Woodpeckers CC V Kew CC -10/07/22

Sunday, the Peckers were Kew bound,” a rare jewel where you can play and watch a high standard of Cricket, on a green of historic importance” Well there wasn’t much green to this green, more like Eden Gardens from the 1980’s. And the high standard of cricket was definitely in patches as you will see from this report.

It was also a big day for the Aussies, Tiddles was back, Chef had returned and 3 miles away we had the mighty controversial Nick Kyrgios going for glory at Wimbledon. We also had the Chef’s old prep schools captain in attendance Pete Mcgarry visiting from Melbourne. The Merry Dabbler after another late one seemd a little disorientated and needed the skippers help with finding the car park and his fielding position

Pob won the toss and inserted as it was getting hotter later and wanted to keep us away from the bar. Bagpuss was given the new cherry and started out Stuart Broad style with a 9 ball over, thankfully it went for 23 less than Broady’s) he unfortunately succumbed to a trapped nerve, and was sent to first slip or leg slip for the rest of the game were he took a grab off yours truly! Traash was was given the ball and asked by skip to create some magic, but may have been out with Dabbler/Merry.

Tiddles next into the attack for his first spell, seemed a bit preoccupied with the upcoming State of Origin, no wickets in his first spell, unlucky with beautiful line and length. Next up we had the very economical Lav with some beautiful off spin, very unlucky in his first spell not to get amongst it. Pippin dropped a sitter and was lucky we did not have the armband as he probably would have worn it for the whole innings.

Kew had skipped away to 68/0 at the drinks break after 15 overs and we were staring at chasing a large total / After consultation with his school captain McGarry we kept the spin theme going with Chef. He needed a big performance to back skipper’s selection after first two outings were howlers, hamstring issues and multiple dropped catches. Very 1st ball after drinks full and straight from Chef and Blits bowled for 25. Chef quickly had Newton snaffled at slip by Bagpuss, and then bowled Stukins for a duck and the jug was on.

Groundskeeper had two spells, first was his interpretation of off spin which he made look easy, he was really enjoying it! His second spell was back to his medium pacers we’re he was called for two no balls for over stepping the crease, uncharacteristic for Keeper.

Second spells for Traash, no luck unfortunately though he did make a vital run out of Sam Portmann for 53..Lav got a well deserved caught and bowled. Tiddles back to his line and length reminded me of a young Glen McGrath, and was rewarded with a chance to get a hat trick removing Jain and Khan for ducks, Skip bought the field up but no joy for Tiddles McGrath. Must mention Moleman, great effort behind the stumps on a hot a dusty deck

The two Aussie Heroes Chef ‘n’ Tiddles bagged 5 wickets

Overall a great comeback from the bowlers, they put the brakes on, stopped Kew from amassing a big total, finishing about par with 190/8 on a bouncy turning deck.

Top Chef, Lav, Bagpuss, Muttley, McGarry, POB, Traash, Smeagol, Moleman JC Front -Tiddles, Merry , Pippin

Teatime served up in the Pavilion, and we also saw the arrival of Snax. Great tea served, most going for cold beverages and Mcgarry was keeping the barmaid busy serving cold Cobra. It was great to see John Campbell and loved his stories going back to the 60’s.

Peckers padded up and off went the little Hobbits on to the dusty deck, they scampered away Pippin making 14 and Merry 18, they were facing some quick and accurate bowling from Kew, both caught out. Moleman fresh after his 100 stuck around for 14 going LBW. Next up Muttley, and again another LBW given by Snax, but had the consolation of his lovely family in tow, and now could spend some quality time with them. Great things were expected of Lav with a Pecker Average of 70 but he and was out C&B for 4, the crowd was watching a batting collapse, Tiddles and myself were getting nervous. Bagpuss strode out with my pads, must have been a bad omen, out for duck! The collapse had left us 57/5 still needing to hit the target of 192, it wasn’t looking good. Skip had a word with Traash to bat sensibly after his previous efforts had only yielded 3,0,1,0.. Groundskeeper joined him also needing redemption after scores of 0,3*,0 and seemed inspired with a swashbuckling 45 of 26 with 8 glorious fours including some glorious cover drives. The two Ben’s I never knew their real names until Skip told me, got batting redemption in style with a partnership of 70 taking us to 146-7

Smeagol warmly congratulated by Tugginmapuddah

Keeper departed and “the closer Pobsy” strolled out. Pobsy played a sensible and controlled innings with magnificent running between the wickets to get Traash on strike, He also was screaming for water breaks at every chance, seems like he was trying to break the drought. Traash with a brilliant 69 not out and he brought it home for the Peckers, Kew generally could not believe that we had come back from 57/5, you gotta love this team and the never say die attitude. It was a story of double redemption by men who needed it--Bowling by the Aussies and coach McGarry, and Batting by the two Bens, Traash and Smeagol. Brilliant Stuff!

Skip wants to give a nod to the super coach PC Mcgarry who called for spin and more spin from his chair in the shade. He wanted to give him a nickname and the autistic memory kicked in remembering PC ‘McGarry’ no 452 a character from a 70s kids TV show Camberwick Green (of Windy Miller fame)Here’s his song