Under strength Flyford cruise to predictable defeat on the hottest day

When signing up for a Friday evening fixture even in July, one expects the temperature to be comfortable and conducive to a friendly game of cricket.  However, the weather had us sizzling like one of the burgers on the ever-popular Himbleton barbecue with the mercury still way into the upper 20's when the game commenced.

Friday night at Himbleton is usually a well subscribed fixture, not least due to the attractions of the aforementioned barbecue.  The setting is gorgeous, the bar well stocked and the opposition very friendly.  However, on this particular occasion Flyford only managed to muster 9 bodies so the odds were against from the start.

As it seems is often the case, Flyford took the field first innings, and Himbleton got off to a very quick start, with their opener Godwin retiring on 25 from a brutal 9 balls.  Pete Holpin opening the bowling showed tremendous character having suffered 26 off the first over to come back with a second of 4 for 1.  Pete ended with figures of 49 for 1.

The Himbleton batting was to prove just too strong for the less than full strength bowling attack and in total amassed 190 for the loss of 5 wickets.  Kudos must go to the Flyford bowlers though for sticking to their task on what was an evening considerably hotter than most Sunday.  Bop Foster bowled better than the figures suggest going for 53 from his 4 overs.  Dan Miller picking up one wicket for 52 from 4, Josh Nullis returned 53.  There is no doubt though, the pick of the bowlers was Steve Bevan with 3 wickets for 25.

So with a very welcome break for your correspondent between innings Flyford set out to chase down a tall order of Himbleton’s 190 for 5.

Dan Miller and Ash Rahman opened the Flyford innings and batted very nicely, both retiring not out on 25.  And while there was decent support from Bop Foster, 10, Joe Allsopp (two lls and two ps) 16, Josh Nullis, 13 the fact that we were chasing such a high total meant that chances had to be taken and ultimately following Steve Bevan’s dismissal without troubling the scorers a creditable 8 from Steve Nullis and a two ball cameo from your correspondent for 4 the game was lost.

A sterling effort from those that turned out in somewhat trying conditions, namely the heat which no doubt boosted Himbleton’s bar takings.  I happen to know that Mr Bevan was so thirsty he stayed until the early hours of Saturday morning!

Awards to follow