In a game of limited-overs cricket, there are two schools of thought when it comes to choosing whether, having won the toss, to bat or field first. Chairman Franks had issued due warning in this regard prior to Sloths’ opening Tuesday fixture, last night at KES. However, skipper D’Pipe – under pressure from some of his more vociferous vice-captains-self-elect – chose to ignore this.
Confident the light would hold and oppo would never keep back their better (and somewhat quicker) bowlers until late in the day, Sloths elected to field. True to form, this was something of a mixed bag. Stump took three very sharp catches, standing up to bowling few would see from such close range. D’pipe was accurate and penetrating. McCauley was frankly in a class of his own. Dan O was exceptional once he found his line. SDS bamboozled the batsman with a ball that actually appeared to be in slow-motion. And so on.
However, Rotork had some big hitters within their ranks. And, in the end, it was their ability to find the boundary that made the difference. Sloths left some inviting gaps in the field and the visitors gleefully accepted. Few chances went to hand and when one ball was finally lofted towards the waiting Madeye, at deep mid-on, he decide not to risk the catch but to protect the boundary. Which, of course, he failed to do. In stark contrast, newbie Luc literally put his body on the line to prevent a strike of some ferocity that was headed towards the short boundary at deep point. In so doing, he rearranged some vital organs and – more importantly – prevented the four.
With a run-chase of 142 from 18 overs, Sloths were always going to be under pressure in the fading April light. Openers McCauley and Fresh got off to a steady start, quickly opening up as the bowling allowed. McCauley soon got his eye in and hit some much-needed boundaries to put Sloths on track for an improbable victory. All the while, though, Rotork confounded with accurate bowling and sharp fielding.
McCauley soon retired, whilst Fresh was caught behind – having been adjudged not-out the previous ball. Dan O continued the momentum, playing confidently through the line and providing possibly the shot of the match with a beautifully timed cover drive for four. Bonder gamely swung the bat but struggled to hit the big boundaries for which he clearly hoped. Stump played a straight bat as ever, hustling and harrying to keep the score ticking along. Howard did his best to do the same and looked eager to find some big hits along the way.
Rotork, however, had some key bowlers up their sleeve for the final showdown. Just as it looked as though Sloths might creep over the finish line, the visitors closed ranks and prevented anything beyond pushed singles or well-fielded drives. In the end, it was a tantalisingly close call. Some disgruntled Sloths grumbled about negative tactics from the opposition. In truth, this was merely sour grapes and frankly contrary to the spirit of the friendly game.
Sloths were well beaten on this occasion. But they can take pride in putting up a spirited fight against long odds. With D’Pipe back on song; McCauley doing his thing; ditto Fresh; and Dan O strong with both bat and ball, there is much to cheer. Perhaps what was missing last night was the likes of a Hewes or a Franks to come in mid-order and swing with abandon (and where’s Hewston?…). In any case, it was a close game and the signs are good for the season to come.
Over strictly apartheid beers after the game, questions were inevitably raised:
- Is it wise to bat second when you know that a) the light will fade and b) the opposition will produce their top bowling under said conditions?
- Should anyone listen to Fresh anyway?
- Should the Madeye Shuffle be adopted to celebrate all missed catches?
- Will there be a group discount for Sloths attending ‘Think of a Concussion’ on May 29th at the old Theatre Royal?
To which, the answers are:
- No,
- No,
- Let’s hope not,
- Don’t be ridiculous… oh, OK then.
Let’s look forward to a season full of thrills, spills, skills, mistakes and good-humour.
L Ron Hubbard; Self-Promotion Correspondent; Slothful Times