Flyford fall short on a glorious day in Overbury

 

Much has been written over centuries about the English village cricket match, other than perhaps the equipment and the clothing (and sadly the demise of the cricket tea) fundamentally not much has changed.

 

On summer afternoons across the land teams gather to pit their wits and skills against one another hopefully with games played in good sprit and with sportsmanship.

 I am happy to report that Flyford's away trip to Overbury had all of those atributes.

 

For those that are unaware (as I was until Sunday), Overbury is a village nestling on the edge of the Cotswolds.  The village itself would lend itself to any chocolate box and would have American tourists reaching for the superlatives (those that can tear themselves away from the tourist traps).  The cricket ground itself is no less beautiful with horses grazing in the field at long on, and Horse Chestnut branches leaning over the boundary at several points. 

Even the weather decided to play its part, dry, sunny at times with large fluffy white clouds adding contrast to the azure blue of the sky. Unlike Friday evening the temperature was perfect and the scene was set.

 

The toss having been decided Skipper Joey Poole wanting to make first use of the fairly green wicket and Overbury preferring to bat, all were happy.  It was agreed that the game was 30 overs a side, maximum 5 overs and retire not out at 50.

 

It should be noted at this point that both sides were adhering to the tradition of encouraging youth into this wonderful game.  Ward brothers Andrew and Matthew turning out for Flyford and at the last minute bringing along Ben Wilson.  All played their part in a very enjoyable afternoon.

 

The bowling attack was opened with Joey Poole and Pete Holpin.  Once again, Pete Holpin having to put up with bowling to a big hitting opener (James Cooley) who is clearly destined to go on to bigger things.   Pete once again recovered well and ended on 26 for 0 from 5 overs.

 

As ever Joey Poole bowled well in two spells ending on 21for 0 from 5 overs.  The youth contingent bowled well with Andrew Ward taking two wickets for 33 runs including an excellent ball to the Overbury number 3 which moved off the seam beat the bat all ends up and clipped the top of off stump.  Ben Wilson bowled very tidily conceding only 26 from his 5 overs.  The youngest of the three Matthew Ward, despite having to move up to a full length pitch bowled very well and shows great promise finishing in on 0-47 having had a few harsh blows to the boundary from the Overbury opener. 

 

Mention must be made of Steve Bevan who bowled three overs for 27 runs, but included in that was a superb caught and bowled.

 

So at the break Overbury had posted a challenging but gettable score of 188.

 

Flyford’s reply was initially entrusted to Dan Miller and late entrant George Teal.

 

To say that Flyford got off to a flying start would be an understatement with Dan Miller playing nicely but by contrast George Teal wielding his bat like Thor’s war hammer.  To say that George’s batting was brutal and dispatched the ball to all parts would be an understatement.  Unfortunately for Flyford George was compelled to retire on 51 from just 21 balls with a strike rate of 242.86. 

 

Unfortunately, after losing Dan the Flyford batting somewhat faltered.  Steve Bevan contributing 12, Mark Davy unable to trouble the scorers and Steve Nullis 3, while hope was still alive when Andy Ward was out for 13, it was fading fast. 

 

A combination of a field set deep by Overbury and some accurate bowling meant that even a creditable 35 from Joey Pool and an unbeaten 9 (all singles!) from your correspondent and similarly unbeaten 1 from Pete Holpin meant that in the end Flyford fell short by 26 runs.

 

In summary though, while always a little disappointing to lose, ultimately is the result all that important?  Speaking personally the day itself will live long in the memory long after the sting of defeat has faded.  An afternoon spent in the gorgeous English countryside, amongst friends, playing this wonderful game against spirited but well mannered opponents is worth more than gold.  A Sunday afternoon game like this affords the chance to forget the sometimes mad world outside and for a few hours exist in a time warp of unreality.  Priceless.

 

Awards:

Man of the Match: George Teal, brutal batting and two wickets

Tit:  There was not one!

Champagne Moment:  Excellent caught and bowled low down (in slow motion) by Steve Bevan

Thanks for coming: Ben Wilson,  for stepping in at the last moment to make up a full 11, and bowling well.

 

Full Stats can be found on Play-Cricket here: