Sunday 14 July 2008
Value for money was the name of the game. Spectators to the annual Presidents bash were treated to spectacular cricket matches (yes 2 for the price of one] and what can only be described as a new age fashion show was thrown in for nothing as well!
The entertainment started with the launch of the new range of umpiring coats for the shorter person but worn by our normal heighted President Dave Pope and super model and designer Hugh Evans. On a colder day this ensemble may need a frost bite inhibitor around the nether regions.
Presidents XI batted 1st and what can only be described as a procession followed.
George Fox ,one of two representing the older man who still has that something, was run out early.
Next,Jason Kulp sporting the accessory of the day ,flaired Hats are back !, went next ball. Keith Johnson cantered out and immediately lost the experienced Rob Hughes to a blinding example of self preservation, caught by Skipper Danny Scott.
Presidents captain and player agent Paul Spooner flounced to the crease wearing a tent like creation, but failed to show off the garments full potential as he played on first ball.16 for 4 and enter England Schoolgirl Gary Bass .Points to prove and a sympathetic bowling attack saw him and Keith stride the runway for 30 minutes of powerful hitting. Gary hit 4 boundaries supported limply (hamstring gone again] by Mr Johnson. Lemon was his usual indifferent self towards any LBW decisions preferring the absolute lines of broken stumps. The crowd were warming to the display of both the sartorially challenged players and the essence of desperation surrounding the hastily put together side. Spooky continually muttered on about the unreliability of players and the fact that Freddie , Beefy, Bumble , Athers and unsorted others had let him down . Essentially by not replying to his begging letters !
On the pitch even Jim couldn't fix it as a festival devoted to the larger man was unfolding .

FACT It was mentioned that when the order went in for the Presidents New Shirts, Moscow State circus had its new Main Arena cover delayed for an extra 6 months .
Simon' Pie man 'Blundell ,who hates spinners out to Danny Scott's Faster ball ! and 50-5 became 82 all out despite Nick Letts valiant effort as the only other double figure contributor .Ian Lee left posing on an elegant and beautifully arranged 0 not out.George Elwell finished with a phenomenal 5 wickets for 6 runs and was just too hot to handle ,but needs something doing with that hair ,like his bowling too much ' bounce '
The 1st team in ,no nonsense mood, crashed the necessary runs off in 50 minutes . Danny Treharne ,resplendent with Katie Moss hairdo ,hitting a belligerent Naomi Campbell like 58 not out .
Nick Letts lost the most balls having 31 hit off his 3 overs (even one six off the famed slower ball!]
A fantastic Tea hosted by Mr Pope and supplied by Barry at Newbold RFC led to an agreed 10 over thrash Presidents batted and scored 83 -6 more than their main match effort ! Wayne Davies top scored with 35 and Jason Scott took 2 for 1 in his over. The 1st team answered in professional style,Hitting the runs off 9 overs for 3 wickets down. Matt Davies and Jason Scott powering 38 and 31 respectively with Matt having personal targets of clearing Letts and Spooner in the outfield and winning with a six .
A fantastic day of fun was finished off Royally with a buffet ,speeches and presentations at the rugby club. Thanks were made to the organisors, Matt Davies for the superb work on preparing the ground and pitch , caterers , players and Spectators . The Presidents team may have gone home with the worst defeat in many years , but safe in the knowledge that nobody could have shown those new shirts off any better, and large men have a place in sport !!!