Fordy’s run of losing every toss this year continued, proving that he isn’t a good tosser as Irlam decided to bat first on a good batting track.
Opening the bowling was Matt Walsh. I was going to say that he bounded in, but to be honest, “bound” is not the right word. In fact the last time I saw someone bound was my girlfriend on Boxing Day, but less of that.
Let’s, for arguments sake, say he puffed and panted his way in. By the end of 11 over’s, it was time for Fordy to make a decision. Take him off or call for an ambulance. However, he deserved better than his figures of 2 for 28 shown.
John Walters, on the other hand, looked like a true athlete. Svelte like and full of energy and flowing like a river. Certainly not the amazon, something a little smaller, perhaps a fast flowing stream. John made the early breakthrough with the score on 10. Clean bowling their opener to give us just the start we wanted.
Irlam’s new batsman came to the crease thinking he was Ben Johnson. Hitting the ball straight back to the bowler and then lambasting the non striker for not running. Run outs were on our radar.
Irlam’s only answer to the tight bowling was to try and run for anything or the occasional slog. The tactic was working as they reached 42 before Matt took the second wicket.
Two more quick wickets fell leaving Irlam on 44 for 4. Fordy, then turned to Damo, with his arm ball, (much improved since last years break) and left his arm bowling. He continued his awesome start to the season by picking up 3 more wickets for 17, to bring his seasons total to 10.
Matt was replaced at the tennis court end by the slow motion bowling of Dulux. His short and wide bowling bagged him impressive figures of 3 for 30. Irlam just could not cope with his lack of accuracy.
The afternoons activity ended with Irlam being bowled out for 109 in just 34 overs. This left Prestwich requiring 110 of 66 overs after tea.
Tea was a splendid affair, Matt Walsh making sure that he built his energy levels up, and eliminating any requirement to wash up afterwards.
Odds were taken as to just when we would reach the required total. With the chuckle brothers opening, 64 over’s was strongly fancied in the betting.
Fortunately, the Irlam bowlers where extremely friendly, which meant that a few of us stayed awake to watch the innings unfold.
Fordy, I can see why it’s Fordy and not Masserati or Lamborghini, notched up his 50 in fine style with a fine square hack to the covers for 4.
This left Dave “Sleepmaster” Taylor on 45 with just 4 required for a 10 wicket victory.
Unfortunately, Dave dozed off and missed a straight one that took out middle and off. Jug avoidance was the cry. Fact is that he was simply dreaming of the 50 and fell asleep with the rest of us.
So, it was time to wake Dez up and push him out to do what he does best. Which was absolutely nothing. He stood at the non striking end to watch skip pull the ball to the boundary for a 9 wicket victory.
Special thanks should be given to those whose only contribution was to put money over the bar. “Pretty Boy” Wharmby, “Legs” McAndrew, “Eye, eye” Mangnall and “Chesh”.
Mike Magnall