Gunnislake finally commenced the 2018 season at the third time of asking, after sterling work by the groundstaff (take a bow Cliff Boundy). The outfield was spongy to say the least, but that was in itself a huge improvement on the standing water three days earlier. The sun shone and the day looked full of promise. And so it was, but unfortunately for Gunnislake’s opponents Wadebridge.
Holiday calls, injuries and the odd vague response meant that once again the selection committee were scraping the barrel. Menheniot-Looe came to the rescue with two loan players, Paul Higgins and Spencer English. Age was no barrier and Gunnislake set forth to defend the club honour looking more like a battalion from Dad’s Army, rather than an elite athletic fighting force! Gunnislake won the toss, and chose to bat. (My defence is we only had four players on site at the time, and it also helps make preparing teas easier). It was to prove to be the only win of the day.
A tricky wicket was in prospect, but yours truly and Barrie James opened the batting, facing some tight and at times pretty good bowling from Wadebridge. The odd ball kept low, a few more swung around and Tristan Plant was beginning to find rhythm and pace, ending with figures of 4 for 12. The skipper went first and in the blink of an eye Gunnislake were 18 for 4. Brian Martin and Adrian Cameron restored some respectability, hitting out against the spin bowling of Harry Tinker. But young Harry had his revenge, getting both star batsmen as well as Sylvan Pook, who stood back to admire a crashing pull to mid-wicket, only to flatten his own stumps. The end was nigh, and the innings came to a close with Geoff Husband acquiring his first 0 not out of the season. No doubt there will be many more to come. The team did only slightly better with 63 runs.
With an early start to this year’s matches and only 27 overs used Wadebridge started their reply before the break. Jamie Beare was soon back in the pavillion, bowled by George Jefferis, but this only brought captain Steve Meneer to the crease. Steady progress was made, albeit with a break for tea, and despite two late catches (one each by our loan players – thanks Spencer and Paul), Wadebridge never looked in trouble. The match came to an inevitable conclusion, with Wadebridge bagging 19 points, to a meagre two for Gunnislake.
Time to sound the emergency hooter. Next week we should have new signing Dave Warner back; unfortunately he is not that well know Aussie cricketer but a resident of Saltash. Some help from Sam Boundy and perhaps Adam Emmerson would not go amiss either. The clear man of the match award , for Gunnislake, must go to Cliff Boundy. Without his hard work this match would not have happened, so thanks Cliff.
Cast
Captain Mainwaring……………………………………. Stephen Lees
Sergeant Wilson………………….…………………….. Brian Martin
Corporal Jones………………………………………….. Sylvan Pook
Private Fraser……………………………………………. Geoff Husband
Private Godfrey……………………………………….… Barrie James
Private Pike………………………………………………. George Jefferis
Private Walker…………………………………………… Adrian Cameron
The Vicar……………………………………………………. Paul Lees
The Verger……………………………………………….. Cliff Boundy