Time stood still literally as old friends Whitchurch visited the Down on a warm and sunny Wednesday afternoon on what was the 50th anniversary of their first visit.
It was a fantastic afternoon of cricket, teas and friendship as skipper for the day Wood went out to the middle with the Whitchurch skipper and old friend of the Brigands, Os. Brigands won the toss and elected to bat. The batting order was describeas “fluid” as both DT and Morris were en route as the game got underway. Jay Snr went early with no score on the board to be replaced with Jay Jnr who soon joined him back in the pavilion with only 4 on the board.
JST joined Flewitt at the wicket and the pair added 37 runs for the 3rd wicket before Flewitt fell for 19. Brigands were confident with a strong middle order and they all delivered with JST(21), Morris(26), DT(24) and Blackburn(23) all contributing to the score heading above 100 and leaving the path open for Ladenburg who was fresh from his 102 on Sunday but could he guide Brigands to the target of 180? As Ladenburg fell for 31 Brigands were 15 short of the target and it was left to debutant Pitts and Whittle to guide the home team to 186 before skipper Wood decided it was time for tea.
The tea was superb and welcomed by both teams and the throng of the great and good from Brigands history.
It seemed such a shame to leave the tea but needs must and every game has 2 innings. Wood chose himself and Ladenburg to open the bowling and it was Ladenburg who struck twice in his first 2 overs to leave the visitors at 3-2 after 4 overs. Wood turned to Pitts to test his bowing ability after 9 years out of the game but there wasn’t any reward for the bowler. At the other end DT took over from Ladenburg and picked up a wicket in his first over to leave the visitors 48-3 at the first drinks break.
Wood brought himself back on with some even slower left arm round before asking Blackburn and Morris to chance their arm. Morris quickly realised it was short spells so bowled 12 deliveries in his only over even dropping a caught and bowled chance! At the other end, DT mixed economy with wickets helped by catches from Ladenburg and Blackburn as the visitors were 111-6 at the second drinks break.
The skipper changed his bowlers and Ladenburg picked up a wicket before DT completed his 5-wicket haul with Flewitt taking a stunning slip catch to dismiss the dangerous Whitchurch skipper for a well-constructed 56.
The last 2 overs saw Brigands needing 2 wickets and the visitors needing 31 runs. Wood took the 9th wicket leaving Brigands Bailey to face Ladenburg in the last over. Bailey did a spot of fishing but couldn’t gift Brigands the win.
A great afternoon of cricket and friendship especially with Harry orchestrating everything from his spot on the sidelines. A massive thanks to everyone who helped make Harry’s day work. It was a real team effort.
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