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Cricket history is replete with speculation surrounding the composition of
touring parties. David Gower was left out of the India tour of 1992/3 to
universal consternation, while an older generation would have loved to see the
unavailable Geoffrey Boycott face Lillie and Thomson in 1974/5. The late Fred
Trueman was surprisingly left out of the 1954/5 Ashes tour, though his
replacement Tyson did rather well. But none of these touring squads omitted a
wicketkeeper, nor did they go into such tough games with only 10 men, one of
whom, the game, heroic Brummie mate of Sanjay’s, 22-stone Yogi Patel, had never
played cricket before.
In the circumstances, though we have to acknowledge possible structural
problems, in addition to changing work patterns in society, as being the reasons
for such a thin squad, The Gents did well to keep a talented batting line up to
one run shy of 200, though for the second weekend running they suffered a record
stand. Thus is deleted the 127 posted by Mason and Walker of Rotherham SC on
Snarler’s 1995 debut. The rule of this game was retire at 50 (Sanjay negotiated
away the maximum six overs per bowler clause, though the homesters adopted it
anyway) so three Bedouins contributed to a stellar 160 for the second wicket,
with only a couple of half chances going begging, such was the quality of the
batsmanship and evenness of the wicket.
It was a well up to par Gent attack that tied down the Bedouins openers until
Hill senior was run out by the Sanjay/Gilkes combo, the skipper having first
shelled the catch, though retaining the presence of mind to get a good throw
into the stand-in stumper Mr. Gilkes. Apart from a few dodgy overs either side
of the first drinks break, The Gents kept at it well in hot, draining
conditions. H Bomb’s first spell was expensive; the poor bloke would go for his
second successive 50, but that apart you could not fault bowling, fielding or
attitude. This attack with a regular ’keeper and eleven men would have conceded
no more than 150. But nine cricketers and dear, heart of gold Yogi it was, with
able batsmen scoring freely, led by the aggressive Susman and Stanier, with the
moustachioed Branch playing the anchor role. A total of 230 plus looked likely
at one point but the last few overs some welcome successes, Snarler taking three
wickets in his second spell, Hemin and SP two each. However, the Lord giveth and
the Lord taketh away, and poor Ken was badly injured fielding (Snarler would
kindly drive him home), while Rich had to cede the gloves to Jim after a nasty
finger injury.
Half-time here sees a cup of tea and some delicious home made cakes, with the
main buffet served after. The Gents were happy enough, and looked to have a
decent batting line-up, though it would be weakened by Ken having sadly to be
Absent Injured. Jim, in his best form since 2000 in recent weeks, was given out
caught behind by umpire Sussman senior in the first over of the reply, though he
was adamant it was bat on ground. Snarler soon feathered to the ’keeper and it
was 5/2. All hail then some indomitable middle order resistance, Hemin and to an
extent SP opting for attack, while Dhruv played an excellent anchor role knock
for the team. Hemin fell after batting briskly, runs coming at a tidy rate and
The Gents were, when Dhruv and Sanjay were together, entitled to hope just a
little. But alas, one wicket brought two and then a clutch, Mr. Gilkes posting a
brave unbeaten 22 in great pain. Whether an away game involving an overnight
stay qualifies as a tour others can decide. What is certain is that once again
it was a superb weekend, which provided the chance to play on a fine ground that
has hosted cricket since 1821 (coincidentally the last time the changing rooms
were cleaned). One day Ken may actually get to bat here. Well played Bedouins,
fine and generous hosts, commiserations GWLCC, battered, bruised tourists.
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