Great Missendens Pelicans 2022

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

There are many stories in sport of individual brilliance winning sporting occasions, needless to say this team is no stranger to those performances, you need only to look at the honours board. Not today though. Today saw a true team performance, the kind of team performance this team strives for. Sure there were moments of brilliance, and we’ll come to them later, but the headline is that this was a team victory to be proud of.

On arrival, there was question over whether the Khans were truly playing for the Pelicans, with Josh and Nico barely hearing a peep of the two as they mingled with the enemy, but finally the team assembled the captains went out for the “toss”. 

Oppo: “We really feel like we should bowl”

Adam: “I guess we could allow that”

Not a coin tossed but the result we wanted. The lesser known Kankate walked out to open with Raheel on a wicket that behaved…. Gently. As one would expect runs started flowing, the wrists of Kunaal whipping, the wrists of Raheel…. Lobbing a leg side dolly straight up in the air, into the waiting hands of the fielder. Yusuf went out made the devils sign with three 6’s on the bounce, and then attempted what has to be described as the ugliest hack seen on the Nags, and we have seen many, and was promptly bowled. Kunaal carried on chugging along, gorgeous shot after whippy six, before he too fell to one that snuck through the guard. 

Hasan and Josh spent then next 15 overs running, much to the delight of Josh. They ran and they ran and they ran and they ran until Josh got out with a classic waft to mid on. Hasan kicked on and partners came and went, all chipping in, while Hasan drove his way to a sparkling 72. An excellent return from the man who has spent his year in the Asian league. A team effort that saw just one 50, zero tons, and 263 runs on the board.

An eclectic tea that will go down in history as a great, once more with the whole team pitching in, please see the Pelicans Twitter for a short clip of the COPIOUS amounts of food served. https://twitter.com/PelisCricket

Walking out to bowl, the Pelicans were assured by Yusuf that they had one man. That was all. Realistically, knowing the Pelicans that was probably more than enough.

Now, if you were told that the opening bowlers were Van Der Peet and Bailey, then asked who bowled better, who had the opening batters questioning their ability, who had the batsman all ends up, not a man here would be surprised to know the Nico himself bowled an opening spell that all would be proud of. He did not “fill in” for the Yorkshiremen, he succeeded them. He made that top end his own, and got no reward for it. Josh discovered a new tactic, throw the ball down leg for 90% of your spell and you wont go for any runs, but after 11 overs, Bovingdon were 22-4. One of these wickets was an aforementioned moment of brilliance but I will wait until later to explain.

Following the sensational start, Hasan and Kunaal followed and Kunaal rather let the side down being smashed for a very expensive 19 off his 4 overs. Hasan once again found rhythm, a week before Kensington, and for a time Pelicans returned to normal, with one or two drops sneaking in to what was a dominant performance. During this spell, however, 3 wickets and moment of brilliance #2 occurred… Again I will come to this later… With the sun setting, our imperious skipper made the genius decision to bring on Wazball. 1-0-1-1. Solid. Nuff said. Adam then stepped up to the bottom end, at this point just one wicket needed, and two balls later it was all over, moment of brilliance #3 finishing the game with a comment of “what did you have for breakfast this morning”, coming from Tony’s lips.

Now. You have waited long enough. I feel it should be noted that the run outs today were direct hits, the first saw the ball running to fine leg, with the fielder running round, collecting and throwing down the stumps. But no one will remember this. The second run out, and the moment #3 of the game again saw the ball go to fine leg and not learning from earlier the batters ran again. The fielder ran round from slip, picked up and while spinning threw down the stumps and the non strikers end. Again, no one will remember this. AS ONCE AGAIN WAZBALL HAD HIS DAY. Moment of brilliance #2 saw a ball off the young Arif launched into the sky and Waz run forward, then back, then left, then back, then forward and right, then back. Unsurprisingly no one expected much as he raised both hands to the sky… and actually everyone expected even less as he then lowered one of them. How the ball stuck in JUST HIS RIGHT HAND, WHILE BACK PEDALLING, will forever be a question on every cricketers lips. But here we are.

200 run victory, the Khans delighted and a fine way to walk onto the final game of the season, where Kensington await. 

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

For the second successive week, it all came down to the final ball. This time VICTORY as Charlie, needing four for victory, whacked an 11-year old’s final ball into the next parish.

