Two in a Row for the 4s

What a game. After another week of 'challenging' availability, the 4s were still scrambling to get a side together on the morning of the match. We only had 10 players until Toby Pearce volunteered to 'give us an extra body' even though he couldn't make it until 2pm. What a difference he made! North Midd inserted the oppo on a surprisingly decent-looking track – Walthamstow is a much-improved ground these days. Teasdale opened up, but in his knacked (technical term) state can only bowl 4 overs. It was still enough to grab 2 wickets and set us on our way. Alex Harris again bowl well with no luck but Dykey settled in for a long spell at the other end allowing the skipper to rotate his bowlers in support. Dykey bowled beautifully to pick up 4 for 66 off 16, with great support from Laurie Pearce (1 for 37) and Rich Verity who, after much subtle prompting and vigorous practicing in front of the skipper finally got the chance to show us what he could do with ball in hand (1 for 37). Stanmore's skipper led the way with 61 in his team's total of 185, declaring the innings after 45 overs with the rain bucketing down. A word here for the contributions of our debutants, Alfie Buxton and Ethan Stephens in the field who showed great enthusiasm and effort in really tough conditions. The rain continued during tea and after. At one point it looked as though we might have to abandon the game but thanks to the positive attitude of both teams, we got back out there. As the sun broke through and steam rose gently from the players, Verity and Burgoyne got the Midd off to a flyer, putting 50 on for the first wicket, watched by our newest fan, young Hughie Croaker. Burgoyne departed for a quick 26, soon followed by Rebello. Teasdale then played elegantly for a well-made 20 while Verity at the other end stroked the ball around with consumate grace. Pearce went for just 2 but Shields, showing all his experience, built a vital partnership with Verity that took us within touching distance of the target. Verity was very unlucky to chop on for a quite brilliant 84 with Dykey soon following for just 3. When Shields got out for 28, we still needed 17 runs – it was down to the colts and Toby. Harris smacked a 4 while Alfie contributed 2, but both got out leaving Ethan and our last man to get us home. We still needed 7. With the skipper doing his best not to have a heart attack standing at square leg, Stephens smashed a four off a short ball: 3 needed and just two overs left. Toby blocked everything effortlessly, getting Ethan back on strike. A couple of dots, then a glorious thump straight down the ground for 4 – and the 'Stow erupted. Incredible. All the emotion was too much for young Hughie who was in tears while the rest of the side celebrated a brilliant win. A word for the opposition and their skipper who played their part in a great game and were an absolute pleasure to spend the afternoon with. And a word too for the Midd's colts coaches who continue to work so hard to bring through young talent like Alfie and Ethan. In a high pressure situation, they came through for us. As did Toby. Thank goodness we took him up on his offer! What a game.