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Set against the backdrop of Windsor Castle this romantic fixture is one of the best. Let’s hope The Queen was not at home when the words “You Cock Sucker” rang round the Royal Borough of Berkshire.
An idyllic location whose only down side being a lack of facilities such as a shower. On this hot sultry day we won the toss for a change so elected to bat, in this time game. The thunder of aircraft overhead from Heathrow was comfortingly drowned out by cat wailing from Mrs Dunbar and Mrs Fraser as we looked unlikely to get past last year’s shabby score of 120.
A noisy, short……. very short, small person with a disproportionate sized gob had other ideas. Collier was in fine form. Achieving his personal best for Crossbats, he smartly shepherded the top, middle and lower order to a respectable score of 207 for 8 declared.
Tea taken, we took advantage of the travelling companions’ offer of a team photo, and then, with some sound tactics delivered by the skipper in the huddle, we were ready to play.
After immediate success for Crossbats with the dismissal of the opening batsman by Mparadzi (caught and bowled), Cranbourne then seemed to take the draw option and batted slower than the dreaded combination of Spiro and Jones at the crease.
Slowly, very slowly we wheedled them out. Dunbar and Fraser spurred on by their spouses were saved until there were 16 overs left and were immediately successful. Five overs left and 50 runs required the game was taking an interesting turn with just 3 more batsmen left in the hutch.
With 3 overs to go, we needed just one more wicket for a victory. Stumpings, run outs and a close LBW all turned down by the umpire. This time there was not to be a last ball win …..shame, good game, two well matched sides. Next stop Oporto.
Mouth of the Match : Collier