With kit bags securely locked this week, Goldsborough arrived determined to maintain their unbeaten record. A trendy metatarsal Robshaw football injury saw him on the sidelines – I think his big toe is also in a cast big enough to cover a childs forearm. Therefore one change was required to the side that kitted Pav’s 6 last week – with old Wilks off for a ding dong in Bangkok, young Wilks came in to provide a left arm spin option.
After weeks of pleading for a spot, Treacle Murray was unavailable again due to a prior engagement in his 8 MAN hot tub and he must now hope for a drop out next week to sneak back in.
This week’s opposition were Old Mods – a new name to the Goldsborough side, but with some old faces – notably Young Fat Pat Cash who had lost none of his wayward aggression from the previous sides he had represented.
Despite Goldsborough’s determination for 2 points, health was a key factor this week. With Morgan/Saul, Jackson, and Shorter all at various stages of man flu strength was low. In addition, Cummings was full to the gills and walking gingerly, so Cockle and young Wilks were the only men fit. A new indoor record brought to the table by the club skipper – 4 days – surely a record in the outside world as well – we all hoped that the record would not be ended during this game.
A successful toss and Old Mods were invited to set a target. However, they stubbornly refused this challenge and instead opted to occupy the crease. After 6 overs the score was 35 and Cummings’ bowels were no closer to freedom. A late rally, and Old Mods had finally discovered how to score runs in this format. They ended on 86 which was a good recovery, but still below par. As a footnote for the records, GB were disappointed not to see more of Fat Pat at the crease, expertly caught first ball having spent 7 overs umpiring scornfully at his upper order’s lack of adventure.
The tried and tested opening partnership saw Cockle and Shorter each retire for the 5th consecutive week, setting Goldsborough on their way to what would surely be a comfortable victory once more. Interestingly though, the middle order had other ideas. Cummings played some classic drives before deciding it was time to loosen things up with some very quick singles. Sadly though, 2 were run out, one of which himself without being any closer to a sit down.
Jackson spent 3 balls trying to recreate the infamous Gatting ball from 1993 that he had seen on ESPN classics the previous evening, but succumbed to more unconventional means. Morgan lived up to his namesake Saul and guided one into the hands of gully. Cockle, back in to finish things off, aimed for the back wall and was caught. This collapse was now getting a little too close for comfort – GB having been 60-0 off 6 overs, were now 86-5 with 5 balls left. A guide to third man secured the winning run with 3 balls to spare though, and the near miss had been avoided.
Fat Pat continued to complain to his fielders for failing to stop nailed on 4’s and everyone shook hands. GB were pleased to note that, despite Pav and his gang warming up on the adjacent court, all kit was still present and the relieved men (all relieved bar Cummings that is) made their way for a pint drinking contest won comfortably by Morgan in 14 seconds.
Bare Facts
Week 5 – Goldsborough v Old Mods
Old Mods – 86 – 4
- Lots of dots
- Goldsborough – 87 – 5
- Cockle 21*
- Shorter 23*
- Cummings run out (again!!)
- 1 complacent collapse
Wow
I’m amazed at just how easy it is to navigate this new website once you get going.
The indoor games sound like fun – can I play?
Good work G, entertaining as ever!