Two from Two after a Nervy One

If last weeks opening fixture was unseasonably warm, Saturdays game was polar opposite. The first XI entered this weekends fixture buoyant after last weeks victory with three changes in the line up. Morley-Barnes (Back injury), Dewhurst (Work commitments) and Benson (Joining the Army reserves) made way for Jordan Peters, Max Bauer and Jodie Cook.

With the high winds and squally showers in the area, winning the toss and electing to bowl was essential, of which Cook acheived. With a delayed start, the game would be 40 overs a side. Lindum took to the field, with an average of three layers of clothing per person, requiring a fast start and early wickets. Peatman struck early removing Louth captain, Scott, with a smart catch taken by debutant Jodie Cook (13-1). Peters at the other end also soon struck, picking up the attacking Martin, LBW, with the score on 23. This then brought Louths overseas Sri Lankan pro to the crease. Just as he was starting to look dangerous (But still very cold) Peatman caught the edge and what happened next can only be described as a flashback to the 2005 Ashes involving Strauss and Jones. A regulation edge, heading straight to the bucket like hands of Lindsay at slip. However, one juggle, became a second juggle, only for Bishop to end up diving full length to finally finish the catch off (43-3). Peatman, with his tale up and the ball flying through, removed Collinson soon after with a sharp R.Cook catch in the gully (54-4). The remaining wickets of the innings then fell to spin. Rolfs picking up one with yet another juggling catch by Lindsay at slip and R.Cook picking up his first Lindum five wicket haul, 10.3-1-31-5 (Without any turn). The only blip on the bowling performance would be having Louth 109-9 for them to add 45 for the last wicket.

It was time for Lindum to take to the crease after a superb debut Redmond tea (The addition of fresh basil in the pasta and ‘proper’ cooked ham sets a high standard for the season!). The chase suffered an early set back with Bishop being trapped LBW for a duck (2-1) bringing Tomlinson to the crease to join Lindsay. The attacking pair then set about there work adding a brisk partnership before Lindsay was bowled by the first ball of the Sri Lankan overseas, bowling in a beanie hat… shambles! (31-2). Cook joined Tomlinson with the pair adding 39, restoring calm and chipping away at the total before the captain was bowled around his legs for 13 (70-3). Tomlinson fell straight after drinks for a fluent 34 (79-4). Rolfs and Redmond took the score past 100 before the latter was given out LBW in controversial circumstances. I’ve not seen a team finish appealing, then start moaning about it, only for it then to be given out! 101-5 soon became 103-7 with Rolfs and Taylor both departing. As you can imagine, Louth, at this stage, were creating plenty of pressure and noise sensing blood and victory. Requiring 52 for victory, J.Cook and Bauer weathered an early onslaught before chipping away at the target. With both gaining confidence, the pressure soon shifted back on Louth with some controlled attacking from both batters. The silky stroke play of Jodie and the attacking nature of Max dovetailed beautifully reducing the required runs into single figures and then getting us over the line with a sublime Cook (15*) cover drive and some lusty controlled blows from Max (36*). Nervous energy became cheers of victory from all three senior Lindum sides watching from pavilion!

Victory, 20 points, team song, fines, a debut ‘Shooey’ from JP and Kempo’s ill-fitting beanie… Lovely stuff!

Two from Two, UTL.