As the pendulum swung this way and that during the England vs Ireland test match, so did the weather in the lead up to the Ramblas game. That their scheduled match with Wickham Park was cancelled only added to the drama. And drama was very much the watch word for the week…
Ramblas captain Michael Cooper managed to secure a home pitch as well as a new opposition in the shape of Simba CC. All Cooper needed now was an XI. Steven Fitch came back into the side, as did Ian Dacre, playing his first home game in two seasons. But the hosts were still two men light. Luckily, Gavin Williams stepped in to make his Ramblas debut, as did last minute addition Smibin Raphy.
Alas, as the home side assembled at Ex-blues, all set for a 1.30 start, it appeared that the opposition weren’t. As the clock reached 1.40 and only five of the Simba side on site, regular calls to the opposition went unanswered. Cooper had a decision to make, call the game off or try to cobble together some sort of game?
Luckily, Raphy offered to turn out for Simba and pulled in a few of his mates so the visitors had nine players to the Ramblas ten. With the time on the clock now 2.30, a thirty over game was agreed and following an uncontested toss, the Ramblas bowled first.
Mark Loughlin and Doug Danks opened the bowling and helped keep the early run rate in check but were unable to make the breakthrough. While each bowlers’ initial three over bursts were fruitless, they set a good platform and were replaced by Chris Thomas and Fitch.
Ramblas relaxing in the field
The new pair carried on the good work with the ball but were also unable to pick up a wicket. Just prior to drinks, Williams and Dacre came on for Fitch and Thomas respectively. And considering their lack of match sharpness bowled excellently.
Gavin into the attack
After drinks the Ramblas fortunes took a turn for the worse. Some loose bowling, uncharacteristically dodgy fielding and some big hitting from the visitors saw the scoreboard increase at an alarming rate. Cooper rotated his bowlers to no avail, until the 27th over when Loughlin picked up the only wicket of the game, thanks to a sharp catch from ‘keeper David Gambie.
Mishap in the field
Simba ended their innings on 203-1, the Ramblas confidence and spirit knocked. But after a fine Danks tea, a semblance of joviality return to the hosts as they looked to gear themselves up for the second innings.
With the Ramblas ligher than usual on batsmen, Cooper promoted himself to opener alongside Ash Harriss as the pair set out to get the Ramblas off to a good start. However, Harriss gloved his second ball to the ‘keeper and Cooper was bowled by a yorker in the third over to leave the Ramblas 4-2.
Coop and Matt at the crease
Gambie and Matt Rugyard were the next duo, who took the score into double figures before Gambie top edged one as was caught behind for 7. Loughlin came in at five and took the attack to Simba’s bowlers.
The pair took the score to 43 thanks to some lusty blows from Loughlin before Rudgyard was clean bowled by a delivery that kept low for 7.
Williams was the next cab off the rank but his stay only lasted two balls before he was clean bowled. Thomas was the next man in and together with Loughlin steadied the ship. Loughlin was in fine form with the bat, smashing four more boundaries, including a maximum over the deep mid wicket boundary. He was dismissed for a 23 ball 35 thanks to an amazing one handed catch by the bowler.
Dacre came to the crease and supported Thomas in keeping the bowlers busy thanks to some sharp running and solid defensive batting. Dacre’s defenses were finally broken and he was clean bowled for 2.
Thommo sweeps as Ian departs
In at nine was Danks and he was off the mark with a boundary off his third ball. But a risky call for a second run saw him run out for 7 with the score on 78-8.
Fitch was the next man tasked with supporting Thomas and he was also off the mark with a boundary. The pair both looked to attack, with Thomas bringing out his customary leg glance to rapturous applause from the side line.
After taking the score past the century mark, Fitch was clean bowled by Smithin for 7. With the Ramblas seemingly out of batsmen, Drew Smith, down as a fan for the day, bravely padded up to help the cause. Sadly for both Smith and his average, he was bowled first ball. The Ramblas were all out for 104, defeated by 99 runs.
Thomma & Stitch lead the fightback / Drew out for a duck
Credit to the Simba players who did make the effort to actually turn up, but the distinct lack of professionalism from their side cast a cloud over the game. And while the game never really felt like it got started, you cannot fault the Ramblas who got through trying circumstances to get the game on in the first place.
Next week sees the Ramblas head to Hildenborough, keen to replicate the result from last week.
Ramblas MVP: Considering all the chaos prior to the game itself, that everyone still got themselves up for the game is admirable itself. So this week’s MVPs are, Michael Cooper, Ian Dacre, Doug Danks, Steve Fitch, Dave Gambie, Ash Harriss, Mark Loughlin, Matt Rudgyard, Drew Smith, Chris Thomas and Gavin Williams.
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