Outfields around the country have suffered from the drought, and Knotty Green’s hard, sandy desert was no different. On an afternoon that promised to be baking hot, stand-in Skipper Adam lost the toss and we were condemned to field.

With the Skipper still crocked, Pelis opened with the pacey pair of Charlie and Josh. But the Knotty openers stood resolute and it wasn’t until Raheel replaced Josh at the top end that number 2 was pinned LBW. The other opener, a biggish chap, got into his stride, including one massive six from Nic that landed on the roof of the adjacent care home. Clearly he had not been intimidated by Nic’s first ball follow-through pitch roll. With good support from number 3, the hundred was raised with just one wicket down. Another bowling change at the top end brought an end to the opener, bowled by Asad for 73. 117-2.

Asad continued to do what Asad does, 4 wickets, 3 bowled and one LBW. Charlie, returning for his second spell, removed number 3, caught behind. From there, resistance came mainly from the Knotty keeper, eventually bowled by Josh, following up with his trademark roar.

The final over saw two eleven-year-old colts at the wicket, bowled considerately by avuncular Adam. The first ball went to the shorter of the two, whose pull shot was so early that the ball caught the back of his bat as he came around in his follow-through. One run was taken as the ball squirted out through gully, to general hilarity and cheers from the pavilion. Off the final ball, the cocky whippersnappers took a single from a ball straight to Raheel in the covers; reluctantly he threw the ball in, and with no reluctance whatsoever, Tony removed the bails. “Life’s lesson, don’t take silly runs” was Tony’s verdict.

207 off 35 overs, fewer than had looked likely at one stage. Only only one regulation catch was offered – and taken – and Pelis had stuck to the task well in the dusty outfield. A couple of fielding notes. First, to call out the stand-in Skipper at mid-on, who clearly didn’t fancy a ball fired at him and managed only a flap as it raced past. Much more credit to Waz, who performed a number of stops with a style that might be described as a marionette controlled by a puppeteer in the throes of a seizure. Handsome is as handsome does though, every run counted in the final analysis.

Tea. No comment. No tea.

Six an over needed, with Asad and Raheel marching out to start the chase. 76 for the first wicket at roughly five an over. These days, batsmen’s strike rates tend to be expressed as runs per ball. Raheel’s 25 came in just 15 – overs, that is.

With Yusuf now at the wicket, and Asad accelerating, Knotty heads noticeably started to drop. Amit and Iceman, in at 4 and 5, watched on wondering if they would get a go. Until Asad, with another ton beckoning, was stumped for 84. 160-2, 50 needed off 10 overs, Pelis still in the driving seat.

Out strode Amit. His batting record, 70 off 5 innings, top score 53, tells us to expect a whirlwind 50 or not many. Today it was not many, his first ball hit like a rocket and caught miraculously. Very unfortunate. 160-3.

In strolled Iceman, greeted by Yusuf who said he wouldn’t be calling him for singles. “I’m not that decrepit” opined Iceman, “but go easy on the twos”. A stand of 24 in which Iceman played third fiddle to Yusuf and Extras. The 11 year old opening bowler came back for his second spell and removed Icey’s off stump. 184-4.

Scoreboard pressure did for Yusuf a few runs later, run out in a mix-up with Tony for an excellent 52. 190-5, 18 needed off 15 balls. Trouble was, Pelis had dealt almost exclusively in singles since Asad’s departure, Knotty Green fielding with enthusiasm and local knowledge and some help from the umpire. Tony’s certain four to square leg had been cut off by Nic’s ankle. Yusuf, too, had been denied in unusual style, firing a missile straight into the backside of the 11 year old bowler.

Who would make the big hits?

Josh, of course. Well, yes, one four and then played all around a full toss from the 11 year old. 201 for 6, two balls remaining, 7 needed. Fielding team notably chirpier.

Next, the 11 year old pushed a ball down the leg side. Unlikely to be deliberate given his hitherto erratic control, but Adam called the wide. Polite enquiries from the fielding team, but Adam remained adamant – “you can’t shove one down the leg side with just two balls remaining”. Another life’s lesson for the young tyro. Two balls, six needed. Charlie hits a couple, four needed. Final ball full toss from the 11 year old, met with full power by Charlie, striking one of the mature trees beyond the boundary, about 20 metres up.

