Detail: 14-05-2017 - Shackleford
Result: Won by 8 wkts
'Strong and Stable' Blues comfortably overcome Shackleford
The Blues started off the first of two ODIs against Shackleford in 2017 with an emphatic team victory. Unusually the Blues had more players than the opposition and positive omens continued as Skipper Metson won the toss and elected to field in tricky batting conditions. Mullett and Glenn came flying out of the traps like two finely tuned (early) middle aged men who had an added spring in their step having netted last week. Wickets began to tumble with Mullet taking two in his first over and Glenn producing some unplayable deliveries. Hollywood joined the party (when has he ever not?) and took a further two wickets. Alistair and Zahid also took two apiece and Aqib bowled well for his wickt. Special mention should go to Youcef and his 'gun arm' and Das who kept tidily. The fielding was excellent (except for Ben's misfield) and all seven catching opportunities were snaffled. In essence Shackleford were a coalition of chaos (mixture of father, sons, teachers, gap year students and students) - 80 all out
For the first time in living memory, the Blues batting second, had to bat before tea. Ben and Youcef made a 'strong and steady' start and saw off the dangerous openers. After an excellent tea, they continued where they left off, running well between the wickets and ticking the scoreboard over before Youcef fell to an excellent caught behind with victory now a formality. Das did the honourable thing and was trapped LBW to a twelve year old, before Ben (top scorer with 39) saw the good ship Blues home with hours to spare.. Thankfully not too soon though to see El Presidente do a stint of umpiring. We were grateful for his presence particularly as he must have been busy trying to manage the fallout from the manifesto leak. Great team effort - lovely way to start the season and back home by seven!
Metto
[updated 22 05 2017]