Jonty Rhodes, Where We're Going We Don't Need Rhodes

With the overnight rain taking the top off the temperature it was a much cooler Salts that played host to the Sunday side against Blackboys.

Skipper for the day Owen Edmonds became the first Seaford captain this century to win a toss and elected to field first. It was an agreed 10 a side "last man stand"game as both teams had availability issues.

Owen's masterplan was to bowl everyone 4 overs in tandem. Openers Tim Page (1-9) and Steve Hearsey (2-11) kept it tight at the start, followed by Oscar Miller (0-31) and Rob Gravett (1-11). The next pairing was chalk and cheese, Jon Milham (2-2) at one end and Owen Edmonds (0-49) at the other. Owen trying as hard as he could to see if Nick Rogers could hit the rugby club without bouncing. Nick clearly enjoyed Owen's "bowling" and made an excellent 67 before getting caught off a well disguised rank rubbish low full toss from Jon Milham. Next duo was Pidge Smith (1-6) and Will Lucas (2-7) both kept the score down well, with Will bowling as fast as he could against the Grandfather and Grandson Rogers. After that the last pair was Richard Benvenisti (1-17) off one over, who burgled out a wicket and the returning Steve Hearsey, who cleaned up the last two wickets. Blackboys ended their innings on 146 all out after 34 overs.

The moment of the entire innings though was an attempted single to Tim Page at mid off who ran towards the wickets 'Jonty Rhodes' style as the batsman was maybe halfway down the wicket, however though Tim decided against the full dive smash the heck out of the wickets photo opportunity, or the walk in and knock off the bail method, and launched the ball at the stumps from maybe 2 yards away and missed by miles. Not sure he could have thrown it any harder if he tried....

After the usual quality tea from Mrs Pidge, Seaford set about their reply. Owen's second masterplan was to send former Blackboys player Jon Milham to open (yeah thanks, its the wicket they all want) alongside Tim "i did nothing saturday so am opening bowling and batting" Page. However, the expected early wicket never happened, and the duo put on 85 for the first wicket, with Jon Milham (44) falling short of what would have been his maiden half century for Seaford, given out shockingly by the umpire, dreadful decision (well maybe not, i was almost walking) shortly followed by Tim "would have got more runs if Jon stopped hogging the strike" Page (36). Richard Benvenisti and Owen Edmonds both fell cheaply to Owen's arch nemesis Colin Eade (2-21) calls of bunny and rabbit as Owen walked in to bat after his duck in last weeks league game against Blackboys tainted the air. That brought in Will Lucas (8no) to join Rob Gravett (50no) and they finished off the game, Rob crashing the ball for 6 to get his half century when the scores were almost level and Will looking determined to get a single to stop Rob. Both umpires seemed to call a short over strangely to get Rob the chance!

A great game, as always on Sundays played in the right spirit, with everyone getting a good bowl or bat. Our thanks to Blackboys for joining in the fun.

Author: Jon Milham

Scorecard