I don’t want to start off by mentioning weather but we have at last managed to get a few games in and this week it even seems a bit more Summery !
Our month began with a visit from the students of Exeter University – before anyone comments that this is a bit above our level its not their First Team but the Social XI who are always a friendly bunch . With the wicket still a tad damp and not over bouncy The Millers batted first , making a steady 87 all out, largely thanks to a fine knock of 41 not out from newcomer, Tom O’Brien and the Uni boys donating 27 extras to our cause – just the five little ducks . In response the Uni made a steady 66 all out , just the 8 extras, and two wickets apiece for Ralph Cook and Jon Pengelly. We were due a win
Next up was a visit from the curiously named Blacksmiths and Artizans, who don’t appear to have a Blacksmith or an Artizan amongst their number, but whose team can vary from being a casual bunch to a very competitive outfit. On this occasion we bowled very tidily and restricted the B&A to 78 -6, newcomer Dan Crowe weighing in with 2-10. In response, Jon Pengelly grafted away for 25 not out whilst Ben Peters did not graft for his similar score, smiting three towering sixes and returning to the club house before we had noticed he’d gone out to the middle a score of 83-2 was sufficient to get The Millers over the line. Chef Eduardo then produced a delicious chilli, possibly a little on the spicy side for some, particularly the chairman, whose face seemed to get redder with each mouthful. Very tasty.
In another naming anomaly, the “Ravens” of Branscombe flew into town and their previous victories at The Mill proved no fluke as they secured a ten run victory despite having four ducks in their innings and Shane Tout returning a mightily impressive 3-4 in a Ravens innings of 105. For much of our innings it looked as though we were on the right side of the chase with Jon Pengelly and Sam Franks each making 29 not out, but sadly we stumbled with the victory in sight and ended up on 94-9.
I cant recall us ever tying a game, but on 7th June that’s exactly what happened, with Talaton Inn posting a whopping 150, Dan Rugg taking 2-3, Jack Tucker making a quick fire 26 and Sam Brook an elegant 28 not out. Largely thanks to Ralph Cook’s fine unbeaten 38 and a huge number of extras, the Millers scrambled a tie off the last ball of the match, veteran keeper Tim Hubbard hurtling down the wicket at the speed of sound to save the day. Chef Eduardo then produced what for many is a seasonal favourite – Ham, egg and chips ( Sorry Katie!) – to round off a fine evenings entertainment.
I was asked recently why our games involve such high numbers of “Extras”. Our cricket is about the taking part and we encourage all our players and visiting teams to bowl a couple of overs and see how they get on – which can lead to some wayward bowling and hence the extras – we are gradually improving!
You may have noticed that the T20 World Cup is very sensibly taking place at present during the stormy season in the West Indies (jointly with that cricketing superpower the USA). Alternatively you may not have noticed because its not on a channel (or is the word now “Platform” ?) that most of us can access. I don’t claim to be a great administrator but if we are trying to make a sport more popular can’t we do better than to host it in the stormy season, with some strange rules and only available to view on a platform that not many of us (not even Rishi) have access to? Rant over
On 14th July at 2pm we celebrate our Tenth Anniversary with a game against the Kittow XI, if they can find enough Kittows who aren’t injured. All are welcome to come down and watch what should be an entertaining affair with the bar open .
Up the Millers !
Jon
