We were on the road again, this time at Tiddington. My first visit to a lovely little ground, or at least that is how it looked when I arrived. Little did I know that it hides a dark, dark secret.
Winning the toss for the first time in a little while I had no hesitation in asking Tiddington to bat, a mistake of Hussain like proportions? Maybe.
There were very few highlights in our bowling and fielding performance as Tiddington racked up 310 for 7. There opener carried his bat on his way to an unbeaten 150. A classy knock with shots all around the wicket. He was well supported and made the most of a cracking track. We bowled with discipline and rarely looked ragged with the ball. A couple of spilt chances had they been taken may have restricted the score to under 300. Sometimes you have to give credit where it is due and say well batted.
The whole innings was marred by a nasty injury to Vish. For the first time I saw a cricketer leave the ground in an ambulance. Something I never want to see again. Showing 100% dedication to the Didcot cause Vish chased the ball to the boundary in an attempt to stop 4 overthrows, he slid into what we all assumed were painted wooden boundary boards. They were concrete. The thud was sickening. He didn't move. We all instantly knew it was bad.
Vish is in hospital today. Our hearts are with you little buddy.
Tea was a splendid affair featuring homemade chocolate bon-bons, homemade sausage rolls and ice lollies. Nathans melons were splendid also. (Thame: take note, there are shops not far away that sell food and milk).
Chasing 310 to win sets some challenges. Cookie set off like a train. He was super focused and in great nick. Tiddington weren't quite sure what to do and I felt went defensive with the field placings way too early. 5 fielders on the boundary after 6 overs when you have over 300 on the board is super defensive. Not surprisingly runs dried up. When we did find the boundary a fielder was instantly moved out to cut off the runs. I know that it isn't easy getting the balance right but sometimes you have to risk losing to win a game like this.
We accumulated runs none the less with contributions from everyone in the middle order. Bernard had his best innings in a Didcot shirt and proved that the £2.5M spent on his sojourn down under was money well spent. He mixed solid defense and careful shot selection with powerful clean hitting to notch up 95 from only 84 balls. He was well caught on the boundary, had this gone for 6 his second fifty would have taken him 24 balls. Well done Bernard.
This rousing display of power cricket lifted the Diddy spirits and when combined with Thatchers cider on draft was reminiscent of Taunton in the 80's with Viv and Botham at the crease. Splendid.
Incidentally, can anyone name three Nik Kershaw (star of the 80's) hits? There is a special prize waiting for anyone who actually reads this and posts an answer.
We ended on 268 for 6. Could we have won it? Maybe. Life is full of if's, buts and maybe's.
So, we return to the Field of Dreams next week after an extended break. I am looking forward to returning home. A few questions may be answered next week.
Can Bernards tea match his batting prowess? Will the phantom bunny concealer make an appearance? Who will fill Vish's (tiny) shoes? Will we get to see the wheelchair ramp used?
All will be revealed in a weeks time.....................
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