Grammarian: a person who studies and writes about grammar.
The above definition will problematize the events of the toss: no, of course this was lost (again). However, given that the visitors to Fortress Ruxley Lane had spent the previous 5 minutes pleading vociferously against enforcing the leg-side ruling and then still decided to have a bowl,it was hardly a ringing endorsement of their batting line up! The irony was not lost on Chipperton that the ‘Grammarians’ – typically regarded as sticklers and pedants – were quite literally demanding an Orwellian alteration to the meaning of a leg-side wide. Lulled by their promised profligacy and possibly afflicted by a near-debilitating hangover, the bamboozled captain acceded to this bizarre request, much to the bemusement of the other Hillians.
In retrospect, it seemed an astute request from the visiting skipper, as their total of 34 extras was largely reduced due to Hill’s leniency. The opening over was eventful to say the least, most notably when Symons survived an LBW shout but continued wandering down the track. His attempt to accentuate the long stride down the pitch was commendable, but he was sent back from his merry jaunt by a disinterested Ransom and a direct hit from fine leg meant that even Hill’s resident greyhound couldn’t make it back from the non-striker’s end in time! However, some indication of the troubles to come arrived in the second over when the opening bowler was removed from the attack following 2 beamers and just 3 legal deliveries. His perfectly eloquent riposte to Ransom of “wear a helmet then!” was unsuccessful and he was duly sent packing, after a quick consultation of the league handbook.
The early wicket brought Mackay to the crease and he set about building a positive partnership with Ransom in the early stages. Boundaries were in plentiful supply, particularly when the ball was dropped in short, as the visitors struggled to staunch the early flow of runs. The routine questioning of balls given as wides (ones that missed leg stump by a foot) showed no signs of abating, often legitimised by pleas of “we’re a 5th XI…” Though rarely troubled, Ransom survived the most threatening scenario after an impassioned caught behind appeal; slightly antagonised by his claim that the ball had not carried.
The pair at the crease put the change bowling to the sword but did bat sensibly when required to, astutely passing the 50, 100 and then 150 mark. Ransom was eventually caught, but not until he’d continued his rich vein of form for a well-made 71. Srivastava joined Mackay at the crease and looked to continue the quick scoring, but ultimately fell for 12 as the hosts neared 200 with 10 overs to spare and wickets in hand. Shortly after, Mackay brought up his century and then looked to go into turbo-drive, falling to a catch at gully. Aynsley-Smith was then stumped the next ball as he looked to continue the charge, having gone in at 189-3 rather than 24-5 on his debut!
With progress slightly halted and new batsmen Chipperton and Rolfe at the crease, Hill still managed to score at approaching a run a ball. Rolfe played the role of aggressor and found the boundary confidently before departing for an impressive 16, whilst Chipperton’s attempts to run off his hangover ultimately led to him running out Jones Jnr! Nevertheless, Hill did finish with a healthy score of 262, the most important of which was arguably a first of the season for Subramanium!
Some hostile opening bowling from master Subramanium and apprentice Jones Jnr saw Hill make early inroads. Mackay took a sharp catch off the latter at slip that was refreshingly like cricket, after some of the day’s more farcical moments. Reverting to type shortly afterwards, Chipperton struck with his second ball as the bewildered batsman stood his ground having been clean bowled. The old adage “don’t go back” was proven once more, but his comical pleas for a dead ball were greeted with laughter by all and sundry. At the other end, Subramanium was rewarded for his endeavours as he dismissed the remaining opener with a catch off his own bowling.
Smith and Jones Snr toiled away in the lead up to and following on from drinks, but the visitors continued to frustrate Hill despite the result not looking particularly in doubt. Their resistance was ultimately broken by the introductions of Mackay and the returning Jones Jnr. The former struck first blood and the latter claimed two quick wickets before Ransom wrapped up the final few overs with 2 wickets of his own.
The end result meant Hill finished with a comprehensive victory of 99 runs and the 2nd wicket stand was the key contributor in this. Once again though, a good team bowling display that featured just 4 wides after all the pre-game palaver over league rules should not be overlooked. Similarly, Rolfe kept tidily in the absence of garden centre victim Stupples.
Hill’s steady start to life back in Division Two leaves them in second place as June draws to a close…
Fielder of the day: Zack Rolfe
Park Hill Cricket Club 