Week 17

Rain and boy did it rain, thunderbolts and lightning, and indeed it was very, very…… not frightening but spectacular.

The 1^st XI was called off just as Jub was about to complete back to back centuries – jug avoidance me thinks. Thankfully Timberscombe game was also abandoned, so there is no change at the top of the Division, Stowey still handily placed, six points behind with two games left, and Timberscombe with only one match to play.

I could go into different scenarios in what could happen over the next two Saturday’s, and rain could even play a factor. One thing for certain, two wins and Stowey are champions.

The 2^nd XI had a difficult time down at North Curry. One thing for certain which came out of that match is that we have joint favourites for the coveted Hole in the Hand award; can you guess who they are?

Also, the 2^nd XI have been accused of breaking rule 10. This rule is about deliberately strengthening their side. So can the league tell us what two 13 year old boys are going to do, one I am led to believe has never held a bat before. The game against Crowcombe had nothing on it, both sides mid table in Division Five of the League, the lowest division in the league. Crowcombe had not even complained to the league.

This is the same league that didn’t have the balls to throw out a club, who was on their last warning, for violent conduct; and this same club who teams refuse to play. Okay, rule 10 is there for a reason, but hey surely common sense should prevail. (my view only).

Enough about that, I mentioned rain earlier; I just hope it doesn’t spoil the end of the season, especially as we have the Neal Sortwell Memorial match on Sunday. And with so many guests coming, I just hope all the hard work put in is not wasted.

There is nothing worse being sat in a changing room waiting for the rain to stop to see if the match will continue. Some players wanting to wait so as to complete the game, others (I’m in this category) wanting the game to be abandoned so as to try a few back in the bar. I do think the purchase of covers may be high on the agenda for Stowey.

So we are down to the business end of the season, the 2^nd XI play their final game on Saturday as they entertain Dunster; the 1^st XI travel to Carhampton and then all aboard for the trip to Bagborough the following Saturday.

Right, a bit early for Thatchers, but may try one later

Week 16

Over Stowey 1^st XI – Promoted, period! Well done guys, now go get that title.

As I was away in London all day Saturday I was waiting for the result to come through on my smartphone, guess what, the bloody thing went dead, battery as flat as my back lawn!

It wasn’t until I got home later that evening (well gone midnight), that I was able to charge up my phone, and it was the post from Stu Duerden what confirmed the victory and promotion. Me thinks that Stu was rather pleased with the days play.

I don’t blame him, winning by nine wickets, Jub scoring a ton and in the process beating Sorty’s club highest score – well done Jub. Three games left and everything to play for.

Someone has to tell me about the opening stand, I believe it was 154, chasing 158 to win. I also believe Mark scored 24 not out, to Jub’s 116. You can’t tell me that Jub had all the strike. But hey, Mark you done a job, as I am also led to believe Phil had to pull out on the morning of the match as he had lost his balance.

I’m loving the photo caption competition, there are all sort of scenarios you can think off. 

If you haven’t had a go, give it a try. I think it should be something to do with spoofing or drinking, maybe a combination of both.

Once again Carl has given me a cracking 2^nd XI report, and he pays great tribute to the youngsters in the way they performed in a senior league. But it also seems to me Carl was given out LBW to a very dubious decision. But he also says that he thanks the guy for umpiring as he had no one else.

Right, a bit early for Thatchers, but may try one later.

Week 15

What a catch. Take a bow Simon Pickard. Like picking apples from a tree. Talk about a “Champagne Moment”, well that could be it for the season.

The look on the poor Minehead batsman said it all, utter disbelief. He absolutely creamed it, four all the way. Simon, fielding at mid-off (could be mid-on), stuck his hand up above his head and the ball just stuck. Oh how I wish you put the ball in your pocket!

Phil’s catch at slip wasn’t bad either, I understand most people were looking behind him to see where the ball went, but Phil had caught it.

Simon’s catch was somewhat reminiscent of Timmy Little’s catch at Somerton some 30 years ago, slightly different circumstances, but nevertheless, a great catch.

A Sunday friendly away to Somerton, in fact the first friendly of the season, and I am sure they chose Stowey as “cannon fodder” so to get their eye in for the start of the new season. We lost the toss, and we were put in the field. By the end of the 14^th over Somerton had reached 100 without loss. Steve Little brought himself on to bowl his slow right arm off-breaks.

First ball he flighted up, the batsman missed timed it and the ball dollied up to Steve’s brother Timmy, and he failed to take the easiest catch you could imagine. Steve was furious; he banished Timmy to the boundary where he trudged off sulking.

Two balls later, the same batsman absolutely creamed the ball, and it was heading straight to Timmy, who was still sulking and his mind was elsewhere. “Timmy” everyone shouted, Timmy woke up started to move to his left, he suddenly saw the ball going to his right, stuck his hand up and it stuck.

Cue laughter and hilarity, plus some gloating from Timmy aimed directly as his brother about his ability to catch. Absolutely cracking.

So why we are on the subject of catching, who is favourite to win the “Hole in the Hand” this season? From what I can see and understand, it’s going to be a tough choice.

Right, that’s it for now. Oh, I almost forgot #Ashes #60allout Thatchers time.

Week 14

With both senior sides not having a game at the weekend, as they were due to play Bishops Hull, a well deserved rest was had by all.

There was a game on Sunday, a friendly against Kilve, which I believe they won, however getting a side was, well what can I say, interesting indeed.

On Monday, only two names were on the list to play. Stuart sent a message on social media to see if anyone was available. By Friday a team was all but selected and take on our near neighbours. A good effort by all; especially on a beautiful August weekend, right in the middle of the summer holidays.

However, one thing puzzled me was conversation I noticed on the club’s chat forum, it went something like this:

                Jack (Sunday Morning): Boys, 2pm start today, so be there for 1.45.

                Shay (2.29, Sunday Afternoon): Where was everyone?

                Mike (2.30, Sunday Afternoon): It’s at Kilve, isn’t it!

    Shay (2.31, Sunday Afternoon): Oh, thought it was at Stowey.

Nice one Shay, made me chuckle as I was supping the “Devils” drink (lager) Sunday afternoon at a Steam Fayre. They ran out of cider if you are beginning to worry! Don’t forget Shay, the 2^nd XI are away on Saturday at Fitzhead!

Thankfully I have never turned up at the wrong ground, been to a few grounds where there are more than one pitch and have been to places where I have struggled to find the ground. On one occasion I asked a local where the ground is, and I must of asked the only person who is deaf in the village!

So we are now in August, which means one thing: the end of the cricket season is nigh. Saying that, the 2^nd XI still have four games and the 1^st team go on into September and have five games left. Plus the inter-club game on Sunday 30^th August, so yes, still plenty of cricket to be played at the business end of the season.

That’s all for now, a well deserved Thatchers is beckoning and the fourth Ashes Test is fast approaching.