The Jesters Massive regrouped at the Hunters Inn for Saturday lunch before making the short trip to Arthington for the final game of their 2011 season. Arthington C.C. are just getting into their stride, and it’s late mid-season for them. A couple of late withdrawals from the Jesters, at least we have something in common with the Roman Catholic faith, saw a trusty 10 pull on the jersey, and with Belly losing the toss, we took to the field. It was good to see Ives again, after not being allowed to tour this year, and a bit of South Yorkshire cricketing talent had come up with him. Late comer Richie Barker, making his final Jesters appearance, arrived late, as is the tradition, but walked onto the field took the next over, and showed fellow opener Dobby what a consummate professional can really do. Arthington dug in like it was a timeless test, and if it hadn’t have been for Ives they’d still have been in single figures at drinks. Richie wheedled a couple of wickets with a smart return catch, and a tiny snick into Ives’ gloves. Scotty, also hanging up his pad after today’s game, tried his luck, but alas didn’t get any reward. He was robbed a final wicket as Belly rose salmon like at an easy chance. Regrettably he turned out to be more Billy Bass, than Billy the fish and the ball was decked. High point of the innings was a quick single between the meek and mild Jeff Barker and the Dogtanian wannabee, resulting in harsh words and an apology. The Jesters were as one, agreeing that there would have been a run out that same over if they had been spoken to like that. A late flurry of runs made the total 160 when the overs ran out, with Richie’s swan song being a dropped catch off the penultimate ball.

Tea was rudimentary, but what is expected with limited facilities.

The Jesters reply started off disastrously as Greeny picked out the bloke with the hands and departed early, leaving the stage open for Ollie Whittaker to dominate. A terrific innings of powerful hitting, smart running and pure timing saw Ollie to a well deserved and much appreciated unbeaten century. Mel Wood, surely the only 63 year old who can get away with having his name in gold lettering on his shirt, supported and a cameo from Ives took us across the winning line. All the bowlers were put to the sword as victory came before drinks.

And so it is a sad day for JCC. Another year over and the last Jesters games for Richie and Scotty. The final nail of Scotty’s career was the umpire turning up and asking how he had done for Yorkshire over 60s this year. His apparent doppelganger (Mel) was still on good form in the pub, breaking into (af)fluent Spanish in the hope of charming the barmaid, and negotiating a couple more fixtures before the season is out (& getting warned by the pub landlady later in the night for upsetting their customers - ed). Pod is looking forward to seeing him turn out next season with Rarty in attendance. That should be a cracking show.

Quote of the day. Ives to Umpire “you just stand there and look after thee" dog!