12/07/2001 v St Michaels

Won

A couple of early run out meant that the St Michaels XI were in deep trouble as Stringer came to the wicket. The Vicar umpiring in his full robes soon dispensed “justice” from on high as he gave Clive out LBW and plunged the team into greater difficulties (I only appealed as a joke , said Colin Deal afterwards). Luckily Kevan Chaston, appearing in his third Charity match, started clattering Old Dartechs’ part time bowlers to all parts of the Oakfield ground. Up to this point many participants thought that skipper Coverly had gone for a low total in the “guess the number of runs” competition and was intent on skittling the opposition for a low score at all costs.

Clive Mendonca joined Kevan and the pair put on a good stand. Charlton fans in the crowd got nervous as Tony Day cranked up the speed in irritation at the free scoring, however Mendonca thankfully escaped injury as most of the bowling was directed at Chaston. A score of 111 in the circumstances was a fair one.

Old Dartechs opened the batting with Colin Deal and Jonathan Stringer, both of whom showed early aggressive intent. Colin went on to score a well deserved 34, but most of the interest centered on whether Priddy could deposit a ball in one of the steel drums positioned at long on. (You might have stood a better chance if they had been at cow shot corner Neil- only joking)

Easily the best balls of the innings were bowled by Clive, as two well flighted off spinners crashed into the stumps. Admittedly the rest of the balls he bowled were complete rubbish, but Jock was almost stumped off one that span a little- now that would have been embarrassing.

A good time was had by all, and over £600 raised for charity. The match was sponsored by the Insurance firm AON- who also sponsor some first class cricket, we must be moving up in the world..