Saturday 20th May Tongans v Rothwell away

Heads you win, tails you win.

It's getting a bit like that with the toss at the moment as yet again the Tongans found themselves having to bat first, and once again early wickets put the batting under some pressure. What looked like a very steady opening partnership was packed off to the pavilion without a run on the board - Skippy Horsley leaving a dangerous straight 'un' to hit his wickets without offering!

Numbers 3 and 4 reduced the average age somewhat and, for a time, picked up the pieces. 'Freeswing' Hawkins smiting a succession of fours high and wide to the deep point boundary, whilst 'Headband' Sowerby attempted to emulate his performance of the previous week.

It was no surprise when Duncan was eventually caught out on the off boundary attempting more of the same, though it had taken the Rothwellians some time to work out what to do under the circumstances, eventually placing four men out there.

A flurry of further wickets for very few runs brought together the multiple retired couple of Greyson and Hannam. With Brian scurrying ones all over the place and Bill saying enough of this and giving the ball a right clout. The pair took the total on into the 80's before Brian was caught out and with the tail not really shaking Bill was also caught out chasing runs. The Tongan total stuttering to a final 94 all out.

Whilst we have tea, and watch the cup final, let me recount the Shakespearean moment of the day which happened during the Tongan innings.

Mark Darton, that stalwart left hander, was facing the bowling when the Rothwell bowler decided to launch the ball skywards (memories of Chris Williams here, but not as wide). Expecting the umpire to call 'dead-ball' the rest of the Tongans relaxed in their seats, but then Mark made his move.

There was almost a sense of deja-vu as an image of pending doom flashed across the minds of all. Mark advancing towards the stationary ball near mid-on takes one mighty swing and the ball 'plops' forward a further 10 yards.

Mark has by this time has almost reached the crease at the bowlers end, so naturally calls for a quick single leaving Brian Grayson with a full 20 yards to run. The bowler has by now recovered his composure and retrieved the ball, but thankfully for Brian the throw is not accurate and he makes his ground. I'm not quite sure if any words passed between the two batsmen after this but there was much mirth on the boundary along with a suggestion that Mark shouldn't take up golf.

Tea over and time to take to the field.

With a depleted bowling attack, containing Rothwell was always going to be difficult. Coupled to this poor luck and judgement (though not by our players!!) created even further frustration with the senior Sowerby being particularly unlucky ending with the impressive figures of 14-4-22-2. Duncan also took two wickets which included an impressive catch by Skippy at point.

Perhaps next week we can have a target to chase and bat second, at least it will make a change.

PS Our best wishes go to big Phil and Beverley for her speedy recovery