report by POD

There are two major skills in captaining a Sunday side. Firstly getting 11 people onto the pitch which Belly normally achieves with much hard work. The second is utilising the strengths and weaknesses of those 11 to get a competitive game against whatever opposition we happen to be visiting. Belly cannot be held to blame for the events that unfolded at Newby Hall.

The die was set early doors as Rawdon pairing Wilson and Dobson set about the Newby Hall  bowlers. I hesitate to use the word attack to describe that bowling as much fell into the ‘flighted filth’ category.Dobby batted like a tail ender, hurrying past his half century in no time but holed out round the corner. Simon is a proper batter however. He hit the gaps, along the floor, repeatedly, and was a joy to watch. Matt Hodges replaced Dobby and approached the task in hand in a similar manner. With big scores from the top three, the supporting cast used their chance of some much needed time at the crease to ease the total to 250ish.

The wicket was now dusting up and with one spinner and two slow bowlers in their side, the Jesters held the whip hand attea. Neil struck early, a sharp chance (for him) snaffled up by Belly at gully and the tone was set. The home batting crumbled somewhat as each batter failed to adjust to the wicket. When this is the case, it normally calls for the spin twins to enter the fray and donate a few runs to our hosts. Coco replaced Richie and enticed four lemmings over the edge. Scott replaced Nelly and also quickly joined in. Little dolly catches were offered and taken again and again, Belly being the main beneficiary. There were as many heads shaken in the field as there were by departing batters, as no-one could quite believe the piffle that was being served up and proving too good.

So the Jesters 35^th visit to Newby Hall finished early and we enjoyed an hour drinking in the sun before heading home. I’m not sure if cricket was the winner today but am sure the Jesters will return to our oldest fixture next year, and normal service will be resumed.