New chapter, familiar ending
The Nostell CC 2nd XI came back into existence on Saturday May 12th. I probably spent a decade or so in that team; losing more games than we won but eventually winning a division title in the same year that we were joined by Tony Hince (the player/run machine). Then it turned sour. Dwindling numbers and a poor choice of captain led to a decision (correctly) to kick the 2nd XI into touch. The remaining Nostell squad regrouped and went from strength to strength. Many years and two wash-outs later, we gathered once more.
Choosing to bowl first on a slow and muddy pitch, Nostell made good progress. Garforth were struggling at about 50 for 6, Lee taking 4 early wickets with some nice in-swing. Credit is due to the lower-middle order whom ‘dug in’ and battled their way to just over 100 despite a good spell of left-arm-over (yes, really) from Neil and a number of ‘unplayable’ deliveries from our 2 young spinners (yes, REALLY).
Our reply began slowly but George played very encouragingly on debut before runs started to (relatively) flow with the two Neils at the crease. At 70-odd for 4, and giddy following a couple of 6-hits, Geordie John, his hamstring now tighter than piano wire, growled that ‘we’d struggle to lose from this position’. ‘If we do, we should burn ourselves alive in the changing room’ I replied.
I do not particularly wish to reflect on the next 10 minutes (YES, REALLY) for too long because I am finding it difficult to write as I have over 90% burns to my body. I would like to say that at some point this season there is a possibility of playing some Nostell cricket at Nostell and the same skills that went missing in those mad minutes will be required. i.e. patience and playing forward to the straight one (try it).
