Report by James Robinson:
End of season blues were starting to kick in at a gloomy Fitzwilliam following our somewhat farcical fixture yesterday evening against Linton. Spirits weren't lifted by a glance at the evening's opposition team sheet which included five first teams (including overseas pro), Cambs under 14's Captain and two Remnants legends/turncoats. Oh, and we started with eight players!
Those readers with a sense of dramatic irony may see where this headed . . .
The first sign of hope came in the form of last minute ringer Richard Bramley who it turns out is a top order batsman for Old Leysions in Cambs Premier Division 1. Opening the batting he promptly smashed an unbeaten 31* from 16 balls. Supported by today's skipper James Robinson (31*), Hari Kukreja (29 from 14 balls), John Richer (10) and Neil Grover (12); Remnants put on a very competitive 124 from 80 balls.
Not too shabby! However, knowing the firepower about to pad-up, no score seemed safe.
A wicket in the first over for Max Ayliffe (dare we hope . . .) swiftly followed by Qaiser (2/18, from 2 overs) nicking off Thain for 6 (interesting . . .) became even more promising when Marcus took one of his four(!!) catches to dismiss overseas pro (and one time Remnant) Kean, from the bowling of Ayliffe (2 overs, 2/5).
Once Remnants staple Badger was removed by Grover (1/30, from 2 overs) it seemed the impossible was possible, nay . . . probable!
Captain Robinson may have got a little giddy and opted for the loopy leggies of Baker against the sure thing of Bramley. Some massive hits from Driver and another Remnant, Ben Stone, prompted some panicked calculations as to whether we could throw away a famous victory . . .
. . . never in doubt! A 17 run win.
Badger, Stone, Ames, Barrie, Hammersley, Phelps - your boys took a hell of a beating!