18th June, 2023, North Walls
After weeks of balmy, warm and dry weather Sod’s Law dictated that this much anticipated fixture would start under leaden skies with a forecast of a 90% likelihood of persistent rain for much of the afternoon. Undaunted, the wonderfully optimistic Skip strode out to the middle and confidently proclaimed ‘heads’! – but tails it was and the Racqueteers (minus 1) trickled onto the field. Head of Salmon opened up from one end and Yox from the other – the catch- the-opposition-off-their-guard, seam-up/spin combination strategy being implemented once again.
Despite an early breakthrough by Head of Salmon little further progress was made as The Brokens built a commanding platform taking their score past 100. The processional calm was eventually broken as much through scandal as skill. A couple of what we felt were cast iron, caught-behind-shouts in consecutive overs were judged not out by umpire. An understandable sense of injustice unfortunately escalated quickly into unseemly and unacceptable confrontation at which point the batsman walked (‘blessed are the peacemakers’) and the umpire, quite reasonably, decided to withdraw his services.
The innings then continued, punctuated by sporadic, and graciously accepted, Racqueteer apologies (Sepia’s mea culpas, being the most necessary, heartfelt and frequent) and the regular fall of wickets. Tom T (1-11), The President (3-49) led the way, Head of Salmon (3-29) and Yox (1-40) returned strongly, and Fin (0-21), Skip (0 -21) and Sepia (1-30) chipping in, to leave The Brokens on a very commendable 201 for 9. In the field the contributions of G (three catches and a sharp stumping) and Jazz (Harry’s girlfriend), who generously came to the rescue us as the ‘11th man’ and fielded with enthusiasm and skill, were especially notable.
During the tea interval (with the lovely spread provided and served by the two Claires) the storm clouds darkened and the promised rain started to fall. It was agreed to ‘give it a go’ and Tom T and Shep opened the batting in a strong drizzle. Conditions quickly deteriorated and the umpires were left with little choice but to draw stumps at 13 for 1 and lead the teams to the pub where the reconciliation between the clubs, oiled by plentiful pints and further apologies, was completed.
Result: match abandoned
