Put in to bat by the opposition, it was a good decision from our viewpoint, with a solid start from openers Al and Laurie (17), who posted 59 runs and set the side up for a good score.  Chris Staight (52) entered the fray and, along with Al (51), who continues to shine with the bat, they added a quick fire 92 partnership that saw both reach half centuries and put Wanderers firmly in the driving seat.

Of course it wouldn’t be the same without the usual wobble, (and that’s not Monty’s gut!).  Wanderers contrived to lose 6 wickets for next to nothing but ended with a very respectable 183-9.  Al, Chris and Laurie led from the front and it always looked a winning score.  That said, Ford always present an unknown quantity so no chances could be taken, especially given the ability of Eric Roberts, their charismatic all-rounder who threatened to carry his bat throughout their innings in a one man crusade to avoid defeat for the home side.
 
Ford started confidently against a new opening bowling partnership that saw our own charismatic Sean Parker take two good early wickets that augured well for his ongoing development as a regular bowler.  Ford reached a healthy score for the loss of three wickets with Roberts still there and providing solid resistance. Enter Monty and Mooshy, spin twins extraordinaire!  Ford struggled with a combination of accuracy and flight from one end and leg spin from the other and wickets fell regularly, with Monty (5-12) taking the trophy of Eric’s wicket with a delivery that was out of the top drawer.  The spinners had conceded just 40 runs from their 16 overs and put an end to any hopes Ford had of a result.

There was still time for Dan West to claim his first Wanderers wicket at the end and when Monty delivered the coup de grace, Ford were all out for 111.  An excellent result and a very good game played in a terrific spirit.

It was the second game at Ford this season and we are happy to say that they have approached us about the possibility of a third game, which we will update you on later.  Hopefully this request is a reflection on how we present ourselves as a team on and off the pitch and perhaps we should be proud of that
 
Monty’s Man of the Match.  Has to be a toss up between Al and Chris.  Little to choose but I am giving the accolade to Chris for a fine innings made on the back of a very sad week for himself and family.  His innings spoke highly of the man.  God bless you mate
 
Shot of the match.  Any one of Al’s SEVEN fours that surely shut up the “one-shot” jibes of Monty who could happily do with learning that one shot himself!!
 

Ford Prison   23 july 2006