Business vs Daredevils CC – March 18th

Bashers,

Defying the doom and gloom of the weather forecasters, Business came together for their first fixture of the season against defending champions Daredevils. Preparations had been hampered by an on-going injury crisis. However, suitable replacements were found in the form of Schlost (Bashers Debutant chomping at the bit) and Windy (After a lengthy goal post related injury, was keen to show his form to the selectors).

The sun was not shining, the birds were not singing and Warcry was half an hour late to SRFC. Was this a bad sign for things to come…. Correct.

With both sides reduced to 30 overs, champion tosser Fruitbox elected to bat, to try and benefit from the dry, with the likely threat of rain setting in during the afternoon.

Skiddy and Korean marched purposefully to the crease determined to get Business off to a flier. The opening pair saw off the early testing conditions and looked set to go big, but, alas, disaster struck as Skiddy looped one high in the air and into the hands of mid-wicket. Korean was swift to follow.

With Business openers unable to play shots and runs proving hard to come by, Fruity’s eyes lit up at a straight delivery and like a moth to a flame he couldn’t stop himself from having an enormous swing at it…..unfortunately this struck his middle stump and the Business were in some discomfort.

The Barbadian Sensation & Parrot entered the fray with the score on 18-3, the Business in trouble and the Daredevils expecting another top order wicket. It was not to be.

Sensation played an outstanding innings, admirably supported by the dogged work of Parrot, the pair dominated the Daredevils bowling with some Herculean sixes & fours and a partnership of 72, which restored belief in the Bashers. If only temporarily…

Even with an understrength batting line-up no one could have foreseen what was to come. Just as the Business began to look strong at 91-3, 6 wickets fell and the lower order collapsed to finish on a paltry 108.

Taking the field, it looked like a tough job ahead to contain the opposition.

Rooty and Warcry opened the bowling and the Daredevil batsmen showing intent, began quickly chipping away at the Business total well above the required run rate and were aided by a variety of wides and n/b’s.

A few rip snorting balls, and some screams coupled with a slower ball showed us why Warcry is such an entertainer. Rooty was beginning to find his rhythm at the other end after a couple of looseners. But both were unable to take a scalp.

Daredevil progress was finally dented when Bambam took a memorable wicket. The Daredevil batsmen edged, clipping it into the air towards Windy in slip, who produced a Jamievardyesque diving volley, booting the ball towards Korean for the catch. World class combination.

Bread gave Business a crumb of comfort with some better bowling line and length and kept extras to a minimum, but all was lost by the time Schlost bowled. Daredevils wrapped up proceedings after only 11 overs, winning by 9 wickets.

Handshakes all round and despair quickly turned to much merriment at a glorious Cages fines session with Pleasure.

Coming soon: Business finally win!

Viva Bashers!