There's often something very special about the early games of a cricket season. And when I say special I of course mean wet. St. Johns playing fields are renowned for being moist, existing as they do under their very own toupee of grey cloud, and Tuesday night was no exception. The pitch was brown and sticky like a sticky chocolate brownie whereas the outfield had all the consistency of a three-day-old apple crumble.
Against this background of bizarre food-based metaphors Skipper James lost the toss and UCLES were asked to field. This decision was made easier for the Economics and Geography skipper by the fact that most of his side were a little late - presumably reading a dull text book over a small latte in Borders.
Skipper James opened with Danny Danson and Dave Richards - the latter arriving a little late following Skipper James' geographically-challenged directions. Unfortunately for UCLES, the senior bowlers began a little erratically, struggling to land the ball sufficiently close to the stumps to satisfy a very enthusiastic home umpire and extras sprinted into double-figures. However, as time progressed and vertebrae loosened so the old magic returned and at the end of their first 10 overs the home side had barely scraped past 40, with Danson (1 for 24) and Richards (1 for 19) both rattling the woodwork on one occasion.
On a cake-based pitch that was never likely to produce a large volume of runs, much was going to depend on UCLES change bowlers and in Dave Braithwaite and Steve Robinson the visitors had the men for the hour. Braithwaite (2 for 20) particularly starred, ably supported by the ever-reliable Robinson (1 for 26) and the Economics and Geography total of 89 always looked a couple of dozen short. Particular comment should also be made of the UCLES fielding which, on a very difficult outfield, was admirably enthusiastic. On some occasions however, enthusiasm is no substitute for being able to catch and a number of sharp chances headed groundwards.
Trevor Lawrence was quickly uprooted as UCLES began their reply, the gritty Australian playing on to his stumps from a ball that pitched on Madingley Road. Linsdell and Wylie then steadied the ship against an average bowling attack, taking advantage of some Vicar of Dibley fielding from the home side. Just when it seemed that the path to victory was clear and well-laid, so Wylie departed in unfortunate circumstances - run out whilst backing up by a combination of a Linsdell straight-drive, a bowler's foot and some impressively fair umpiring from Mr Richards.
Paul Dagless replaced Wylie but fell cheaply - bowled by one of the few good deliveries of the UCLES innings. Any thoughts however of a capitulation were quickly dismissed by Steve Robinson who joined Linsdell to guide UCLES through to a generally comfortable seven-wicket triumph.
