report by DRB

The Jesters returned to the Sandos ground in Horsforth for the 1^st time since 2001 to play Cambridge Meths, who had discontinued the fixture then because we were deemed to be to strong – How times have changed! Because of the bad summer this late season fixture was agreed after ex Jester Steve Bindman crossed our path earlier in the year.  The Sunday dinner crew convened at the Horsforth hotel & enjoyed the best meal of the season; roast beef & yp for £3.50 – great value. This was tempered by the bad news of Macca ‘turning funny’ at the last minute so leaving us on 10 men. I have misjudged his enthusiasm for the Jesters in originally not selecting him & for that must apologise; it would have been in person if he had turned up!!!!!!
Our 2^nd game of the weekend was delayed by a junior football tournament on the outfield but what followed was an abject batting performance where the only bright spot was the partnership by our two 12 year olds Dane (tenacious) & Callum (quality technique & a potential future Jesters 1st class cricketer), the conduct of these two should be an inspiration for the more immature Rawdon teenagers playing today. For Cambridge Meths the MP for Wellingborough had his best day against the Jesters giving Neil in particular a torrid time as did ‘Binders’ who as ever took ages setting his field then threw up 1^st ball a tasty SFT (slow full toss) which Dale obligingly hit straight to deep square leg. The skipper was left high & dry at the end when RL & Trev Penny were unable to negotiate straight balls with overs still left.
After an Indian theme tea an early wicket by Trev gave hope of defending the small target but this was a false dawn as the runs were knocked of comfortably, even wicket taking machine Dale (needing 3 wickets to pip a concerned Scottie) only picked up 1 late consolation victim, perhaps the previous evenings celebrations & long drive around Huddersfield searching for a open Indian restaurant had taken its toll. The wicket keeping duties were carried out for the 1^st(& hopefully last) time by Ben Senior who resembled a “rabbit in headlights” every time the ball passed the bat!
Perhaps it is time the season is finished as overall this was one of the worst Jester performances this correspondent can remember.