Flatter than Regent's park. Evidence of a lawn mower having been used.
Village CC v Southwark and Lambeth CC – the inaugural Gupte-Burton Trophy
Scintillating. Clinical. Highly-skilled.
Not three words often associated with the Village CC, but on this occasion they all rang true.
Thompson’s terriers put in a masterclass on how to play the conditions, how to handle the pressure of a big game, and how to dream up a new cup and win it in the space of about six hours.
Inserting the hosts into bat, VCC made light work of knocking over the top order, with Hampton and Thompson sharing the top five wickets. The pace of Bosshardt (3 for 6) proved too much for the middle order, and Gupte rounded off things to keep him in the hunt for a 46th consecutive bowler of the year award.
Special mention to JdM for a stunning one-hander behind the pegs to remove the inform Attree.
A brief interlude for sandwiches and juice followed. Those with hangovers opted for Lucozade.
In reply, Village were off to a slightly shaky start when the skipper decided to trigger his Welsh opener for LBW despite him playing a correct shot and being hit on the thigh pad*.
But any nerves were soon settled, as “access all areas” Pontin marched his team to victory with an unbeaten 35, supported by a returning to form Nick Troja (20no).
Village win the first ever Gupte-Burton trophy, named after the two players who have served their clubs either with the most appearances or the most chatter.
Due to the pace of the nine-wicket victory, the real tea was consumed when Bosh arrived with a chocolate birthday cake that he claimed to have made for elder statesman of the squad Ollie Morgans, aged 45. The squad duly sang happy birthday several times before making their way to the pub.
*batsman’s account
Southwark & Lambeth CC (Gupte-Burton Trophy) Innings
