report by drb

Anticipation was high at the early meet in a "greasy spoon" for the pre tour nourishment (it was also handy planning by RL as there was a bookies next door). Things did not start well as a pile up on the M55 meant lengthy delays sitting watching heavy rain. We finally reached the Norbreck ("colditz") hotel to find they were having a fire drill so we could not check in or more importantly go to the bar. Scottie however on his brief visit & resembling a yellow coat from hi-di-hi greeted everybody with his clip board & details of how much they owed. Things did brighten up & when we reach the St Annes ground the wickets were already pitched (always a good sign - see Norcross report). Matty McCallum opened up with Steven Nuttall, the Jesters last minute "big money" signing from Barnsley. However, against some good bowling the Jesters struggled with only Dale managing to score with any freedom. Matty did hold the innings together with his 1st Jester half century, reaching the target in the 38th over. Barnsley "vetran" Gary Nuttall made a late cameo with his son offering £30 for a 1st ball 6 he duly delivered.

The total did seem under par on a very good wicket & so it proved with a strong St Annes batting line up knocking off the runs with plenty of overs to spare, their skipper Andy Kellet (from Bradford & a Jester) there at the end. Gary (normally a medium pacer) bowling some slow stuff (due to injury) bagged a couple, the 1st one with that old 1-2 punch combination of a 2 bouncer followed by a full toss which the batsman duly missed to be bowled! Dale also got us a run out with another old chesnut; with the ball going to Luke on the boundry Dale shouts 'help him out he has got no arm', the batsman duly run & are then horrified to see the ball fizzing in from the strong armed fielder.  With the new 4 man catching competition this year this reporter feels compelled to mention the shocker he had in the field including missing 2 catches (1 from an unhappy 2 years wicket-less pod) ; a cardboard cut-out would have made more impact!!!!

catching competition update

S.Scott - 0  D.Bell - 2  RL - 1 Pod - 1

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