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Cryptics v. Harrow School
The Cryptics launched themselves into the first game of the Spanish tour, several team-members with some exhaustive preparations. Unfortunately, these were undertaken the night before and thus rendered fielding practice, stretching or any form of exercise, largely redundant.
Harrow won the toss and elected to bat. Nick Hodgson opened the season with what can best be described as a rather full, full toss and we were on our way. On an artificial wicket, the openers had to deal with some steepling bounce from Sam Sargant and Marcus Ward, who troubled batsmen with aggressive-length bowling. After settling down, the game took on a steady pace with the Harrow batsmen playing themselves in. Chris Ward started to take some early wickets, ably assisted by some phenomenal Chris Barras wicket-keeping. Midway through the innings, the game looked fairly balanced. However, a strong 7th wicket partnership between M.Ward and A. Macintyre saw Harrow post a challenging 241 for the loss of 9 wickets off their 45 overs. Chris Ward was the pick of the bowlers with 4-64.
After a hearty lunch of a burger, replete with onions or cheese – whatever took your fancy, supplemented by some well-priced beer, the Cryptics strode out to bat. Simon Halliday and J Grist, a Harrow pupil who the master-in-charge assured the Cryptics was good for some runs, opening the innings. Mr Grist was bowled second ball! Ben Hardy was bowled two overs later. 5-2 looked potentially worse when Simon Halliday was hit a nasty blow on the elbow when failing to react at all to a quick short ball from K.Daley (who may have had to write a good many times “I must not hit my teacher”). Chris Barras and Simon Halliday, under pressure from some penetrative line and length bowling, blunted the Harrow attack with some determined batting. Once Barras was bowled the early-season defences of the Cryptics batting soon gave way and wickets fell at a steady rate around the obdurate Halliday. He put a dear price on his wicket, especially given he was facing his blood-thirsty students. What better wicket to take than that of your teacher?
Unfortunately, the scoring rate was a little too slow to keep pace with the stretching target set by the Harrow boys, who bowled with guile and fielded with great energy. The fielding accounted for the author as Halliday pushed the ball into the on-side and called for an ‘Usain Bolt’ quick single. A direct hit sent me back to the hutch and Harrow closer to a well deserved victory. The Cryptics finished on 154-9, some way short of the target set with Simon carrying his bat for an unbeaten 75.
The match was played in an excellent spirit, in slightly cloudy conditions and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A wonderful experience for my first match on a Cryptics tour, and moreover, hopefully the first of many more to come!
Nick Ashton
Cryptics CC v Sporting Alfas CC – 17th May 2011
The Cryptics took to the field for the final tour match feeling confident and fresh after 3 days and nights of cricket chat, beer and late nights (led by Nick Hodgson), not to mention a previous game on the Friday and lots of ‘spotting’ around the swimming pool. Alex Hutchinson led his troops onto the field in glorious sunshine with everyone eager to force a victory and level the tour series.
The hostile bowling of Sam Sargant and the ever reliable Nick Hodgson made a good start for the Cryptics and the home side found themselves losing regular wickets. Chris Ward only increased the pressure with some tight bowling and picked up a couple of wickets also. He was aided by his son Marcus, who at only 14 is an excellent prospect for the club with his left arm seam bowling which included a well controlled bouncer! Nick Ashton bowled well for little reward and the skipper brought himself on to pick up a couple of late wickets. Nick Priestnall and Chris Barras shared the glove work and special mention should go to Chris Barras for what can only be described as a masterclass for spectators. The home side were restricted to 171-6 off 40 overs with their opener Crowley making 44.
The tea interval was relaxed with what has now become a regular sight of burgers, sausage sandwiches and sunshine ever present at Alfas. In reply, the Cryptics were forced into a controversial change in the batting order due to Chris and Marcus Ward having to leave early for the airport, aided by their chauffeur, Chris Barras. The two Chris’ opened (the first time Chris Ward has opened the batting for the Cryptics) and did not disappoint in despatching some fairly weak bowling to all parts of the field. Chris Barras was eventually given out lbw for 32 which led to father and son batting together for the first time. This was a pleasure to watch and Chris soon brought up not only his maiden half century for the club but his first ever half century. Marcus departed for 19 attempting his trademark sweep shot and Chris Ward was finally out for an excellent 77. They rushed off to the airport and left Ben Hardy and Nick Priestnall to see the Cryptics home for the loss of only 3 wickets.
The Yellow Submarine bar (and bar ladies) that had been regularly frequented would be proud and with a final evening of Spanish food and drink the tour was brought to an end, an enjoyable time had by all. Thanks must go to Nick Priestnall for his ever efficient organisation of the tour and our host club Sporting Alfas for having us again.
A new destination for the pre-season tour is currently being looked at so sign up fast when it is announced in the coming months.… the Scandinavian women’s’ football teams are eager to also learn our destination after accompanying us extremely well around the swimming pool for all 4 days!
Alex Hutchinson |
