Suffolk CAMRA Cricket

Suffolk CAMRA Cricket Club

Suffolk Camra 126-7 v Bildeston 156-9 - September 11th 2005

lost by 30 runs

A weakened Camra team arrived in Bildestone for the last official fixture of the season. Unfortunately coinciding with the final Test at the Oval, many team members were again on duty against the Australians with one team member staying at home to lay the table. Six players were missing, including captain Bill Bungmeone, only one recognized batsmen available and no wicketkeeper. However as always somebody turns up, indeed we enlisted Alec’s Taylor’s neighbor Mick and a passing Camra member called Dennis (68 years young), who happened to be a wicket-keeper and both eagerly offered to play, so we did have a team.

In true Suffolk tradition, acting skipper Phil Docherty lost the toss and of course fielded first. Bilderston attacked the bowling and although wickets fell on a regular basis their opening batsman survived three confident lbw appeals and batted through the innings for an unbeaten 70; traditionally lbw’s are hard to come by in this part of Suffolk. Bildestone scored 156-9 off 30 overs, but still a credible performance from Camra considering seven bowlers were used and each took at least one wicket. Even the fielding was good, with Docherty taking a diving catch at long leg, Frostie taking a nice catch at cover point, Mick at mid-on and for one moment Iain “Jonty” Blacklaw sprinting in from the boundary almost picking up a skier than just popped out of his hands at the last moment, shame Jonty!

The target after tea was a tough one and as the light faded wickets fell and runs were few, openers Alec Taylor (run-out) and Docherty bowled, were removed quickly. A couple of square-cuts produced 4’s for Gordon Taylor, who was joined by Nigel Baldwin, before the former went for 11. Nigel as always when on-form, hit several boundaries, with Ian Bin-Ladin now cagily playing himself in, Uncle Nigel moved the score along nicely. Baldwin looking set for a big score, then nicked one to first slip and was caught for 33, score now 85-6. The man with the beard now took over and confidently started to hit the ball around the outfield. Although losing Carl cleaned bowled, Alec’s neighbor Mick propped up one end whilst Ian hit his first ever six, then next over duly repeated the feat. No further wickets fell but the 30 overs were up, game over with Bin-Laden undefeated on 35, Suffolk Camra 126-7.

The team then headed for the Kings Head, home of the Kings Head Micro Brewery and were warmly greeted by Landlord Kevin whatsit. Even Frostie (currently going through his Budvar phase) and resplendent in his red Tour de France Budvar cycling jersey was also welcomed by our host, not sure where he parked his bicycle though. The pub itself had two of their beers available, Best Bitter (3.8%) and Blondie (4%), both in fine form. It was noted that the pub was doing a good food trade as well as serving good beer. The alterations to the main bar had added an even more homely feel about the pub. Overall a very acceptable performance and an excellent match despite a 30 run defeat. Man of the match Ian Bin-Laden.

Phil Docherty

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