Fathers defeated by 2 runs in cliffhanger - 142 to 140

Coming into the game with a reserve and returned expat for moral support, as well as a game in hand on the opposition, the Fathers were expected to account for the Pie Chuckers in some style.

A crack team sauntered onto the ‘G with a Buddyesque level of confidence having rolled the Chuckers previously. With Nads calling the shots this surely would be a practice session for the finals!

Bowling and fielding was…er, flat. Which resulted in the first pair easing it out to a respectable total of 41, despite the best efforts of some tight bowling from the Royale, as well as Captain Nads. Maybe this was to be just another average start from the Fathers, to be followed by an angry onslaught which would leave the Chuckers feeling somewhat impotent after 32 overs played in anger?

Maybe not. Read: 63 from the second pair with Kermie being called upon twice and shown the door twice, banished to cover where there were diligent attempts to dive over and around the ball, only to be saved by some spectacular fielding from Gladdy and Madman down back.

It was then that the contest began. The Fathers realized the seriousness of the situation and the importance of momentum when Captain Nads not too subtly gave each minion the mad stare of the half back flanker and cooly insinuated that it was “Game ON!”

Some impressive bowling from Itchy, enthusiastic efforts from Billy the Kid and a general lift in intensity saw the Chuckers submit to finish with 142. Respectable but gettable.

Captain Nads chose to open with the GREY partnership, who having played a colourful innings, ended up producing something rather GREY. Room for improvement and a return to natural games are in order.

Then it was time for the colossus to return. Madman, backing up from some stellar work last week, in combo with able and revered sidekick, Gladdy. And what a treat it was to watch one of the all time greatest partnerships being compiled. Gentle nudges were followed by 7 “shit was that Gladdy”, 7 “settle down Gladdy”, out! But with Madman opening the shoulders with inside out cover drives and Gladdy turning them off the pads with a Mark Waugh level of nonchalance, there was hope for the Fathers and everybody, including Chocco, was pleased.

Then it was the turn of two truly reliable players to take to the field against a stacked bowling line up in the third partnership. Gladdy and Andy toiling hard but pushing on and recording 26 runs for the Fathers under trying circumstances.

And so it came to the Captain and Itch to bring it home. Snork and Nads returned from their pre-finals training session to watch them unload. And unload they did…to create an ungodly mess which we hope organizers have cleaned up by the time we return tonight!
Sixteen left the Fathers agonizingly short by two runs and even with three other teams heading into the next round.

Something needs to happen. Changes need to be made. Inspiration rather than capitulation needs to be the buzz word. Troops need to be rallied. It’s time to re-dress the balance and the indoor cricket world order. Who do we turn to? Enter Snork. Welcome back and please…..do something!!!

Here is the 8 for the 6:50pm match next week - after two straight losses we need a win.

1. Snork - beer boy (welcome back)
2. Choco
3. Norris
4. Gilly
5. Gladdy
6. Kermie
7. Harmie - Captain
8. Cheezy

Riding the Pines
KEVIN!
Madman
Billy

Not available:
Hugo - toe better yet? How is the Samba pole dancing coming along?
Our Kylie

Dropped: (for their 14 run partnership chasing 17 for victory! - they needed 9 runs off 24 deliveries!)
Nads
Itchy