The Midweek XI finally got their season started as they hosted The Golden Shield in the first of this year's Golden Ashes trophy matches. The club v pub match always draws a bumper crowd and the barmy weather, liquid refreshment and absolute run fest meant the fans were happy.
Fleckney openers Terry and Mike both retired after reaching 30 not out before pub skipper Chris dismissed club skipper Chris as Chris missed one of Chris' rare straight ones. The very next ball Yakesh was dismissed for a golden, we wouldn't see the club crumble would we? We didn't, Mark Harris' late order cameo included a couple of big 6s before being bowled by Jimmy. The 6ft 8 strike bowlers wild celebrations followed. The club finished on 147.
The pubs inning got off to a very unlikely start when Scott Roberts clean bowled club loanee Max Potter on the very first ball. That only let in Crosby who, after admitting not playing cricket for 20 years, went on to retire at 30 in no time at all. Nick Daw came in and did his annual smash a few big 6s then get out. Another loanee Jools Roger was stunningly ran out after Andrew Loomes hooked the ball at the stumps for a direct hit. Yakesh's terrible luck continued as he clean bowled George Knight but the bails refused to budge. Don't waste your money on a lottery ticket this week Yak. George carried his bat and outscored his Dad and the pub closed on 94/6 - usually a match winning score against The Fleckney Flashers.
At the close of play we retired to our visitors home playing field at The Golden Shield. Ale, crisps and a trophy presentation followed and the cup was back in the hands of the club. Another 2 matches remain in this season's G'Ashes series. Will The Shield get their trophy back? Watch this space!
