SUNDAY, 17 JULY vs WESTON-SUPER-MARE WONDERS at BLAGDON
Blagdon 263-5, W-S-M Wonders 272-5 - Lost by 9 runs


On the hottest day of the year we arranged a friendly against weston Wonders at home. Unlike England football friendlies where the players just patsy about, both teams played this for real. We won the toss and Wesley elected to field with himself as wicket-keeper. Unfortunately, half our team had been at a party the night before and whilst they are too young for hang-overs they had that unreal air about them. The fielding and bowling was produced moments of high drama. At one point a wide was bowled and while people screamed at the bowler, others yelled at the wickie, others yelled at the ones behind to fetch it, others still yelled for the trow to be backed up. While this was going on the batsmen calmly ran 5. As we lost by 9 runs everyone might reflect on this moment and wonder if they did their bit. There were very good moments as well; Martin got their opening bat with a beauty, Wesley also stumped the same boy with a very sharp effort and Peter bowled superbly for his wicket. Some sharp fielding by Gabriel resulted in a run out and things were looking ok. After 32 in extras Weston finished on
272-5 George Mundon scoring 12 no in fine style at the end.

Half time and the children were tucking into two large cholcolate cakes and a million biscuits while I tried my motivational speech. "We can still win this!" I urged and through mouthfuls of cholcalte cake they muttered something which I took to be agreement. Wesley opened the batting with Oliver and they scored well although Olly was bowled as he backed away attempting a cut to square leg. Jordan was back to his haymaking and mis-timed a shot to backward square leg. His partnership with Adam added 16 to put us on 222 after 8 overs, just 4/5 runs off the pace. Peter and Zoe batted together to follow the brother and sister tradition that the Yard family satrted a few years ago. 7-year old Zoe was shown no mercy as their bowlers were fast and accurate. She took 3 hits on elbow and hips but battled on superbly for 1no and 7 partnership. Gabriel and Timmy made a good partnership but we were left with 40 to win off the last pair. Weston were very excited and loved to say that it could not be done. Martin Mail and Mark Knowlson had other ideas though. Scoring runs off almost every ball we had a really exciting finish and ended just 9 short on 263-5. A brilliant effort. Well done Weston and we look forward to more friendlies. If only England were there to see how you should approach such a match.