Bedouins v Higgs at Enville – Wednesday, 10 May 2000
Bedouins won by 8 wickets
If there was ever any doubt about the validity of indoor nets for our level of cricket – despite it being good fun – this was laid to rest during this, the Bedouins first game of the season. It used to be the Chaddesley Twilight XI that traditionally provided the opposition for the first game, thus providing what could be politely termed ‘a gentle warm up’. These days Higgs usually provide a sterner test for the first fixture (weather permitting) with the likes of Currie, Jones and Moxon in their midst.
Moxon was missing on this occasion and Higgs missed his extra oomph in the batting and bowling departments.
The Beds had injury worries as usual. Polhill was complaining of a badly chafed leg, after falling down some “muddy” steps on holiday. (Was there a pub at the top of those steps?) And Hill had foot and mouth or something.
Higgs batted first facing eight ball overs thanks to the gloomy conditions. George opened the bowling and his regular net sessions showed with his immediate accuracy of line and length. Taylor (top of the bowling averages last season) supported from the other end. Again a regular at nets, he was tidy with his overs.
George took two quick wickets to leave Higgs 24 for 2. This may have been for four as Taylor was unlucky with chances being put down by Kelly and the Skipper. At this stage it looked like the Beds would find it hard to catch a cold.
Eventually he got his just reward and finished with 1 for 15 and George with 2 for 14.
Gregory and Susman A. took over at the change. Gregory was unlucky to finish with no scalps. He looked too quick for the Higgs batsmen although Barnsley did pick him up well for a six to deep mid wicket. Susman A. struggled bowling into the wind and against the slope and was lucky to pick up the wicket of Currie. Two run outs also followed to leave Higgs struggling on 63 for 5 from 12 overs. There was no let-up with Neale bowling three overs, taking 2 for 20.
Despite being in some discomfort, gritty keeper Polhill displayed his usual high standards. Higgs finished on 84 for 7.
Beds opened the batting with two tall blokes; the unmistakable frames of Susmans B and A.
Susman B proceeded to time and middle the ball around the ground – something that hadn’t been apparent the last couple of seasons. The Golf lessons must be paying off.
Neither bat looked troubled until B ran out of puff and was run out for 19. Hill came in at three and he too middled the ball well and indeed hit four boundaries which was not easy with a long, lush outfield. By the time he was out for 25 making it 82 for 2 in the 13th over, the game was as good as won. Susman A and Thomas R finished undefeated.
So the Beds carry on where they left off last season – victorious.