2005 Season - Thorpe Arnold - 2005/07/17
Paul writes:
This was the Thorpe Arnold annual Presidents Day and we were their guests. Noon arrival and a very nice lunch was enjoyed by all on a beautiful day at this lovely ground. I was introduced to all the TACC committee in advance of the toss. Having just about talked us in to bat on the walk out I was able to secure batting first with their less experienced skipper who finally succumbed.
This wasn�t Jamie�s day, shouldering arms to an inducker which removed his off stump. But it was Nick�s and he displayed a tremendous selection of shots all round the ground, with his squashbuckling short arm pulling a real treat. Meanwhile always happy to play the supporting role I managed to put together a few shots and we accumulated a very nice 98 partnership before Nick fell for 71. Crossy and I both then fell 2 & 1 runs short of fifties but not before we had put on a spritely 77.
Jez met Dean out in the middle for the first time but succumbed to an untimely run out when on 19. Dean looked a little out of sorts, but ended up with 20 n.o. accompanied by a Smudger 10, Benno 7 n.o. but a 0 from Richard in his second match. A very tidy 249-7 was posted.
Tea, biscuits, a bit of fruit, open golf and a quick turn round saw Nick donning the pads and Ian back in the covers. No early breakthroughs though from the Vicar or Richard, but the introduction of Andy saw two classic �snick to keeper� wickets and we were on our way. Smudge bowled an excellent but wicketless spell and then Benno was a little expensive but collected 3 wickets. Then we were treated to a super exhibition of bowling from Deano, who we all agreed looked as good as we have ever seen him, with a modified action and real intent. Plus his delivery stride �Boxers grunt� was in fine form. 4-2-8-2, including an edge over the slips for four was a great spell, only cut short by not wanting to �upset� our hosts.
Nice moment on Andy�s return towards the end was a trimmer of a catch in the gulley from Benno, who really enjoyed it after getting a bit of chirp for his prior efforts at first slip. Jamie unfortunately spilled one at Long On but other than that pretty good in the field.
Jez had a bit of a spin and I came out of bowling retirement to send (up and subsequently) down a few grenades which bought a bit of light entertainment and a wicket, well held by Smudge on the drive.
The TACC innings closed at 189-9 and speeches followed in the outfield, with Nick picking up the MOM trophy presented by Mr President, for his knock and very good keeping including 2 catches.
As we all ripped off our sweaty whites in the triumphant dressing room, TA�s President then excelled himself with a tray of pints, 6 lager, 6 bitter and these were gratefully accepted by Benno in just his flip flops and with a smile, as he made his way towards the shower. Odd noises from the twin shower area followed, which made for much amusement. Then it was out to the BBQ which was excellent, particularly the steaks.
Lounging around in the outfield, with lager washing the steak down, with the team, our supporters and family, I couldn�t help thinking��you can�t beat days like this.