So here we are at Brightwell once again, a small Oxfordshire village enjoying a recent population boom driven by our erstwhile PM. The Club is in some ways a ‘throwback ‘to traditional village cricket, no League membership, friendlies only and full of characters, some from my very own Hockey Club.
In line with tradition Capt. Heard, having won the toss, elected to bat, allowing time for the late arrivals to swell team numbers. Weather in South Oxfordshire had been extremely wet in the prior 48 hours and the soft wicket suggested ‘low bounce and stickiness in the outfield but ‘lo and behold’ the bounce was acceptable and the ball rolled well.
Thus out strode Williams and Hawkins to meet a carefully positioned fielding side. As the match was to be of thirty overs per innings, some confusion existed as to the batting tactics to be adopted. Thus musings suggested—10 overs of resistance, ten of acceleration and 10 of wonderful exuberance, as an imaginary strategy to be pursued. Their opening bowlers were being worn down successfully but a quick single was called, JH like a scalded cat hurtled to the bowlers end only to be dismissed by a direct hit!
Tony came forth but after some close shaves nicked one to slip. Old man Kulkarni joined Williams and the first period of resistance closed with 42 runs ,a rate of 4 per over and 2 dismissals. The middle section saw an acceleration by NK and JL, and ,as DW departed the rate climbed to 5 per over with excellent running and hitting (the running even complemented by the opposition over a beer in the pub!). The prospect of a respectable 150 total was within reach. But now Mandarin effervescence overflowed, more from Kulkarni reaching an elegant 50 before retiring, bringing Kishen to the wicket to continue the push. Runs were scored at a rate, JL departed after a fine vibrant and combative knock, bringing Wilmot to the crease who with a deft single clipped between his legs completed the innings with a grand total of 179.
Now to the attack, not defence. Eastaway and Heard, tearing in at ‘Mandarin Warp Speed’ threatened success but the opening bats were making good progress towards our total. AH removed a threatening bat with a caught and bowled and then ‘the oldest swinger in town’ deceived the next, gaining one of two LBW’s given this day. For a while the ball flew in the air scattering Mandarins like pigeons as they strove to either, catch or avoid the ball and frustration was building. The Captain , with such a proliferation of skills at his disposal was inspired to bring on the multi-talented CH to bowl his swinging wobblers and make a further breakthrough. Yet now, enter Kishan who, seizing the day, sent 4 Brightwellians back to the pavilion knocking the heart out of the opposition. So for the ‘coup de grace’, Thompson and Kulkarni, smart stumping by JW we pushed for victory.
The last man fell from a spirited edge ,plucked out of the air by our substitute fielder ,young Aadi Kulkarni, with much glee and celebration.
Beer followed at the Red Lion.
Cheers, David
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