18th June 2023
Wick welcomed Lisvane to the village green, thanks as always to the grounds crew and thanks to our Match Sponsor Bestie Diagnostics.
Wick CC – 208 for 5 (40.0): Andy Ellis 75* , Russ Milne 63 Lisvane CC – 82 for 4 (16.0): Gareth Dixon 2-24, Rain stopped play**
Usual shenanigans with getting players but it resulted in a welcome return to the fold for Moggy after a 3 year absence and a debut for Chairman Math’s stepson Tom. Plus, Iestyn, with the ultimate Fathers Day gift to his Dad, Tim, a Wick CC debut.
Russ worked his coin toss trickery and Wick were batting.
Dicky, Steve and Math all got starts reaching double figures but the story of the batting was a partnership between Andy, fresh from alligator wrestling in Florida and Russ, who pulled a leg muscle early on forcing Steve to stay on as a runner.
These two were progressing nicely at the 20 over drinks break which turned into something akin to a mingle and jingle at Tory HQ when an ice cream van turned up and the players went mad for it.
Gelato wound down but the partnership ramped up all despite Lisvane repeated claims that “he’s nervous”. Both players reached 50 with Russ hobbling to 63 before the partnership ended on an epic 122 runs. Moggy and then Tom saw out the innings with Andy who ended not out on a brilliant 75 and Wick finished on 208 runs.
Onto the bowling: Gutsy had just got back not just in time from a weekender in Butlins and the Police House Express was back to his chuntering best. He dislodged the bails of two Lisvane batters and grumbled at every misfield like the good old days. Fear and loathing in Minehead is all was needed; Purring like a pussycat was Kenny’s assessment who also took a catch off Paul’s bowling. Steve got a good run out and Lisvane were 4 down after 10 overs.
The rain came and Kenny and Tim did a sterling job bowling with a slippery soap of a ball. We had just enough time for some proper village cricket…one batsman called for a run the other was unsure, they both met in the middle with one saying he “cant change direction in these boots” they gave up but Wick fielding turned into a slowed down Benny Hill sketch and he managed to turn the boots around and get back in time as the ball ended up further away than it started.
In the end rain stopped play and the match was abandoned. Unfortunate, thanks to Lisvane for the partial game.
Back to Lamb and Flag where Tim got a beer in for everyone and we all agreed he was indeed better than Iestyn.
-Rob Dixon
