A Sunday victory (on a Saturday)

With a week of social networking misdemeanours on the international front, there were no such concerns as Colne travelled to the Real Oddies for a Sunday fixture on a Saturday.

With the hottest day of the year and a wicket that had a thick green top on the toss was won by the home side who thankfully chose to bat. 

With 3 debutants in James Flood, Dan Wade and Chris Jones all figuring, the side looker younger , fresher and thanks to Floody, taller!

With a tight start from Jordan Willey and Ben Mason only yielding 3 runs from the first 6 overs it seemed a good start from Colne. Ben got the breakthrough with a smart stumping from the stand-in skipper Harry and this was followed up by Jordan removing Reubin for 1.

At 14-2 off the first 10 overs Jordan was changed for the sprightly Nick Oakley. With a slip cordon reminiscent of the West Indies of the 1970’s Nick soon removed 3 batsmen with another smart stumping removing Sudra, leaving Nick finishing on 3-15 off 7 overs.

With Jon Brewer probing from one end and the captain still getting confused which was Chris and which was Dan, an inspired change bought the reliable Russell Dawes into action. With a pace and line like Ben’s they could almost be father and son. Russ removed Hepburn who top scored with 15 and then whilst still questioning the captain’s wisdom of placing him deep, Ben took a smart catch to remove Hewlett for 8. Russ then  finished with 2 in 2 when he bowled Singh with a straight one. 

A great team effort in the field saw Colne restrict the Oddies to 58 all out.  17 extras, Mason 2-8 off 7, Oakley 3-15 off 7, Dawes the pick with 3-1 off 1.2 

A decision to delay tea was taken and James Flood and Harry took to the crease in now subcontinental batting weather. With James dispatching balls to various parts the Oddies tried to keep their shape. At the other end Harry was watchful and kept the board ticking over. When James tried one launch too many and was stumped for an enterprising 20. Dave Brooker then came to the crease and batted well as he and Harry brought Colne to within 1 run of victory.

Hewlett then got one to turn which hit bat,pad before rolling onto middle bowling Dave for 9.

Jordan came to the crease and promptly dispatched his first ball for 4 to seal the win.

 It just goes to show you can have fun playing cricket for Colne on a Saturday!

Well done everyone!

Flood 20 Callaghan 19 not out Brooker 9 Earls Colne win by 8 wickets 20 points.