Adam reports that suddenly all that could be heard was the ball tumbling to earth and otherwise silence…

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

After a few weeks silence where quite a few games have been played the Pelicans continue in fine form (at times).

The highlights have been, Victory against the scary West London team (well according to Asad), mind you he did take a five for and a kind of hattrick, even if they were under 4 feet and 10 years of age they still count.
We lost against Stowe in the last over but put Northwood firmly to the sword. Winchmore Hill was a loss even after a fantastic start from Asad and Raheel, followed by a fantastic collapse. And then Middleton Stoney.

As has been the case this season the weather was hot the field a verdant brown and the request was dont lose the toss.

Skip amazingly won the toss and elected to bat first, it feels wrong but when it’s 30 degrees in the shade it seemed the best thing to do.

The wicket had 25 written all over it so calm stroke play was the order of the day, unfortunately Asad’s view of calm stroke play was slightly different to Skip’s as after 18 runs he dollied one back to the bowler who decided to juggle it not once, not twice, but three times. Raheel the epitome of calmness did what Raheel does best, hit the rubbish and defend the good, unfortunately he got a good which went to the wicket keeper and sent him back for cover on 21. No worries the Pelicans batted deep and soon out at the wicket we had youth and youthier with Josh and Yusuf taking it to the bowlers.

Now I said we batted deep, and we did but we didn’t bat long as Yusuf was the next one to go, caught like his father by the wicket keeper, Skip was moving a little more uncomfortably.

Joining Josh Tickles strode out full of purpose and as is his wont full of quick singles, quick two’s and even a quick three, rarely seen at the Meadow. Unfortunately, Josh couldn’t keep up with the pace and decided to put his pad in front of the wicket. Now we have discussed this before, and we will cover it again Middleton Stoney never give LBWs so why Adam gave what was a clear out decision was beyond the clubhouse but there you go.

Tickles was now joined by a number of cameo performances, and Im not talking about a 1980 hip hop trio with external cod pieces (google it) oh no I am talking about a brief visit to the hallowed straw and then off.

First up Tony in and out quicker than a teenage boy. Second Charlie, lasted a bit longer but no Casanova, thirdly Rags, somewhere between the two though not physically and then with the middle order decimated in came JG aka Mr Lover Lover. Striking a harmonious partnership with Tickles bringing age and wisdom to the batting these two giants pulled the score along to a chaseable total. 4s quick singles you name it, it was on show, but all things come to an end and with his score on 89 Tickles was finally bowled, a magnificent performance that didn’t require a defibrillator.
Meanwhile with JG being joined by Toobes and when I say joined, I mean in the literal sense as Toobes sat back and watched JG continue his guided carnage until he too fell on the fantastic score of 44.

Adam joined Toobes and swished the first ball and left the second, the end 238.

Now tea was a feast as a number of Pelicans brought a veritable smorgasbord of treats and savouries, marvellous.

With tea taken finally the opportunity to present two proper bowlers appeared, step forward Charlie and Josh. Charlie opened his account in the first over bowled but had to wait some time for his first proper wicket, an absolute rank ball that the batsman slammed straight towards Asad’s welcoming hands. Josh too was made to work for his money and finally into his 5th over took his wicket, bowled again.

With the openers put out to grass Rags and Asad came in to apply some spin, unfortunately Raggy took himself off not happy that the metronome was slightly off, but Asad did what Asad does and start taking important wickets, first the opener, stumped by Tony, and secondly the number 5 bat, finally taken by Charlie.

With wickets falling but runs accumulating JG came into the attack for a bit of variety holding up the run flow but not getting the wickets, Raheel likewise did the same. With time running out Adam came into the attack and bowled what can be said to be the most dibbly dobbler that ever existed. This ball then caressed the bails and off they dropped, such was the speed that even Tony let out an almighty roar of laughter to see the bails fall. EPIC. If that was not enough Adam had already opened his account with a caught and bowled.

Try as they might and with the last two at the crease the number 6 bat held out for a game saving 83 and a draw.

Now LBWs, it is fair to say that one can be biased but there were three appeals which were very strong. I would say the strongest was the one that hit the batsman above his pad with his knee bent close to the ground and lodged there. The batsman remained in position covering his wickets perfectly but obviously safe in the knowledge that as we all know MS don’t give LBWs’

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

So close and yet………

With the committee suffering a surfeit of players a selection was made to produce a team of truly great warriors, or fairly aged Pelicans a few running youths and a debutant from Gods own County Yorkshire, who as we all know not only would have been first on Gold medals in both the summer and winter Olympics if it was a Country, but actually has the best of everything possibly going.

