It was a lovely summer’s evening in Braishfield – a timeless setting for a game of cricket amongst friends.
An excess of Racqueteers compensated a Newport Inn shortfall – with Shep, Flipper, Yox and Ronny Yox kindly starting for our hosts – creating two well matched teams.
Racqueeters batted first. Starting like a steam train, Alex and Rishi (27 retired) stamped their authority with 10 an over off the first four. The first wicket was an all Racqueteers affair, Young Yox discombobulating Alex (15) with his variation of line and length, got him to pull to mid wicket, where Flipper, calm and composed as always, took a tidy catch just in off the boundary. Benno (steady and stylish; 25 retired) and OC (batting as if accompanied by his Sunshine Band; 25 retired) both carried their bats, while Skip got a rearing viper of a ball from Old Yox and gloved to their Cornish Keeper. With Jolly (5 not out) chipping in at the death, the Racqueteers finished with a more than respectable150 for 2, Flipper and Shep contributing well with the ball for the opposition.
Newport Inn also got off to a flyer. Farmer Chris (0-26) was unlucky not to get a couple of early breakthroughs, though Shep, opening up for the opposition, was at his belligerent best (26 retired) – tucking in, with particular relish, to a buffet of balls of various inappropriate lengths served up by Sepia (0-25). The batsman kindly thanking the bowler for his generosity, on leaving the field. Despite their impressive start, our hosts started to fall behind the run rate as the bowling tightened with the introduction of the equally impressive Rupes (1-14) and The President (2-16). It’s great to see Rupes starting to get well deserved rewards for his spinning skills. Skip (0-31) and OC (2-15) finished off the innings at 131 for 6. For the opposition, a special mention goes to Young Yox who hit a run a ball 9 run innings, including a lovely cover-driven boundary.
A good game played in the right spirit (for which Newport Inn should be commended) on a lovely evening. A comfortable win for the Racqueteers, extending our impressive mid-week form of recent weeks.
The Racqueteers Cricket Club 
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