Wock WINdy @ Warkworth

Is Rock now on what could be described as a win streak?! Or is it the recently lifted curse of Mick Gray’s ‘tash?! Anyway we won!

So for his penultimate report, Mr Calm has another successful game to dissect as only he can…

The sun shone on the Castle Field on Saturday and, despite a strong breeze hearts were gladdened by the cricket on display. Mr Doyle won the toss for Warkworth 2's & decided to make first use of a dry-looking wicket. Keith of the Pudds started in his usual aggressive & stylish style but Adam Spoors was an early victim of the pie-master, who PITCHED THE BALL UP & bowled the youngster. Adam Jobson joined Pudds & seemed determined to perfect the Surrey cut! No matter, they took the score on steadily until Shorty took a good catch off Wilsa's bowling. Then Doyle was trapped in front by Plum, who seems to have reconciled himself with the LBW law but still can't manage to stop Pudds scoring sixes off him! However, he had his revenge sooner rather than later when he enticed Keith into a flashy shot & he dragged on for a good 50. Enter Mark Spoors, fine bowler & good hitter. He set about all of the Rock bowlers with relish striking 7 fours & 3 sixes in his 59. Meanwhile. Kev accounted for Little Pudds & Skipper Spoon ended a brief flurry from Richie; he also despatched Stan & in so doing qualified for the bowling averages. Spoorsy was finally caught by the Skip off Mr Calm, who also had Jamie P caught by Chris Dunn in the deep. Chris appears to have either broken his finger or finally removed it from a dark place, as a result. Warkworth all out for a competitive 167

Yet another top tea was taken. No wonder quite a lot of us are portly! Kev of the Wilsas & Rod of the Bells opened the reply for Rock. Spoorsy's radar seemed to be off in his first over & we got off to a bit of a flier. Kev had scored 15 when he chased a wide one to him in his 3rd over & was well caught by his brother at Wicketkeeper. Nels annoyingly fell to the opposing skipper lofting one to Spoorsy for 7. Shorty came in with a welcome opportunity for some time at the crease. After a shaky start he soon settled into his work while Bobby of the Bells plundered at will from the other end. Rod finally pansied one to Big Pudds off Richie Carruthers who had bowled well without any luck but Rod's work was done with a beautifully compiled 80. Shorty was joined by the skipper, who, it has to be said, didn't run himself out & managed to smack 4 fours in his 17 not out. Shorty ended up on an excellent 37 not out as Rock overhauled Warkworths total. A special mention for young Matthew Potts who bowled a lovely little spell from the Castle end into the wind.

All in all, a good, solid, all-round team performance & this correspondent can look forward to putting his feet up next week after 2, (yes 2!), umpiring stints. Second week in a row, as well. Pk was roundly fined after the match for not being available next week, when Rock welcome Howick to The Polygon for the final game of the season. Don't forget your "pub-sign" gear, Orange boilersuits officially banned; Your Plumness, you have been warned!!

His Serene Calmness