As Hallen began their reply to Stoke Gifford’s second XI’s first innings total of 176 at the field, it was a bit of a surprise to see stragglers from the first team returning a little early.
“Was your game cancelled?” asked Taff Russell.
“Don’t ask!” was Dan ‘Five Bellies’ Dunt’s reply.
Well, He Swiped, He Missed did ask and we learned about a horror show unsurpassed in recent village history.
With Morph Meaney promoted from the seconds, much was expected from the village as they took on Bristol Lions. And soon, thanks to 19 from Stocker, they were soon on 27-1. Therefore, it was slightly surprising when the visitors proceeded to lose their next nine wickets for 15 runs and were all out for 42 with the first seven villagers being clean bowled.
The contest, such as it was, ended after 4.1 overs when the Lions reached their target with nine wickets to spare.
Man of the match Morph Meaney.
Meanwhile, the seconds scored 176. Lewis Jefferies and Pearcy opened for the village and scored 14 and 15 respectively. But the run rate was dismal as mad ref Bev Woodman hung around forever for two. Cleft Foot Stephens bludgeoned a top score of 43 but it was an unlikely last wicket partnership between Taff Russell (27) and Paul Jefferies (15 not out) that took the village to a decent score.
The visitors started to lose wickets very quickly, with Cleft Foot Stevens taking 6-18 and Pearcy finishing with 0-21 off his 12 overs.
With a top score of 43 and six wickets, Stephens would have won the man of the match award but for an embarrassing dropped catch.
Man of the match Bev Woodman.
Mark Stephens is 59.
