable total of 186 off their 25 overs.

Highlight of the innings however, came after the final over, when Alex Lush stormed off in a fury after one of his more expensive spells . He threw his cap high into the air, before drop kicking it towards the boundary rope in a fit of rage. He made excellent contact with the head garment which annoyed the Bearsted team somewhat, as it proved he did have some control over his feet, which was at odds with the story told by the extras column.

Everyone tucked into lunch, which for myself, included Tuna wraps prepared lovingly by Noel Johnston - ironically despite the conditions, they lacked moisture.

The openers Noel Johnston and Mark Sandhu rowed out to the middle to make a positive statement . Mark was positively positive from the start, and made sure that he positively chipped the positive ball straight into the positiving hands of Mid on. 11-1.

At this point it was Benj Johnston’s turn to breaststroke out to the crease to face the openers, who were bowling a heavy ball. This was due to it holding 5 litres of water. After calling Noel through for a quick single, he quickly noticed through his periscope that 7 of the opposition fielders had in fact drowned.

The game at this point was abandoned due to torrential rain.

Thanks go to Barry Watling for officiating, Piers Cottee-Jones for his leadership and Noah for providing team transport home in his Ark.