Week 10

As there was no 2^nd XI game, young Stephen Miller was called up to the 1^st XI to make his debut, and ended up winning the Helmet of the Week award. Not for anything he did on the pitch, but not wearing the correct Stowey kit. Back to the two’s next week Stephen.

With Stowey completely outplaying Cutcombe, winning before the tea was even brought up to the ground, I wonder how many times Stephen touched the ball and if he enjoyed fielding at fine leg?

Back when I was young, fitter, slimmer and I could see the ball, I had regular 1^st XI call up’s (only because they were short), and I made the fine leg fielding position my own. Some games would meander by, and it wouldn’t be until the 25^th over before I would touch the ball.

Fielding fine leg to fine leg, then going in at number 11 would cost me £5 per game. However, I would enjoy a nice tea and talk to other players thinking that I had earned it!

Fielding at fine leg had its advantages, not touching the ball very often, even less chance of a catch coming your way and Stoodleigh away. I always looked forward to that away trip, and especially fielding at fine leg.

There would be these two old boys sitting in their deck chairs at the fine leg position; they would also be sipping homemade cider, and how could I refuse a drop or two on a hot sunny day in Stoodleigh.

As for the number 11 position, well If I had to bat (which wasn’t very often), the game was almost certainly lost. And by the time I go to the crease, it would be usually in near darkness with the opening quick bowler back on to wrap up the innings.

For all my stern efforts in playing 1stXI cricket back then, there was that the occasional winners or runners-up trophy won. So just by playing a handful of 1^st XI games a season meant that I would pick up a winners medal or shield.

So back to Saturday, poor eight man Cutcombe only had eight men; they had no answer to Jack Rich and Stephen Easden and was bowled out for forty something. Stowey, or should I say Jub, wasted no time in knocking off the runs.

Next week, back to 2^nd XI action as they welcome near neighbours Kilve, whereas the 1^st XI have a long trip to Morebath.

That’s it for now, count down to the Ashes!