With the toss once again lost the Pelicans were asked to bowl.

The opening batsmen looked pretty useful and set off at a fairly decent pace until Toobes managed to get the number two to lob one up for Asad who produced an absolute worldie if indeed a worldie was a gentle lob to a five year old. This brought in number three batsman who decided slapping any old shot was the order of the day thus ruining what had been half decent figures for Toobes. meanwhile Josh toiled and produced some of his finest bowling display for a return of nothing which felt just wrong, having said that he was bowling when the opening bat decided to take a second run off Asad’s arm, cue a rocket coming in at 200mph and Yusuf removing the bails with him 30 yards out.
Both Josh and Toobes were put out to grass after 6 overs apiece with the Fiddlers on 68 and looking comfortable.

Coming into bowl after Josh and Toobes was the Mighty Amir and the Debutant Charlie who I don’t know if I told you is from Gods Own County and if indeed it was a country, it has more diamonds and precious metals than any other country in the world.

Amir bowling his customary on the button overs soon had the Fiddlers in all sorts of trouble and soon took his first caught and bowled for the Pelicans, this was soon followed by another ball which was dollied up to Toobes, in all honesty an even easier catch than Asad’s.

Meanwhile from the other end Charlie, who is from Gods own County Yorkshire, which indeed if it was a country would have more endangered big cats than any other country in the world, took the ball with the gusto one would expect and produced a bowling display of both accuracy and incredible meanness, again it didn’t take Charlie long to finally take his first pelican wicket as he bowled the number three bat.

After 7 overs apiece Amir 2 for 28 and Charlie 1 for 15 were removed to make way for the big guns, The Mightier Adam and Even Mightier Jaffa.

It has to be said that it wasn’t Jaffa’s day as the Fiddlers took a bit of a liking to his bowling indeed the Fiddlers took a bit of a liking to Adam’s bowling as well but he did manage to remove two of their batsmen, a bit of a Khan double act with Yusuf removing the number 7 bat and Raheel the number 8, a truly stunning catch taken as he was running backwards one hand up in the air and holding it, unbelievable catch.

Jaffa finished his spell, a lot of toil for no return, Adam similarly finished his spell but with two wickets to his name.

Finishing the game off we had Raheel and Josh.

Josh finally got his just rewards for his efforts and took three wickets, two bowled and one caught by Charlie who I don’t know if I told you is from Yorkshire, which if it was a country would have more palm trees than any other country in the world.

Raheel from the other end bowled his usual run savers and with Josh brought the Fiddlers innings to an end with them posting 217.

With tea served it was time for the Pelicans to respond.

Opening as usual was Asad and Raheel. Things looked good as our two superheroes took to the Fiddlers bowling with a certain relish, unfortunately having come off a record breaking score last week Asad could not repeat the feat and was bowled for 18, in all honesty a pretty good ball.

Raheel meanwhile was in imperious form and took to the bowlers with all the precision of a surgeon undertaking a Spinal Osteomyelitis on a dwarf, and in no time moved comfortably past his 50.
Following Asad out to the wicket was Josh who in a very un-Josh like way didn’t get his first 4 until after 13 deliveries, having said that once he had found the boundary there was no stopping him as he slapped smashed 4s and 6s, unfortunately this couldn’t last and he to was bowled but this time on 39.
Raheel as ever continued on and was joined by Ali, now I say joined but to be honest one quick visit to the toilet would have resulted in you missing Ali’s performance as a pumped up Ali went for a second run which would have been there if he was 30 years younger and had the legs of Usain Bolt.

With Ali departing Raheel was joined by Yusuf a great father and son combo. Unfortunately the sight of younger Khan didn’t quite push on older Khan as he was finally dismissed for a very respectable 79, as ever a great innings.

Yusuf was now joined by non other than Charlie who I don’t know if I told you is from Yorkshire which if it was a country has more planets orbiting it than any other country in the world
Now we know Charlie could bowl and field but could he bat, the answer was yes, as the youth of Yusuf and Charlie saw quick singles being taken and then 4s and 6s. With the Fiddlers score getting ever closer victory was a very real possibility.

