CTCC 2nd XI vs Woolpit

Coggy 2s faced newly promoted Woolpit 2 XI on Saturday at Harefield,hoping to continue their unbeaten run. Team skipper Bedwards was absent again with some excuse about a wedding and Tequila!! Woolpit had arrived with a weakened side and CTCC stand in skipper Craig, after some deliberation, backed his long batting line up to post another big total at Harefield. Dave Denny, back after an early season break, and Craig L began to build the innings. Taking the score to 100 without much risk Coggy were looking in a strong position. Woolpit finally got a breakthrough as the skip was bowled and formless Dave Gibson came to the crease needing runs to retain his place. Double D began to accelerate with some aggressive batting and slowly DG found the middle of the bat. These 2 took the score toward 200 before DD finally succumbed for a fine 126. Dave G followed shortly after, for 38 taking his league tally to 39 for the season. With overs declining Sam B (31) began waving his willow wand and with support from Dash Robinson continued to push the score up. I'll skip over the contribution from our 2 ones players who were clearly pining for their team mates overseas!! The innings finished in almost farcical circumstances as with 2 balls remaining the 9th wicket was lost meaning no11 Rick had to bat. An unexpected circumstance as he was still in shorts and track suit and umpiring at the time Not wanting to give away points Rick bravely borrowed a bat from the outgoing bat Adam Egg and swapped positions. Bravely facing the last ball with no pads box or gloves albeit from the non-strikers end! CTCC had racked up 255.Again a challenging target but achievable if Woolpit batted and ran well. As always with hi scores the first 10 overs of the next innings are vital to both teams and on Saturday CTCC took the advantage. Tommy Pickles and Adam " can anyone believe this new found consistency" Egg bowled a superb first 15 reducing the oppo to 36-4 and effectively ending the competition. From here Woolpit had lost the heart to challenge and CTCC won out after another 30 overs (hat will not be remembered in the history books) with the visitors finishing on 137-7. CTCC 2nd XI sit 3rd in the league after 3 straight wins and will approach next weekends away fixture with confidence (and of course no Bedwards!!)