FCC v GTA Zeebras
By Fulmer CC | June 4, 2011
Fulmer 253 for 5
GTA Zeebras 128 for 8
Fulmer won by 125 runs
This match is always one of the most eagerly awaited In the Fulmer fixture list. The boys from GTA always play the game with a smile on their face, and their post match reprise of individual’s performances and associated fines and forfeits is not to be missed, and requires a well stocked bar!
The occasion was also marked by the home debut of the next generation of Randall’s, when beaming Grandad Del & daughter Emma introduced twins Caden & Chay (apologies if spelling is wrong). It was also terrific to see our Senior Vice-President Edward Guinness out and about again after a recent bout of illness. Edward, everyone at Fulmer sends you and your wife our best wishes and hopes that your health continues to improve.
GTA Zeebras bowling attack attempting a break through
On another warm Saturday afternoon, Tony won the toss and decided to bat. Prash & Nige got things underway but not for long! Prash defied the form book by guiding a catch straight to gully and bagged his first duck of the season. The opening bowler from the top end, whilst extremely pacy lacked accuracy and therefore scoring from one end was difficult, his first 5 overs costing just 10 runs.
However with Nick now at the crease, the tempo began to improve and he and Nige went on fairly untroubled to record a century stand. Nick with some fierce offside stroke play began to take a heavy toll of the attack and his century was met with loud cheers from the home crowd, swelled by some welcome local visitors to KGF. Nige got to a well crafted 60 before falling to a catch behind.
On the way to an unassailable total...
Dealing with the GTA Zeebras bowling
With not that many overs to go, Steve had been given licence to play with freedom and immediately delivered, dispatching the returning quickie for six with a fantastic pick up off his hip. He and Nick also showed the virtue of clear calling and backing up with some brilliant running. Steve got to a well struck 32 before he was out unselfishly trying to hit a ball toward Slough. Dan and Ali suffered the “no win” scenario of facing the last over and pushing for runs, unfortunately both perished, victims of young Macey, the 11 year old who totally outshone his proud father by bowling well and picking up three wickets. Nick finished on a terrific 117 not out.
Tansy’s great tea coincided with another inept performance from Capello’s marvels. Watching paint dry is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative!
FCC's pin up boy Nick Box wondering if he has scored 117, 3 or 29
The GTA innings suffered an early setback when Ali served up an unplayable delivery which didn’t get up ,to account for one of the openers. Ali followed this up with another wicket ,again illustrating what a formidable opening bowler he is. His six over, two wicket opening spell cost just 13 runs.
Macey Junior shows the rest of the GTA attack how it's done
Tony decided to shake things up and after a couple of tight overs from Steve, Armando was introduced into the attack and Paul took over from Ali. Both bowled their best and longest spells of the season and finished their eight over spells with very respectable figures of 1-33 and 1-22 respectively.
Jules also picked up a couple of wickets returning 2-17 off his 8 overs. Fulmer’s out cricket also delivered with some smart catches by Prash, Tony and Nige. Ian also got into the act by bowling five overs taking 2-24 including a sharp return catch.
Another ball heading towards the boundary
Thompson top scored for GTA with 40 and Macey Snr had to endure dog’s abuse from his team mates for not dying on his sword and allowing his son to bat. Both he and the David Boone look-alike occupied the crease for the last few overs but never threatened the Fulmer target. GTA’s 40 over innings ending on 128 -8. According to their well-crafted Twitter feed, this was their highest total against Fulmer to date… obviously, a cause of celebration!
Post-match socialising saw heavy forfeit-induced gin consumption and a well supported BBQ with great burgers and sausages. A fitting end to a really enjoyable day.
Check out the match gallery for more images…
