Tiddington 2nd XI vs Long Marston (away) -Saturday 26th May 2018

Following midweek jet trouble and Lord Higgs having a weekend off (apparently not jet related) the 2nd team traveled to Long Marston with only 2 changes from the previous week’s loss, Patrick Knightley and Pete Holland completed the squad.

The team arrived in a joyous mood and eager to put a tough loss behind them. After winning the toss and electing to insert the opposition on a warm humid day in Hertfordshire the spotlight was on the opening bowlers, Luke Hurley and Max Smith.

After a tight opening spell with very few extras the Long Marston opening pair crept to 31 before Patrick Knightley (Hammer) was thrown the ball to shake things up and get the breakthrough. Hammer quickly responded with a rank long hop that surprised the opening batsman who promptly mistimed a hook shot straight to Max Smith for a simple catch.

Pressure continued to be applied with sharp fielding and minimal scoring shots on offer for the batsman. Marston crawled to 74/3 with Holland and Knightley picking up wickets.

For a moment the Marston batsman appeared relatively comfortable and the game was in the balance. Immediately that moment was lost as Joe Elliot started a 10 over spell with his now formidable slow bowling partner in crime, Colin Bird. Five overs in to his spell Elliott had claimed 2 crucial wickets but had been rather expensive; going for 8 runs!

Clearly frustrated by this Elliott hydrated at the drinks break and proceeded to bowl 2 wicket-maidens in a row followed by 3 maidens. Phenomenal bowling!

Bird continued to fly in from the tennis court end and claimed a much deserved wicket. Runs at this point were very hard to come by and Marston slumped to a respectable but under par 153/8 off their 50 overs.

Honorable mention for Bungalow Bates who bowled well but without picking up a wicket.

Elliott led the team off for tea returning figures of 10-6-8-4, leading to murmurs around the ground that a slow left arm version of Steve Patterson may have been discovered. Lofty praise indeed.

Tea was splendid and included a hot pasta option, numerous sandwich varieties, fresh fruit and various cake options. It was fantastic to see separate plates for savory food, bowls for the pasta and smaller plates for the sweet option. Attention to detail second to none from the tea lady.

King and Mackie strode out to open the batting and thanks to some average and predominantly wide bowling a risk free opening stand of 91 ensued, Mackie out for 49.

Nerves suitably settled Malik joined King at the crease before being bamboozled by a left arm moon ball and getting unceremoniously stumped for 0.

Skipper Davis and King proceeded to make a steady 47 partnership before a run out led to King’s departure and Tiddington just 14 runs short of victory.

Young Joe Elliott hit the winning runs with a nonchalant boundary to seal a comfortable 7 wicket victory for Tiddington.

Hurley departed for a wedding whilst the remaining 10 enjoyed a winners beer on the Marston turf.

Man of the match – Joe Elliott