Sunday 9th June 2024
Wick CC welcomed Cardiff Casuals to the village green for the second Sunday 40 over match of the year, and with high hopes of maintaining their unbeaten start to the season at home (1 game, 1 win)
If you’d have asked Emily Bronte to describe the scene, she would have undoubtedly said the dark, ominous skies reflected a sense of foreboding for the downpouring of runs that were to come… but the two teams just used it as a cue to dig out the jumpers for what was an unseasonably cold June afternoon.
Cardiff Casuals XI - 217 for 5 (40.0): Will Mason-Wilkes 106*, Steve Collins 2-12, Simon Stratten 1-24, Owen Thomas 1-16
Wick CC - 218 for 2 (33.4): Matthew Williams 114, Steve Collins 44, Andy Ellis 32*
Wick were fielding first. Captain Russell decided to open the bowling with the right arm/left arm combination of Gutsy bowling express pace from one end and Owen bowing slow, erratic from the other. Owen deploying the tried and tested wide, wide, wicket set up struck first, taking an early wicket and leaving the Casuals 27-1 after the opening 8 overs thanks to Russell taking an impressive catch at full stretch over his head.
If Bronte was a bit on edge because of the weather, she’d have been beside herself after Kenny, bowling at first change alongside Russell, ended his 5 over spell wicketless. With some arguing that a wicketless Kenny spell is one of the first signs of the apocalypse, Wick were decidedly more chipper after a tight spell by both restricted the Casuals to 67 for 1 at drinks.
Wick CC saw an all-new bowling partnership after the break with youngster Jake not only bowling a great spell but also doing great work in lowering the average age of the team. Simon bowling from the other end showed no signs of rust after 15 years living in LA, taking a wicket in his 4 overs and kept very busy in the field with some excellent stops.
Next to turn his arm over was Leo “I play league cricket now’” Kelly. having kept wicket for the first 20 overs, he showed the Llantwit Fadre selectors what they were missing out on after another fine spell with the ball. This was in stark contrast to Andy at the other end who, after two dropped catches off his bowling (Gutsy x2), was left wondering who he offended in a past life to deserve such bad luck, as the Casuals motored towards a very respectable total, thanks to a great 106* by Will Mason-Wilkes. Andy’s frustrations were eased somewhat when Gutsy, having almost stopped the ball with his face earlier in the innings, attempted to catch the ball using his own stump and bails without much success. A nasty stumping for Gutsy, justice for Andy.
In stepped Math and Steve to bowl the death overs, with Steve putting any rumours that he’d been deliberately dropped down the bowling order to bed with a fine double wicket maiden in his final over to leave the Casuals at 217-4 at tea.
Wick began the chase with Steve and Math opening the batting – despite strong protestations from Owen “I’m an opening batsman now” Thomas. Captain Russell’s controversial decision paid off as Math, clearly with somewhere he’d rather be, wasted no time in bringing up his 50. Steve at the other end acted as the perfect foil to Math, reaching a Jack Leachian 6 to Matt’s Stokes-esque 50. Steve then took the brakes off and played some nice shots, working his way to 44 before being dismissed. Math showed no signs of slowing down, getting to 114 before being stumped. Equally stumped were the Wick players watching on, discussing how he made cricket look so effortless with some admiration and quite a lot of jealousy. Special mention should go to Leo who did his best to distract from the batting display with his overly flamboyant umpiring style.
With 35 runs still to get and plenty of overs left, it was up to Andy and Chris to bring it home and round off a fantastic run chase for the club. Not wanting to stray too far from our village roots both batters decided to keep their hoodies on when they went out to bat, with warmth taking priority over cricketing etiquette at the crease. Captain Russell, next in at bat showed supreme confidence in the hooded crusaders by taking his pads off with 10 runs still to get, a confidence repaid by both as Andy and Chris ended on 32 and 4 not out respectively – Chris’ third consecutive not out – to continue Wick’s unbeaten* (in 40 over cricket) start to the season.
Back to the Lamb for some sandwiches and to listen to Leo argue, unsuccessfully, that he should have 3 runs taken off his bowling figures due to ‘fielder error’.
Thanks to the Casuals for a great game of cricket played in good spirits and for the Lamb for putting on food after the game. Also great to see a few new faces in the Wick team, with new players always welcome!
– Owen Thomas
