Sunday 4th May 2025
Thank you to The Regal Mutt for sponsoring the match and thank you to CGI and The Star for their ongoing support.
After a good win against league opposition the previous week, Wick were in good spirits heading into our first ‘proper’ friendly of the season – as opposed to the friendly the previous week which was still a friendly but more of a pre-season friendly than an actual friendly – against old friends, Barry West End.
It’s been a couple of years since we last played the West End and even longer since we’ve played them on the village green. With the sun shining and everyone having arrived comfortably before the 13:30 start, Wick were put in to bat.
Wick CC – 166 for 4 (40.0): Russ Milne 95, Jeff Cole 41*
Barry West End – 166 for 8 (40.0): S.Oram 37*, Kenny Thomas 3-17, Andy Ellis 2-9
The Wick innings really was a story of two halves and two men. After brief visits to the crease by Math, Steve and Andy, Wick were 16-3 after 12 overs and by drinks had reached 26 for no further loss. At this point the Wick contingent on the sidelines were already thinking they might make it back to the Star in time to upgrade the usual post-match sandwiches and roasties to a full-on carvery…and a few pints. But Jeff, making his Wick debut, and Captain Russell had other ideas.
After initially steadying the Wick ship, the two put on their own rendition of Stokes and Leach at Headingly, with Russ moving through the gears to reach 95 before getting out and Jeff working his way to 41 not out despite some tasty bowling from the West End attack. There was just enough time for a brief cameo from Kenny in the last couple of overs, with Wick closing their innings on 166 and at least having some sort of total to defend.
Gutsy, still amid an existential crisis over whether he wants to open the bowling or bowl at the tail decided to do a bit of both, taking the new ball and with the promise of a few overs later in the game. After a tight opening spell from both Gutsy and ‘Mr Line & Length’ Andy, a wicket in his second over from Gutsy and two wicket maidens for Andy saw the West End 32/3 after 10 overs and things were starting to get interesting.
Next into the attack was ‘Mr Bucket Hands’ Ian who took a wicket in his second over, tempting the remaining West End opener to nick one behind and, with a bit of deft glove work, safely into the hands of Owen at wicket keeper. A rare bit of useful work from him, as he spent most of the game rolling around on the floor, doing his best imitation of the roller Kenny uses to flatten the wicket.
With Andy finishing 2-9 from his spell, it was over to Math and ‘Hollywood’ Simon Stratten to take proceedings to drinks. A great 4 over spell from both which saw 3 maidens and 1 wicket for just 8 runs saw the West End sitting at 65/5 after 20 overs. Significantly ahead of Wick at the same point in their innings, but with the game finely balanced to go either way. Wick, in the closest they’ve ever come to the IPL, implemented a tactical substitution after drinks, with Math being replaced by Chris for the last 15 or so overs.
West End steadied the ship somewhat after drinks, with Simon and Neal restricting the opposition from scoring too freely. Wick were still in the game but needed a breakthrough, needed a difference maker…need a hero? There was only one man for the job, Kenny. 6 overs and 3 wickets later the West End were 110/8 with 10 overs left.
It was getting tasty.
Russ, struggling after taking a tricky catch bowled a tight three overs alongside Steve before stepping aside to leave Steve and Gutsy to bowl the last few overs of the Match. This is what Gutsy wanted, or was it? Steve went for just 16 runs off his four over spell which left Gutsy to bowl the final over with the West End needing 6 to win. If that wasn’t tense enough, they needed just two runs off the last ball for victory.
Gutsy bowled a tight final ball causing chaos at the crease. The West End go to run, Owen fell over trying to get the ball to the stumps, dislodged the bails but left the ball behind. Not ideal.
Tie game.
A fantastic game of cricket played in great spirits and a result that a few hours ago no one would’ve dreamt of.
Back to The Star for some post-match nutrition and, thanks to the following day being a bank holiday, a rare opportunity for a few drinks after the game. Topics of conversation included: sporting heroes, best tv series and, probably the biggest question of all, what does Russell get from playing cricket with the rest of us?
Due to the delay in getting this match report written, we’ve already played our next game against F troop, but Wick will be back in action on Sunday 25th May at home against Penarth.
Thanks again to The Star for their post-match hospitality and to The Regal Mutt for their match sponsorship and player of the match awards.
– Owen Thomas
