Defeat from the jaws of victory
Having lost the toss Tom and Harry Talks opened the batting under overcast skies – resplendent in emerald green 2024 Norfolk tour shirts (designed by their brother Charlie Talks).
A true track with good bounce saw the ball coming on to the bat creating the setting for an excellent first wicket stand of 79, against steady bowling of styles various.
Momentum built steadily until Tom (47), who had played with great and fluent stroke-play, impressively unencumbered by the inconvenience of a broken toe, got caught in two minds and popped one up to short cover.
Skip (72 not out) then strode purposely to the wicket and put together a record-breaking unbeaten stand of 163 with Harry (110 not out). The former batting with his usual elegance, supplemented this time by controlled aggression, the latter bringing the wrists and broad shoulders of a hockey legend– hitting some very big sixes with impressively little back-lift.
The final total of 242 for the loss of just one wicket, represented one the greatest batting performance in Racqueteers’ history.
Not surprisingly, given this, the Racqueeters took the field, filled with a lovely Talks’ tea, in very good humour and confident that they put themselves in a very position.
However, the Dedham men, wasted no time taking the game by the scruff of the neck, betting aggressively from the off. By over number 10 they were already 98 – well ahead of the run rate. Their Australian centurion was especially instrumental, combining good fortune with some extraordinary 6 hitting. Sepia (8-0-42-2) established a degree of control and opening bowler Charlie Talks showed great character coming back for figures of 7-2-35-2. Despite their best efforts and useful contributions from HoT, Yox, Jules, OC and Harry, we were never able to recover, and Dedham cruised to victory with 23 balls to spare with the loss of only four wickets. Two special mentions in dispatches – The first for OC who took a wonderful steepling catch right on the boundary but showing great integrity, admitted his foot had just gone over the line. The other for Jaz who field like a trojan all afternoon.
Our disappointment didn’t last long as we shared a lovely BBQ with the friendly and affable Dedham team. Perhaps they will come and tour Winchester next year.
The Racqueteers Cricket Club 
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