Marsh Gibbon Win The George Blow Cup for 5th Time
There was an unconventional start to the Marsh-Horwood Cup Final as the Skippers; Guns Leonard and Morrison tossed in Buckingham Nightclub ’13’ at 1am on the morning of the game. Leonard called correctly and with the only moisture threat coming from the pint in his hand he decided to bat – in 10 hours time! Not exactly in line with the ECB Directive but respected none the less!
The Leonard triumvirate then set about some hard hitting lead by senior cousin Stu. Indeed the opening stand between Stuart and Joe put on 113 in 10 overs before Joe was caught of Aimes for 38. Joe had been hampered by scratching his nail polish the day before. This was a major setback as he’d only just had shellac applied at Diamond Nails on Sheep Street, Bicester on Friday. Somehow he managed to fight back the tears of disappointment and crack 7 lovely boundaries across the lighting tinder outfield.
Stuart found his stride and struck the ball powerfully also dealing in boundaries from the start. Nine 4’s and an exocet 6 in his unbeaten 72 was only constrained by late fatigue from the heat of the day and as a consequence of the game the day before, notwithstanding the lager consumed between these appearances.
Skipper and youngest Leonard, Tommy joined cousin Stuart for the last couple of overs and got in on the act with a quick 8 as Marsh closed on 131 for 1 off their 12 overs.
Horwood knew a rapid start was required and sent out the powerful Nix and stylish Willett. They showed intent from ball one and Callow did well to keep the lid on only going for 7 off his opening over. Chairman Kyle, fresh from his trip to the Welsh Valleys the day before, was picked up by Nix for a square 6 and after 4 overs Horwood were on 47. But Nix had charged Crouch in the 3rd over only to miss a spitting delivery which Keeper Stu got body behind and had ample time to stump the stranded batter.
Skipper brought on Chambers for the 6th over to immediate effect as he bowled Willett and only conceded 3 runs. Skipper replaced the economical Callow (3-0-1-20) and continued with the effective line.
Marsh fielding was solid, especially from young Jacob and Charlie who were in key positions to keep the batsmen honest and were handling some tricky ground shots hit to them.
Gilder had been batting well but just could not find the boundary as Marsh set the field deep for him knowing ones and twos would not be enough. Horwood reached 103 from 10 and needed 29 from the last 16 balls – very possible with lighting outfield and Gilder and Ellison set at the crease. Until the first ball of that 11th over and Tommy struck Gilder’s off stump bail.
With only 7 runs conceded in a tight penultimate over from the Skipper (3-0-28-1), Kyle came back for the last over as Chambers had finished with identical economical figures as Callow. Horwood needed 22 off 8 balls for victory and the Chairman was never going to allow that to happen. Marsh won by 12 runs.
Big thank you to Bazza and Mr Sirrett for all the organising, Freddie and Horwood Umpire and Horwood for hosting. A very special shout out for the Burgers! (got any left?)
SILVERWARE on the Marsh Mantel – Now let’s get climbing the league ladder!
(Look out for photos from Club Cameraman who dragged himself off the golf course for the first time this season – Welcome back Honours!)