As ever with confidence comes a fall as Yusuf succumbed for a very quick 15, again bowled by a decent ball, Charlie meanwhile was joined by Jalil. Now it must be said that as we all know Jalil is no fan of slow bowling, luckily for Jalil there wasn’t any available, instead the bowling went beyond slow as up they went, Jalil waited, it still went up, Jalil lit a cigar, it continued up, Jalil nipped to Chesham for a chicken piri piri , Jalil came back wandered out to the wicket ready for the first bounce. It was inevitable that the worst would happen and after 7 runs and Jalil visibly ageing he finally fell.

Charlie was now joined by Amir who in his lugubrious style batted a few back and then casually launched a 6 until he fell LBW with the score on 201, I would like to say Amir took the decision well, I would be lying he was not happy.

This brought Toobes out to join Charlie, unfortunately this partnership only lasted a couple of runs as Charlie was bowled for again a very respectable 25, but the score said 203.

Toobes was joined by Adam and singles were the order of the day as all the Fiddlers fielders peppered the boundary, with the score on 213 the Pelicans were closing in on victory, as ever this usually means disaster is about to happen as Adam was bowled and then Jaffa to was bowled leaving the Pelicans on 213.

A great match and some notable performances.

Yusuf as ever kept wicket very well even with Asad’s rockets, Raheel as ever calmness personified, Charlie a great debut and Adam whose notoriety was that the ball seemed to follow him and similarly evade his arms, legs or indeed any other part of his body thrown at it.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

‘How do you report on a match like this’

With the Gnomes congregating at the Meadow, Skip and Gnomes Skip surveyed the wicket, learnt nothing and tossed up, Skip lost Gnomes put the Pelicans into bat………oh dear.

Opening for The Pelicans there was the ever present Asad and Raheel, as composed as ever the scoring got off to a brisk start with the first seven scoring runs being 4’s. It has to be said though that the opening bowlers were quite useful and quite ‘appealy’, indeed the whole Gnomes team enjoyed a good appeal no matter whether the ball was hitting the wickets or the bat. The bowlers particularly liked the LBW appeal followed by a look of utter incredulity and dis-belief as the finger was not raised on what apparently was a very obvious ‘out’.

With the openers looking comfortable as everybody know the inevitable happens, Raheel succumbed to yet another LBW, this time even he would have given himself out. With just over 30 on the board Alex joined Asad at the wicket.

With a crisp 4 Alex announced his intent to the Gnomes, even with the incessant appealing “nobody puts Alex in the corner’, well almost nobody, another appeal for caught behind and the fickle finger of fate belonging to the Pelicans answer to Dickie Bird was raised. Alex stood his ground and stared intently at both the finger and NVDP waiting for him to accept it was a mistake, surprisingly the announcement never came and off trudged Alex complaining about the ball being in another county when it went past his bat.

Skip sat comfortably in his seat no need to panic, we still should beat last years score of 49 all out.

Yusuf settled himself and faced his first ball, received a stinker which kept very low and hit the middle wicket, Skip started to squirm uncomfortably in his seat as out went Josh.

Wondering which Josh would turn up, the 6, 6 out version or the more composed version Josh took his first runs……. a single. Skip settled back into his chair. There then followed a batting display from Asad and Josh which would have any skipper purring with joy as both batsmen sauntered past 50 and continued onwards.

Asad looking quite in the mood for it took particular umbrage at the incessant chitter chatter and answered in the only style he knows how 4’s and 6’s. Unfortunately, this run came to an end with Asad on 75 a great innings but the team set up nicely as Josh continued this time supported by The Rags, singles, and 4’s continued from both batsmen, until Rags advanced down the wicket to launch the bowler over his head for 6, missed and was stumped.

With Josh closing in on his 100 Toobes went out with an attempt to stay with him and score a few runs, both big asks. Amazingly it happened.

With Toobes leaning on his bat he watched on as Josh reached his 100, a fantastic batting performance, two runs later and with Josh on 102 the fun came to an end and Toobes was joined by our own wizard Nico.

With one over to go NVDP took guard and missed the first ball, this gave him the confidence to go for a ramp shot on the second ball which failed, with general looks of disbelief from all at the Meadow Toobes advised him just to concentrate on hitting the ball which he did, a sumptuous 4. This gave him the confidence to try the ramp shot which once again failed, this then gave him the confidence to once again go for the ramp shot which then failed for the third time. With three failed attempts Nico decided he possibly didn’t have the touch, speed ability, eyesight or indeed bat to succeed at the ramp shot and reverted to his tried and tested batting skills, hit and miss.

