Having spent the two weeks prior to the game sweating to try and increase the squad from eight to the requisite eleven I was then blessed with four quality additions with a day to spare. Thanks to Princey for agreeing to step down. The three new players being the returning Chris and Sam Green and our new overseas signing Johan from South Africa. Apparently he heard that this could be his last opportunity to take to the field with the legendary 9fer Brazier and at the cradle of cricket- how could he say no?
The toss was won by captain Hillier and seeing that it was a fine afternoon decided to bat. He opened with himself and our new signing Johan. Who quickly showed that he had the ability to break into the might of the Rioteers XI. In partnership with Martin Hillier the 50 partnership was quickly reached until Hillier succumbed for a well made 23. This brought Hawthorne to the crease and the scoreboard continued to click over at a good rate. Until with the score on an impressive 140-1 Johan holed out for an excellent 74. Hawthorne quickly followed for 34. In turn quickly followed by Cook for 2 complaining that the bowling wasn’t quick enough for him!
All the while Chris Green was demonstrating why he has been sorely missed as a regular Rioteer as he smote the ball all around the park for an excellent 38. His mantle was then taken up by Bertie Hillier who in partnership with Harrison Hill ensured we reached an impressive 215-6 before the declaration came. Bertie ending up on 21 not out.
Then we were treated to the normal excellent Brigands tea with the Lemon drizzle cake being a particular highlight.
Suitably refreshed the Rioteers then took to the field to seek the ten wickets to secure another victory. Matters could not have started better with our own legendary John Hall bowling their opener with the first ball of the innings. There was a rumour going around the ground that John had once played on this ground with WG Grace but even John is not that old!
With John’s normal accuracy and in tandem with a fine spell from Harrison Hill Brigands found runs hard to come by. The opening bowlers were then replaced by Bertie Hillier and Sam Cook. Bertie then bowled the opener for a patient 3 which opened up the middle order for the two Sams (Cook and Green) to dismantle. Sharing five wickets between them. Assisted by fine catches by Hill, Hillier B and to the delight and surprise of the crowd, the Brigands and Rioteers ….. Brazier R.
Captain Hillier M then returned to the pace attack of Hill and Hillier B to try and secure a second consecutive Rioteers victory at this famous ground. Bertie duly sure obliged with three more clean bowled wickets to take Rioteers to a well earned and comfortable victory.
The team then transferred to the equally famous Bat and Ball pub to celebrate a well earned victory.