The Chairman won the toss and chose to bat on a drying track that looked like it might offer something for the bowlers’ early doors. Dexter Duthie opened the bowling and got The President’s side off to a flyer, offering 6 runs in extras before a run had been scored off the bat! However once his radar was dialled in, he dragged things back, and menaced R. Callcut with some accurate short pitched bowling.

Keith Rennles troubled the scorer only with his name, however a good partnership between A. Harper and Dick took the score to 68-1, however with both retiring (not out at 25ish), The Chairman’s XI unleashed their secret weapon, and at 82 years of age, it was a poorly kept secret. Nonetheless, Pierre Tartari, bowling with flight and guile, was unplayable, ripping through the President’s middle order of Collard-Rowe, Oram and Grimley, finishing with figures of 3 overs, 3 wickets for just 5 runs.

It took a resolute knock from the President (also 82 years of age), to drag things back, and handy cameos from C. Stimpson (24) and J. Bell (9) meant the President’s total of 125 was certainly defendable. Jude Turner’s death bowling of 2-32, also worthy of note.

The Chairman’s XI had a similarly slow start, with the miserly Jon Bell going for just 5 runs from his 3 overs, also picking up the scalp of Aiden Jones. However, it was a bowler at the other end of his cricketing career to Pierre who shone for The President’s side. Having been headhunted from The Chairman’s side before a coin was tossed, it was Isaac Grant at just 12 years of age, who blew away 3 of the Chairman’s top 4, all bowled, leaving the visitors languishing at 47-4. Hodgson (23), Duthie (22) and Newey (15) all batted steadily, keeping the required run rate well in check, however without reaching that illusive retirement score of 25.

The Chairman’s side needed a Champion, and that came in the form of Tristan Newton.
Having reached his retirement score and with his feet up sitting on the balcony, it left Pierre and Penfold, who had been treated to a completely unnecessary volley of sledging since arriving at the crease, batting, with the game hanging in the balance.

Pierre took it to the brink, but eventually succumbed to his own medicine, bowled by H. Grimley, having also not troubled the scorer this innings.

With only a boundary required, Tristan (33*, score, not age) came back to the crease and with due aplomb won the game with a 6 hit so far into the quarry that it never came back.

A great finale to finish the season, capped off with a lovely Chilli cooked by Jane Major.

Thanks to all that took part!

Scorecard