With the innings now at an end the Pelicans put up a very competitive 245.

Tea this week was provided this week by Alex and Josh and what a fine buffet of chicken wraps it was, the Pelicans honour of fine teas was not blemished.

Opening the bowling for the Pelicans was the usual Toobes, Bailey combo. Josh as ever hit his stride early but as usual Toobes aimed a number of balls down the leg side and watched as the ball disappeared for 4. Now it must be said the Pelicans are a bit less excitable on appealing but there were a few shouts for LBW which lets be honest were out, but there you go.

Eventually Toobes got his wicket reward a fine catch by Alex who had finally forgiven Nico for the obviously wrong umpiring decision. With his spell of 6 overs at an end the only other high point was another demonstration of Waztastic fielding, ball plops up to Waz at mid-wicket, ball hits Waz’s hands and then his head and then the floor ….genius. Having said that both Waz and yet another Bailey James were coving more ground than a herd of wildebeest on the Serengeti.

Josh too finally got his just rewards after a great bowling spell that saw 6 overs 1 for 15.

With both Josh and Toobes removed from the attack Raheel and Rags came in to slow down the pace but up the accuracy, well up the accuracy from Toobes end. As ever runs dried up and a couple of wickets fell as 11 overs yielded only 60 runs as the Gnomes started falling short of the run rate and having to chase the game, another fine display from the metronome and Raheel

With the game slipping well into the final 20 overs it was time to call in the big guns. A fired up Asad liked the idea of a bit of bowling and up he stepped, 3 overs bowled and 11 runs against but no wickets had made the run rate a rather tricky 10 an over, at the other end Josh came back into the attack and again bowled well, reducing the runs to a dribble but not getting the wickets he deserved.

Finally after 4 overs Asad made the break through and dismissed the number 7 bat for the Gnomes who was on 31 and certainly could hit the ball, Asad’s next over then took care of the highest Gnomes scorer, thier number 3 bat who was on 64. The Gnomes went into draw mode.

Asad’s next over removed yet another batsman leaving only two more.

With Nico now bowling from the Nags end providing high quality thingies the stage was set.

Last over two wickets Asad bowling field in close to try and steal a victory…..unlikely.

Fist Ball… Asad angles it into the batsman, dollies it up to Toobes at first slip….yesssss…….nooooooo Toobes drops it….burk.

Second Ball, angled back into the batsman, he goes back towards his wickets, standing in front of the stumps, hit his pads, massive appeal, umpire head in hands raises his finger.

One wicket needed 4 balls.

Third Ball, defended

Fourth Ball, again angled into batsman, hits his pad in front of the wicket, massive appeal again, umpire waiting for the ground to swallow him up as once again the finger is raised to much Pelican celebrating. Hats off the umpire for his integrity, we have all seen them refused.

What a game, what a victory.

Special shout out to Waz and James who fielded tirelessly all day and stopped more runs than I would care to remember.

Man of the match….
How do you separate Josh 102 and 1 for 39 off 9 overs or Asad 75 and 5 for 21 off 7 overs, I will leave you to decide.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

We were living in an alternative universe.

Unfortunately, Hotty Hotterson from Hotspur decided not to turn up at the Meadow instead leaving the ground in the capable but miserable hands of Wetty Weterson from Wetson Super Mare, Skip looked at the sky and surveyed the rain and the blanket grey sky nodded to the Hyde heath Skip and said, ‘let’s play cricket’.

The toss was incredibly won by Skip, simple decision bowl first.

The first 10 overs of this 30 over game were reminiscent of watching Bambi try to get up as footings were lost and run ups were reduced to a slow steady canter, Toobes from the railway end and Josh from the Pavilion end.

It is fair to say that batting was rather difficult but that didn’t stop the opening bat for HH carting one round the corner into Joshes welcoming hands, a very nice catch. Josh meanwhile decided to get into the wicket taking game as the number two bat edged it to the muddied spectacle of the Pelicans wicket keeper Mr Simon Tickler himself.
The opening bowling spell came to an end with 5 overs apiece a wicket apiece and a combined run total of 28, a tidy spell.

