BYES AND PIES AS WCC OVERPOWER ROEHAMPTON SUNDAY SECONDS

Chris Douglas

Selection problems as a schedule of 7 matches in 21 days proves too much even
for the loneliest social inadequates.

Nine take the field plus a brief guest appearance from Dominic d'Inverno
emerging from retirement to bat stylishly in black trainers.

Openers Pytches and M. Harvey post 65 for first wicket as seasoned WCC umpire
rejects six lbw appeals.

Dr Hargroves the saviour after scoreboard clock suffers power failure. The
merry medic revives the battery by warming it in his armpit.

Webster waves his stick for thunderous 35, Maloney a solid 28, old men weep
as Tuppy Owen-Smith unsheathes the resplendant late-cut.

After 55 overs batting WCC Skipper makes a sporting declaration at 185 for 7.

Sumptuous tea followed by a selection of the choicest pies offered to the
batsmen by Douglas and d'Inverno. Stand-in stumper Hargroves comes to the
party and lays on a feast of byes.

Weekenders finally manage to exert pressure as d'Inverno finds his spot,
Harvey persuades Roehampton opener to self-destruct and number three undone
by Skipper's inspired field placing.

Roehampton require 101 runs off the last twenty overs with six wickets
standing

Webster confirms his versatility by bowling without a beard and Maloney wins
hearts with a tight little toad plus helpful commentary.

Seven overs left, 50 runs needed, one wicket standing and streetlights on
outside the ground. Douglas shows tremendous pluck bowling flat out in the
dark to a little old man called Basil who cuts him for 4.

A successful appeal against the light and the home side sportingly agree to
play on against our spinners.

Tuppy Owen-Smith steps up to the threshold of destiny and begins to weave his
web. First ball - on the widish side of rusty. Second ball - low, straight
and trapping the batsman on the crease. Up goes Tuppy and up goes the home
ump's finger.

Roehampton 140 all out (extras 38).


Currant buns: Pytches 40, M. Harvey 27, Webster 35, Painter 1, Hargroves 10,
Maloney 28, Owen-Smith 11, Douglas 0, D. d'Inverno 10*, M. d'Inverno 1*.

Poles: Douglas 2-26, d'Inverno 0-41, M Harvey 2-22 , Webster 2-21,
Maloney 2-9 , Owen-Smith 1-0

Catches: one each to Douglas, Hargroves, M. Harvey and M. d'Inverno
Drops: don't let's go there.