Dads get bragging rights in inaugural match.
A fine BH Monday at Sissinghurst CC saw the Dads overcome their offspring and (in some cases) surrogate children for the day.
The afternoon started with a BBQ (Braai) expertly overseen by our resident Saffer Tony Hammond. The Politburo were quick to get stuck in led by Chief Burgermeister Digger.
With no obvious signs of poisoning from the rusty BBQ the match got underway with the Lads being asked to set the Old Boys a target in a 24 over per side match.
Apologies for any mistakes or oversights that may have been due to a Harveys haze!
Big things were expected from the ‘youth’ given their pre-match ‘chat’. They were in for a shock with the first 3 of Henry Elliott, Henry Parton and Daniel Hammond whipped out in quick succession by a clearly fired up Paul Dyas, who picked up two, and ‘steady’ Ollie Streeten who knocked over dangerman ‘Dolly’.
The youngsters ship was steadied by an excellent knock from Will Bligh who retired 22 n.o. (retirement set at 20). But wickets continued to fall the other end with Tom Dyas (fresh from his knock of 39 against Kent the day before) snaffled at gully by Paul Dyas off Ollie Streeten. Queue large celebration from Dyas senior.
Aston Burford was bowled round his legs by Bligh senior and Ed Steele quickly followed clearly un-nerved by the raw pace of some old bloke.
The tail wagged with Arthur Elliott and Jack Dyas both retiring n.o. on 20 and 23 respectively whilst wickets continued to tumble the other end with wickets for Tony Hammond and Ben Meredith in one over spells that felt like two (given the number of extras!) Hector Powell, Felix Elliott and Max Meredith all came and went cheaply and James Steele smashed a half volley down the ground that had 4 written all over it. Unfortunately for him Ben Meredith stuck up a hand (still in ice) and to the amazement of Ben himself the ball stuck.
This meant the retirees could start to return and Will Bligh returned first. He didn’t add to his total after being bowled by Nathan Staines. Nathan’s ears were visibly bleeding following the boundary abuse given by his surrogate for the day, ‘Dolly’. Revenge would follow later.
Rebecca Steele bowled well to pick up one wicket whilst Ian Burford, Tom Elliott, Trev Wright and Jon Agar all kept things tight.
Arthur Elliott and Jack Dyas returned to continue their innings but Arthur was stumped without adding to his score and Jack added one ending up top scorer on 24 not out in a total of 119.
The ‘Dad’s’ opened up with the experienced Trevor Wright and Tony Hammond. Looking for a strong base from Trev the Dads were in shock as he was back in the pavilion after 2 balls having been bowled by Henry Elliott with an ‘unplayable’ delivery (according to Trev). Rebecca quickly followed and after 1 over the Dads were reeling on 0-2. Tony H and Ian Burford came in and smashed some quick 4’s before they were sent packing by Daniel (see ya’ dad) and Dolly. Yours truly was out caught chasing a wide delivery from Ed Steele (I’m always telling the juniors to leave the wide ones – practice what you preach numpty) but this brought big hitting Jon Agar to the crease to give the innings some impetus. Jon duly delivered with a couple of big sixes quickly retiring on 22 n.o.
Ollie Streeten came and went giving another wicket to Ed Steele which brought Paul ‘Ducky’ Dyas and James Bligh together. In 3 previous SCC innings Paul had not scored a run but that was all forgotten as he hit 22 retired n.o. James added 13 before falling to Charlie Streeten.
Enter Nathan to face his surrogate Dolly. All players had pre-match drawn a particular shot to play as their first shot of the day. Nathan’s was a mow over cow corner and he duly delivered with a big six – time to give some stick back.
Tom Elliott and Ben Meredith fell cheaply but that brought Jon back in to partner Nathan and the 119 was surpassed in the 22nd over with Jon finishing on 29 n.o and Nathan 17 n.o.
An excellent day was had by all and hopefully this will become an annual event.
Tony Reader