Its quite likely to be June by the time you read this, I’m not sure where the time goes and Ive just heard that mother is already working on next Christmas’s hand illustrated Christmas card ! Whilst we haven’t had a home game just yet the Miller’s whites were first seen this year as far back as 20th April , when we made the short trip to Clyst Hydon on a beautiful sunny evening , ending in a three run defeat but more importantly some jolly tasty hot dogs being served up. Runs for Jason Wood, Sam Franks and Jon Pengelly and two wickets for “Hammer” Hammett. One of our number also bowled out a poor little nine year old and when questioned his only defence was “ well he’s a very good batter” – pretty poor really! (the bowler in question is old enough to remember bowling out his father and even his grand father). Clyst Hydon 152-4, Tale Millers 149-7.
We then made a (slightly) longer trip to Killerton House to take on the Broadclyst Pins ( a merger of Broadclyst and Pinhoe clubs). Again we posted a strong total of 148-3 with the same batters amongst the runs, in addition to the Kittow twins, Simon and David, playing useful supporting roles. The Broadclyst response never really got going and they ended on 93-4 with the wickets going to Neil Chambers, Ben Peters and Jason Wood, whilst Shane Tout bowled his two overs for just four runs , thenceforth known as “Tight Tout”. Unfortunately just as we were looking forward to a drink and a bite to eat in the lovely club house, some bright spark turned the genny off so all went home victorious but dry and hungry. The challenges of village cricket eh?
The destination for our next trip was the home of the Branscombe Ravens, bordering on an an overnight stop, and if you’re thinking “ where is the level field in Branscombe suitable for cricket?” or even “how many Ravens are there in Branscombe?”, both are very fair questions. The answer to question 1 is that tucked in behind the village hall and doubling up as the air ambulance landing site is the smallest ground we play on, ideal for those amongst us who see fielding as a chore not a challenge, no names. The Ravens made a challenging 126-6 with The Millers getting home with an over to spare, runs for Bendy Ralph Cook ( by far our most flexible player), Shane Tout and Jon Pengelly.
Talking of the air ambulance we then visited the Coaver Club in Exeter to take on The Sunsets , an admirable bunch of wandering minstrels led by 75 years young Bernie Wilson, a true character of the game. Also Renowned as being the bowler one of Somerset’s current openers would apparently least like to face – forget your Broads and Andersons! Bernie’ bowling is slow to very slow and patience is indeed a virtue when facing him. Anyway, we took to the field (Astro wicket, lots of bounce, complete opposite of our home ground) and kept tight control of the innings, Tight Tout two overs for eight runs amongst the most miserly and ‘ammer Hammett prowling around the field to take two catches of considerable quality. With the Burnley Panther ( Clegg) brought into the attack the ever committed Hammett saw a chance of a hat trick of catches as Batsman Chalky White got underneath one of Clegg’s deceptive slow burners and sent it spiralling up ……and up……….and up……… indeed it only came down once it had gone past Mar. Hammett gave a loud call “Miiiiiine”……………. not that anyone else would have been daft enough to go anywhere near the asteroid as it returned to Earth. Return it did and miraculously Hammett was positioned almost perfectly for the catch ………..I say almost perfectly because he had foolishly left his chin beneath his hands so that when the asteroid passed through said hands it landed square on his bearded chin – Ouch. Down went Hammett, down went the ball. It does have to count as a dropped catch I’m afraid. He lay there motionless garnering sympathy for a couple of minutes but gradually came to and ice was brought on for him to hold against his bushy beard to try and reduce the swelling , it did go pretty black mind. No doubt he would have been quite happy to go out and open the batting in his delirious state but luckily the skipper Kittow is a very sensible chap and ‘Ammer was allowed to sit out the batting. Millers won by 9 wickets. Hammett is skipper for this week’s game, I already fear my commitment level in the field will disappoint him.
Games now come thick and fast, the fixture list is on the parish website, with a home game against the Met Office on 1st June and the “Jubilee Tournament” at Whimple CC on Sunday 5th June , with the bar open for the duration.
All visitors and their well behaved canines are welcome to home games and social membership is just £10 for the summer. Always looking for players for anyone new to the village do please get in touch.
Jon
Chairman, Tale Millers CC
