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End of Season Club Day Out.
A mixed Failand squad including the first, second and third team captains and vice-captains, the club chairman and secretary, two ex-captains, perhaps a future captain and the one and only Chalky White with his box of magic pencils descended on this picturesque ground after a quick pint at the nearby Beggars Belief.
This fixture has become a bit of an annual event, and this year six of the team had played the day before in a victory over Barnstaple & Pilton. This meant six hangovers. Acting captain and Failand ambassador Bernard Raines won the toss and decided to field first, opening the bowling with Phil ‘lock up your daughters’ Dungey, and Paul Nice.
Phil soon got his hands on a decent length, and let his balls do the talking. He swung both ways and had the batsmen tied up in knots. Paul put in a good spell also, but all this good early work was ruined as Steve Purseys’ first over went for 20 runs. This would have been 24 if not for a brilliant piece of fielding by Simon Bachelor. XXXXXXXX took the attack to Failand and scored an aggressive XX runs.
He was eventually bowled by Andrew Trineman. Simon replaced Phil from the pavilion end, and his well disguised slow leg break picked up a deserved wicket. Bob Humpreys, who gave his sons an excellent lesson in fielding skills at square leg, finished off the bowling from the pavilion end with his blend of hit me if you dare.
Lynton and Lynmouth posted a total of 196 for 3 in their allotted 35 overs, which seemed like a par score on a decent strip. XXXXXXX scored an undefeated XX.
A suberb tea was provided, which included some favourites such as sausage rolls, cocktail sausages, a delicious cheese and tomato sandwich, quality crisps as well as Battenburg slices and Treacle tart. Yum yum. Henry Humphreys was unable to finish his overloaded plate as he had to pad up with John Skinner.
Both surrendered their wickets cheaply to make way for the big guns Ed Humphreys and Dick Whittington. Some thoughtful running between the wickets besides putting away the bad balls kept the scoreboard ticking over and the run rate required, rarely went above eight an over. Together they put on 148 runs and left Failand within sniffing distance of victory.
When Dick was eventually bowled for XX, a further 34 were needed from 23 balls. Andrew Trineman hit a four from his first ball, but an excellent over from XXX(fast bowler that bowled the last over) XX left Failand requiring 21 from the last 2 overs. Ed Humphreys showed pure class as he virtually single handed took on L & L’s best two bowlers, hitting them both for decisive sixes and eventually winning the game with 3 balls to spare. Ed finished with 87.
It was all back to the Beggars Belief for some more hospitality, including roast potatoes, samosas and pork pies. Chalky White performed the entertaining man of the match ceremony, which was deservedly awarded to Ed.
Phil won the man of the tour award, not just for his bowling but also for his dance-floor antics and wonderful storytelling, most of which will never be forgotten.
An excellent fixture and day out, in a beautiful setting, with goats crunching on the reddening bracken and the added attraction of local runners struggling along the boundary edge (up the hill) in a half marathon , making us all realise what a gentle relaxed game cricket can be. We all hope to return next year.