Following on from the dynamic duo and coming back to The Meadow was the man himself Jaffar, enjoying the British weather of steady rain Jaff unleashed his bombs on the unsuspecting Hyde Heath batsmen. As the ball skidied anad darted about it looked like he would leave the bowling arena without a wicket ….but no the HH bat smashed the ball into Tickles willing hands and the Pelicans came running in to congratulate Jaff, a lovely piece of work.

Unfortunately, the batsman stood his ground, Tickles enquired politely as to why he had not walked… apparently, the noise of leather on bat was indeed a distant curlew, high in the Bucks moorland calling its mate.

Jaff left the bowling arena with a very respectable 5 overs for 20 runs.

Supporting Jaff was our own Kiwi NVDP, his spell of 5 overs for 34 runs contained two moments from either end of the cricketing spectrum, cricket at its best and cricket at its …shall we say unconvincing.

With the batsmen having a go at NVDP as he bowled his combination of mole balls and meteors the HH bat finally got a hold of a ball and sent it back to Nico at hand height but rather quick. Now I will let you decide which end of the spectrum Nico was going to plant himself at as he took evasive action and ducked out of the way of the ball.

Meanwhile in a parallel universe where all the laws of cricket physics are turned upside down Waz fielding in gully saw a looping ball disappear over his head, looking like a deranged spider monkey Waz sent one hand up to the heaven’s whist running backwards and much to the surprise of everybody not least himself caught one handed the HH batsman, unbelievable.

With the second spell finished and the Heath on 82 it was time for Waz and JG to bring the game home, in this spell the HH batsman from Easter Island finally was out a great run out from Josh, whilst Josh once again took another fine catch to dismiss the HH bat who had taken quite a liking to the bowling fare.

With JG’s spell finally finished, Raheel came on to bowl out for Waz as Skip wanted to keep the score below 200. Finally and thankfully the game ended with the Heath on 167 off 30 overs, a fine batting performance in pretty bad conditions.

Tea was a great affair from Ali who served up a fine curry, a warm meal that was readily consumed.

With the conditions still abysmal Raheel and Josh went out to set a foundation, that foundation eventually held a ground floor and then a second floor and for good measures a roof, yes, they brought it home without the loss of any wickets. Raheel scoring a masterful 90, and seeing off a three-foot child in the proceedings and Josh a larruping 63 as he sent the ball for 6 in varying body positions.

With very wet kit but spirits high the Pelicans notched up another victory, roll on Prince of Wales Marsh…..we can’t lose.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

For the second time in two weeks the Pelicans welcomed the God of batting, Carnage.

With hopes held high the Pelicans were welcomed to LMCC to continue what would be a season of victories.

With the toss won by Skip the obvious decision was bowl first, much to the surprise of the team.

Opening up for the Pelicans were the two dependable bowlers of Toobes and Has, on this 40 over game a miserly batting display would no doubt ensue.

Now I won’t bore you with the details but Has’s first 5 overs produced a very respectable return of only 21 runs, unfortunately Toobes was on the receiving end of said God, Mr Carnage as he was launched out of their ground and into next week on numerous occasions, indeed the second over itself went for 20 runs which as I am sure a number of you mathematicians will have already noted was 1 less than Has’s 5 over spell. Let’s be honest Toobes had managed to find the perfect arc of the left-handed opener and for reasons known only to him continued to feed that arc. With 10 overs completed LMCC had amassed 74 runs and the Pelicans were staring down a score of circa 300 runs, well they would have been if every bowler was as incompetent as Toobes thankfully they were not.

Enter the Dragon…..Amir…. deciding to reduce the LMCC opening pair to something under 800 he set about bowling in a fashion Toobes could only admire combining accuracy with wickets, three infact as he took out the left-handed opener that had feasted on Toobes a great catch by Josh not surprisingly on the boundary and the number 4 bat clean bowled. Not happy to take the plaudits for two wicket Amir then clean bowled the number 6 batsman.
Whilst this display of bowling perfection was taking place a cricketing vision was ably playing a significant supporting role of magic….. step forward New Zealand’s finest, Nico Gandalf Van De Lillee, no grey wizard here a full on white one. The 8 over spell produced figures of 2 wickets for 34 runs, the first one being the number three bat who edged it to Sweep Tony behind the stumps who would go on to snaffle a further two victims, and a clean bowling of the number 5. It must be said that Nico is renowned for bowling well for circa 4 overs and then the wheels have a tendency to wobble off, apart from the beamer which cleared the batsman by about 8 feet in the 6th over everything else was on the money. Between them they pinned LMCC back into the column of chase-ability for the Pelicans.

