Game Five: 3rd XI vs BUCC 1st XI, Away

As always, an accurate portrayal of Saturday's goings on from our Spacial...

An ageing ‘Wombles’ travelled to the heartland of former ‘Trym-er’ Mr Paul to take on Bristol University Staff CC.

For the first time this season Marshdingo won the toss an electing to bat on a wicket later to be described as ‘good four weeks ago’ by one club member.

Once again it was a difficult start with Ollie Eglon still rolling round in Failand at Space’s performance the previous week losing his off stump for one, this was not helped by Bubbles who body was in Coombe Dingle but mentally was still in Dojo lounge.

After Birchy somehow managed to run out Redders for 0, Bristol were in a spot of bother at 28-4, after 9 overs.

In familiar circumstances, it was Chippy and Space left with the task of rebuilding the innings.

Space somehow managed to run to the non-strikers end with discuss Chippy about why he turned down the single then run back, with the opposition in typical 3rd team style missing the potential run out twice. After the initial throw cannoned off the wicketkeepers pads back past the guy that threw it!

The pairing managing to bat shortly after drinks before Chippy was dismissed for 23 and Bristol 68-5.

Space batting with Marshall, Leech Sr and Miller Sr manged to ‘Marshall’ pun intended the score to 91-8, before being joined by Steve Probert who once again always finds a way to score in strange places, took the score to 113-9 before Space was dismissed making a hard fought 38. Steve would go onto make what turned out to be a vital 11 runs as Bristol were dismissed in the 44th over for 120.

Bristol needed to start fast so Chippy opened the bowling; with Coxy and soon the opposition were under pressure at 4-2, then 22-4, which each bowler taking two a piece, on a wicket which was always going to be difficult to chase on.

At this point there was a 25 minutes delay as donuts rained from the sky, once the donuts were removed from the pitch play continued, with Bristol still in the ascendency and pony devastated that he was twitching and missed cricket match were donuts rained from the sky. SEETH!

With the hosts restricted to 41-5 with Coxy taking 3-24 off his 9 overs (with a bad back), Chris White was brought into the attack.

Chris was clearly watching the previous week and followed Space’s model of s**t gets wickets, with a number of toe crushing bouncers in his two overs (one word of advice from a man that knows – it’s all about the line, they aren’t effective if they pitch off the strip!)

With the opposition now 88-5 the, the Dog threw the ball Redders and Space, who proceeded to hit there straps, Space even managed to get two balls carry through to bubbles on a slow wicket. The hosts were all of a sudden 94-8 and eventually dismissed for 114.

A very good win in the circumstances, even Redders enjoyed himself

Thanks to AB for umpiring.