Bagshot 3s lose to Royal Ascot 4s...

Royal Ascot 4s 213-9 – 47 overs
Bagshot 3s 144 ao.

Who knew El Nino emanated from Italy?
After what we could call a difficult selection process for the 3 league sides this weekend, Bagshot 3s went down fighting. With 5 debutants, one superstar out of retirement, and my mate down the road, we did well to win the toss. My guess it was the Chairman’s 100 year old coin present to your truly because of the clubs anniversary. We stuck them in on the new green and pleasant land of Windlesham Memorial Park..
Chuckles and mini Growler made a good start on a damp green wicket, with Jack (mini G) getting an early wicket with a good catch behind from Paul Kelly. Chuckles continued to bamboozle the batsmen, but El Nino Trapani (the Ascot opening bat and overseas from Italia) seemed to blow every catch he sent up into a space or out of our hands. Andy Passfield made his long overdue return (on the promise of a beer or two), took over from Jack, and between the two of them we reduced the oppo to 69-5 and my wisdom of putting them in looked to be pretty sound. However, a good stand between El Nino and Kay saw them put on over 100 runs. Deadly Hedley, Ben White (another debutant) were unlucky not to take wickets, but finally Andy P broke the partnership with a good catch from Oliver Lowthian (another colt on debut). James Gunner finally managed to get El Nino out towards the end for 71 (on what a few of our players thought was a no-ball), but Ascot had amassed 213-9 from their 47 overs.
With our preferred openers (Matthew and Matt) out injured, Growler and Paul Kelly opened up. Paul hit a few lusty blows over midwicket (he’ll fit in fine in our team..) before gloving one to gully. Oliver Lowthian hit a couple of good shots before he too was caught. Mini Growler likewise but was bowled by one that turned. Deadly and Growler put on a few, but once the skipper got caught for 44, a succession of wickets fell until we found ourselves on 99-9 with Andy P and Chuckles at the crease. I packed up what was left of the sandwiches, did a quick wash up anticipating a quick finish, but nooooo…. These two had other ideas. Getting us one point, then 2 points, and secretly chuckles was still thinking we were on for the win… Unfortunately on 143, Andy got a ricochet of the nether regions and we were all out 143.
My great thanks to my friends, family, family friends and neighbours for playing, thanks also for some 3’s players playing up in the Two’s, Claire Funnell making the teas (when none of her family were even playing…..). Good to see some supporters up there too (although Santosh can tell when I am offering a free beer, it’s telepathy).
Wicket played OK, as did we all, and in great spirit.
MOM: Chuckles 3-36 and 24* (believe it or not folks……) and doing the scoring.
Good 3 wickets for Andy Passfield, one for Mini G, One for my nephew James Gunner and a run out
Glad to see some new faces, some old faces and a few of my favourite regulars… Availability on Pitchero please! Injuries, exams and people away mean we need players once again this week I believe.
Barrie Funnell will be press ganging someone to do the teas. Please offer if you can do teas this Saturday. Guaranteed place in the team and also my heart.....

Growler