Faire vs The Drakes 2016 - Report
Faire welcomed back their annual player of the season DDEW “James” Watkins to their starting line-up after an extended pre-season Down Under; declaring himself “no better at cricket than before”, he was still comfortably good enough to dispatch the Drakes’ who-knows-what-might-come-next bowling for another quick century to double his tally of FaireTons. Stobbs ma played some lovely supporting strokes before getting a jaffa from Hepburn, while Stephen, taking his time to get his eye in, looked as if he might have done so before allowing a straight one from T. Davenport past his defences.
Vice-Captain Scarlett strode to the crease brimming with positive intent as he looked to boost his strike-rate, smashed his first ball for four and, happy with his contribution, headed back to the pavilion. An elegant fifty from M. Potter allowed Faire to make an assault on the Drakes’ bowling during the last few overs with wickets in hand and, despite Faire batsmen retiring soon after reaching their respective zeniths (in a fashion reminiscent of Johnno and Daws back in 2003), P. Stobbs and Ed Stephenson managed to continue the good work, and Faire ended their 35 overs on a record Faire total of 270-4.
After a tea which was low on savoury high on sweet provided by Faire (another event at which DDEWJ excelled with a hand-made personalised chocolate cake), the Drakes, who were by this point qua(c)king in their (webbed) boots at the prospect of chasing down such a formidable total, began their response. These were brutal scenes, as Bowen showed no mercy against the relatively inexperienced opening line up of ducklings queuing up for slaughter at the hands of the sheep-loving Herefordshire-man.
After taking 4 wickets, Bowen was asked by the incoming batsman not to hold back in any way; Bowen didn’t and clean bowled him second ball. Add in a run out by J. Kanagasooriam (a phrase no one thought would ever be written) who, in a modest attempt to play down this remarkable moment of skill, technique and poise, claimed after the event that he actually had his eyes shut throughout the whole process of ball being bowled and run out achieved, and it was a procession for Sir Will’s disciples. Despite a strong rearguard action by Angus Lowe and Dom Collingwood, who batted like only an ex-St Paul’s chorister who overlapped with the mighty Captain Cook could, Faire eventually claimed a comfortable victory by 136 runs with 12 overs to spare.
---- R. J. M. Stephen