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Day 1: Friday 29th April: v Sharnbrook CC |
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Lost by 19 runs |
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Barry lost the toss and we were invited to field first. Sharnbrook looked younger, fitter and stronger than Superstars (not difficult really) and
initially that showed with a good opening partnership however the introduction of spinner Chris Plume and paceman Simon Gundry reduced the scoring rate
with Simon picking up a couple of wickets. Jason then claimed a couple of wickets, one caught on the boundary by Chris. Two middle order batsmen had done very well
for Sharnbrook, one retiring and one caught athletically by Paul Gaught (yep, you read that correctly) in a catch of the season contender, off Mike T's bowling.
Rob Fox bowled some expert end of the innings stuff to pick up 3 wickets including a stumping by the byeless Will Walker. Sharnbrook ended with 252 for 9 in their 40 overs.
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The shock of that catch was too much for Gaught and he was dismissed early for a duck. Barry (42 runs) and Steve Meyler (28) rebuilt the innings well. Retirement is certainly
doing Barry's batting a lot of good (and no run outs either!) Will Walker and Simon were next in and batted very well to give Superstars a chance, Will retiring on 56 and Simon
bowled for 33 in the chase of a difficult victory. Chris Plume hit some lusty blows in his 23 but Ian Moxon (0), Mike (3 not out) and Jason (5 not out) had far too much to do and Superstars made 233 for 6.
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A creditable performance against strong oppositon on a lovely village green ground.
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Day 2: Saturday 30th April: "Rest Day" |
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Alcohol was the winner |
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Rob and Jason won the putting, Chris Plume the tennis, Mike T fell asleep at pub lunch, the Indian took ages and the Wellington became a legendary tour pub. |
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Day 3: Sunday 1st May: v Old Warden CC |
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Won by 29 runs |
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In a beautiful setting Barry won the toss (surely the biggest shock of the tour) and Superstars batted first. The innings was very bity
with only Will Walker (32), Chris Plume (10), Extras (24) and Steve Meyler (35 not out) reaching double figures. Superstars made only 146 for 8 in their 40 overs and over tea although
the wicket was slow it didn't feel enough. |
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Ian and Simon had other ideas though and induced some panic in the young OW batting line up with two wickets early on. The next wicket was harder
to find but Chris Plume and then Mike T bowled guys out and it was game on, however their powerful left handed captain was looking impressive and bought up his 50 with a six. Rob Fox was now
in the attack and took the key wicket bowled. It was now very much "game on". Matt Conway was bowling now and claimed two wickets while Rob claimed a second wicket, caught calmly by Jason.
Jason then entered the frey bowling wise with the 9th wicket (caught by Paul G, for his third catch of the match) and the final one, stumped by the byeless (again) Will. Superstars had won by 29 runs! |
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A good victory after what looked a total 40 runs short of par, Superstars celebrated in typical tour 2011 style - with beer and cake!
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An excellent tour. Many thanks to Will, Ian and Poppy for the organisation - the hotel was lovely and the games good fun. And thanks to the friends and family for their support,
especially the scoreboard number helpers Joleon and Benedict. And remember it's catches that win matches.........
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Playing Squad:
Barry Gigg (capt), Paul Gaught, Will Walker (wkt), Steve Meyler, Simon Gundry, Chris Plume, Ian Moxon, Mike Taylor, Jason Marchant,
Rob Fox, Mike Duggan (Fri), Matt Conway (Sun)
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Non Playing Tourists: Mary, Penny, Poppy, Amanda, Sarah, Joleon, Benedict
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