Eastons. Eastons.
Match Report Date 20/04/2025 Oppo Eastons (a) Type 35 Overs Report by Nelson Nipper With daily net sessions taking place throughout the winter, the O’s approached the opening game of the season full of confidence ready to take on Eastons who’d never tasted defeat against the O’s. As taxis and limos parked up next to each other…..each O’s player took turns waiting patiently before making the sprint to the away team dressing room to avoid a mauling by Danny’s newest addition (Nelson the dog) who was on the pitch and ready to attack “Be careful because he will nip ya” Dano kept warning as his petrified team mates threw pads and gloves down to create a diversion praying Nelson would focus his attention towards non-humans for his mid-day snack. Once safely in the dressing room, skipper Liam Mulholland revealed the O’s were batting first in this 35 over game where he entrusted Barot and Minkey to get us off to a good start. Sadly, that trust was ill-judged as Minkster was clean bowled for a duck second ball of the day. Multiple O’s record holder Vince Mulholland came out for his first O’s appearance since South Loughton in 2011 (Never doubt the Oracle!) and he and Barot got the scoreboard ticking before Edgemeister slashed one into the sky and was caught for 16 with the O’s 27-2. Another wicket followed as Ollie Buck had the slight misfortune of the ball rolling up his leg, onto his glove and then knocking the bails off forcing him to depart for 0. Matt Hiscock joined Vince at the crease and the pair put on 70 before MH nicked one behind for 37. Real ale nuclear enthusiast John Hayes was next in and similar to Buck had some harsh luck as he flashed one to the fielder who took a great catch. O’s now 100-5. Alex Franklin hit a couple of lovely drives before Jack Baker-Merry (umpiring due to a broken wrist) winced as he undid his sling to finally offer up a LBW decision. Vince was going well with 50 runs in the bank and was now joined by West Indies resident, Essex Seniors and Stow game-changer Alan Syrett. Al took ownership of the situation at this point by dominating the bowling showcasing some classy forward defensive shots allowing Vince a nice rest at the non-strikers end. A mighty effort from Al contributing 4* in a 47 run partnership saw the O’s end up on 163-6 and Vince top score with 77* Time for tea with a fantastic spread which included BBQ Pulled Beef brisket baps, Homemade Sausage Rolls, Cheesecake, Strawberries and Cream, Crisps, Sarnies…..You name it. They served it! With temperatures starting to dip, most O’s players took to the field with hands in pockets to keep fingers warm (apart from Ollie who had stuffed 2 packets of jelly worm sweets in his pockets) Overseas player Felix Daji sprinted in for the first ball of the Eastons innings delivering an absolute peach knocking the pins over much to delight of his team mates. The No 3 bat Register who had scored a ton a week earlier suffered the same fate as once again Daji cleaned him out first over– What a start! 0-2. At the other end, the skipper thew the ball to Franklin who now has history in taking wickets for the O’s and he did not disappoint by matching Daji’s efforts with 2 wickets in his first over! Eastons 0-4 – Incredible stuff! Whilst Easton’s players could not believe what was happening, the O’s almost made it 0-5 as the skipper Barnard flashed one to Syrett for a tough chance which was put down. Skipper Mulholland was now considering a potential victory and there was no let up as Hiscock came on and took a wicket with his first ball. The dangerman skipper Barnard was running out of partners and he didn’t stay much longer himself as Syrett’s experience and prowess forced him into a shot which fell nicely into Vince’s hands. Eastons 44-6 so you’d think it was game over but a solid partnership by Ahearne and Little made the O’s sweat (briefly) before Syrett, Vince and Liam all picked a wicket each leaving the No 10 and 11 batsman at the crease falling 27 runs short of the O’s target. VICTORY……….The O’s had done it recording 50% of wins achieved last summer in their opening weekend. Huge reason to celebrate. With each player pocketing any left over grub from tea which Nelson hadn’t demolished, the O’s XI wandered down to the local pub. Unfortunately, there was a 45 minute tailback getting into the pub car park as Edgy decided he wanted to practise his 3 point turn manoeuvres before declaring it was ‘too tight’ as a plane from Stansted airport parked up next to him. Celebratory drinks orders were coming in from all angles “Few bottles of Dom Perignon will do” shouted one player. “Have they got any Chenin Blanc?” cried another. O’s were in good form and salivating at the prospect of going the entire season unbeaten. “Never change a winning side”
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© Dave Revell