CV sings the praises of his troops as Thirds do double over Staffield.
By Christophe Vever
The Mighty Thirds have done it again with an away win at Staffield.
The skipper called correctly and asked them to bat first on a green track with rain in the air.
Shahid struggled with the new ball while Big Anth stepped up from the Academy to give some control.
They initially got 30 odd from the first 5 but then the introduction of Luke West pegged it back and they only had 80 ish at drinks.
Will Bell bowled progressively better through his 10 and Shahid’s second spell was better.
But it was the brothers Westmorland who finished off – Luke accurate and fast up the hill and Cam providing control down the hill. That they only got 212 on a ground little bigger than a postage stamp is testament to our efforts.
Threlks and Thommo batted well for them – 50’s each.
The tea was extraordinary. Ample savoury – including home made mini quiches and soft, seeded bread sarnies. And the cakes… Best in the league so far. Special commendation to Mother Threlkeld!
The reply could’ve gone either way but Hayesy’s experience set the tone for a positive chase with a couple of bad balls put away well in the first over. Nathan partnered him well and whilst they didn’t set the world on fire, their 40 ish off 12 was steady and importantly – wicketless.
The old heads in the side decided to promote Shahid to 3 after initially pencilling him in lower. And initially he just paddled a few around like a cat playing with its dinner.
Then poor Ella T just happened to be the one to be in his way when he finally made his mind up.
Boom Boom went Boom Boom – 6,6,6,4 to finish an over. He effectively performed the cricketing equivalent of a control, alt, delete.
He not only rebooted the innings but also the match. Their heads dropped and their resolve dissolved.
Not to be out done – step up Mr Tommy Earl Esq. who proceeded to play the “anything you can do I can do too”role, as he also punished good and bad bowling alike.
Between them, 120 odd in about 15 overs and they’d broken the back of it. 50’s for each of them were well deserved and very entertaining.
At that point Staffield showed the ticker that sees them in the top 2 and they took some wickets and dried up the runs. But 30 ish off the last 9 overs was achievable without risk and it was Cool Hand Luke West and the skipper who patiently knocked off the remaining runs.
The away dressing room was buzzing from a well earned win.