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The side was the usual mix of experience and youth with Dave Stevo skipper for the day in the absence of Bill Gates. The Milk Tray Man, Zane returned from the stress of his A Level exams and Scatt was back after a week in the firsts. The Blazing Squad had two members on show, aka Poyner with freshly cut and styled hair and Max Bygraves with his Beckham-like slips of the razor in his eyebrow.
The toss was made and Duffield had first use of a good looking batting track. The Ant and Graham 'Gee Gee' Wenden were the chosen ones to take on the pace and bounce of the Etwall opening bowlers. The Ant didn't last long and was caught for three proclaiming afterwards that his mind was elsewhere and concerned with more personal issues. It could be argued that the Ants choice of pre-match meal at a certain well-known fast food chain (that consisted of a chocolate milkshake, two double cheeseburgers, a quarter pounder with cheese, 9 chicken nuggets and four chicken goujons) could have contributed to his downfall at the crease. With the score on ten, Wenden was joined by Pete Turner and the pair put on 31 whilst seeing the opening bowlers off before Gee Gee fell to the first change spinner for a useful 22. Scatt strode to the wicket and a 50 partnership followed with some nice strokes from both batsmen.
With the score on 91 for 2 from 25 overs, the Scooby Doos lost 2 wickets quickly. Firstly Scatt for 18 after the ball clipped his pad and proceeded to bowl him and Pete Turner for 30 whom was caught and gave their spinner his second wicket. This brought together Dave Olsen and Zane and what followed was an absolute pleasure for all to see. With Olsen used as the supporting role, Zane decided that an increase in the scoring rate was necessary if the Toffs were to defend a total on a small ground. In an innings that included 9 fours and 2 huge sixes over the pavilion, Zane spanked the ball to all parts with a mixture of lusty blows and superb timing as he quickly moved past his 50. Stevo replaced the out-going Olsen who contributed a handy 19 before he was caught and bowled. What followed was Stevo impersonating a greyhound in the 7:45 at Walthamstow with his quick running between the wickets and Zane continuing his run quest. Having scored 85, Zane missed a straight one and was bowled but he had shifted the balance in Duffields favour. Great effort Zano. Maxwell joined Stevo and nearly cracked a top edge 6 from the first ball he faced. The Duffield innings ended with the score on 234 for the loss of 6 wickets and tea was taken.
Having consumed butties, cakes, cha and cordial the Toffs took to the field in confident mood and Poyner and Elmo were thrown the new ball to share. It is perhaps wise not to go in to too much detail about the fielding in particular the catching that was on show. In truth the four dropped catches in the first few overs of the reply were either very easy or very difficult, but if youre going to beat any side regardless of league position it is essential to hold the chances you are given. Add to this the fact that the opposition batsmen who were let off went on to make significant scores and this changed the tone of the fielding in the following overs as well as the team morale. Looking for a breakthrough Stevo chopped and changed the bowling attack and no less than 9 bowlers were used throughout the second innings. Of the bowlers used Poyner bowled with good line and length and was unfortunate to come away with just the one wicket. Elmo and the Ant stuck to the task well also but with no reward and the remaining 3 wickets to fall were shared between Darts Mason, Zane and Scatt. To be fair Etwall never really went looking for the win and finished on 153 for 4 off their 46 and it was inopportune that the fielding mishaps occurred when they did. The one thing that the Toffs need to take away from the game especially with regard to the fielding is not to let the heads drop when things dont go their way. When wickets did eventually come and catches were held there was an immediate upturn in the morale on the pitch. This really shouldnt be the case in future and needs to be taken in to the second half of the season if they are to prove successful. A special mention must go to Gee Gee for his flighty breaks at the end of their innings. If he keeps working on this fine art, he could prove to be a useful weapon in future matches (just make sure you pitch it!).
With regard to totty watch, Mr Mason spotted a nice young filly during their innings who was pretty decent but other than that quite quiet.
After the game, a little road trip was taken by some of the more senior members of the side and culminated in a few cheeky beers in the Tart. The most senior member of the side had a little bit too much mead and 'literally' exposed himself in conjunction with a nearby flower arrangement. As well as tipping most of his later pints of Timothy Taylor on the Tart floor, the said senior pro also made a 'getaway' from the Viceroy without paying his share of the bill claiming " I'm just going outside for a breath of fresh air ". The other members of the road trip party were most disgruntled with the senior pros actions and being rugby tackled in to the undergrowth in Allestree where he was reprimanded by fellow party goers was seen as getting off lightly. The actions, behaviour and table manners have been duly noted of the said senior pro and further involvement in future road trips will be strenuously discussed before participation is approved (NICE ONE, ELMO!!).
Related Links:
Dirty Den's April Diary
Duffield 2nd XI Fixtures
League Tables
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