As the game entered its final overs Raheel took to the crease and delivered a typically Raheel spell 5 overs 18 runs one wicket, the one wicket was of the number two bat who had amassed 75 runs, excellent bowling.

Supporting Raheel from the opposite end we had Amir finishing his spell to finally return figures of 8 overs 3 wickets for 32 a fantastic spell of bowling , and Hasan who finished his spell off by claiming his first wicket. Supporting Has the Pelicans brought in the secret weapon that is Waz. With flight and guile, it is fair to say he kept the LMCC batsmen guessing as to where the ball would pitch or indeed if it would. It was this tactic that saw the number 8 bat caught behind once again by Tony who was having a good day in the office. Following Has, Toobes came back into the fight and the teams joy and support was there to be heard as shouts of is there anybody else available.

The LMCC innings was finally wrapped up and a score of 197 posted.

Now before we leave the GMPCC fielding display there must be a few notable shout outs.

First is to Josh who having given Asad a small amount of Joshy ribbing for missing an easy over the shoulder skier that was about 20 yards from him, Josh too missed a to the side of his shoulder skier that dropped out of his hands.
Second, complementing Nico’s bowling was his own unusual fielding technique which basically revolves around using any other part of his body to stop the ball apart from his hands, indeed the knees are this modern-day Jonty Rhodes particular weapon of choice.

Thirdly, I won’t try and describe Waz’s attempt to catch the LMCC batsman out other than to say the look of terror and skill to dodge that ball were an example for all those people out there thinking of heading to Ukraine and keeping clear of Russian snipers.

With tea taken the Pelican opening pairing of Asad and Raheel were sent out to set a solid foundation.

Unbelievably after 10 overs these two giants were ahead of the run rate by 5 runs, it’s fair to say Skip was sitting a bit easier in his bench which as everybody knows is the time things don’t quite happen as planned, Raheel pinged LBW for 21. Stepping forward in the number three spot we had Joshy B not some Philly rapper but our own opening bowler. Now I would like to say that Josh plays a patient sort of batting, but I would be completely lying as the desire to take the leather off the ball becomes too great to control. Having said that all those spectators do witness a fun filled batting display which this time came to an end after 20 runs, bowled going for a shot that would have no doubt yielded 12 runs.

Whilst this was going on Asad was doing what Asad does best namely smash the living daylights out of any ball marginally off target. The inning was notable with some truly sumptuous sixes which were a joy to watch, unfortunately the inning came to an end too quickly as he was caught out on 47. A great knock by the Black Prince himself (not my name).

With Ali and Tony out at the wicket it was hoped that some semblance of normality would ensue, and indeed it did as Ali smashed a ball for 4 and then was out, mind you Tony on the other hand in his year away has added a second shot to his armoury namely the cut to go alongside the legendary sweep. Looking imperious at the crease Tony started to guide the good ship Pelican to a winning total, unfortunately Amir couldn’t keep with him for too long and after 27 runs were on the scoreboard Tony too decided to depart the field leaving Iceman ready to take up the task of potential victory alongside Hasan. These two settled in nicely as Hasan started doing what he does best which is guide the team home even after Icey departed quickly followed by Toobes and Nico, leaving Waz left.

After carefully selecting his shots keeping as much of the strike as possible it was only a matter of time when a brain fade moment would happen and with 4 balls still to be bowled Has went for a single, the smacking on his head with the bat tended to give it away that Has thought he had made a slight boo boo, and so it was as poor Waz was skittled.

20 runs short but a thoroughly enjoyable game against great opposition.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.

Put optimism and sunshine in the same box, give it a shake and you have Pelicano run of ONE victory.

Put optimism and sunshine in the same box, give it a shake and you have Pelicano run of ONE victory.

As the sun shone down on the Meadow Skip and his opposite number strode out surveyed the wicket and tossed for who would bowl first. The Pelicano Skip was victorious and surprisingly elected to bowl, this was not the only surprise to happen half an hour before the game, oh no, the bigger surprise was Raheel and Yusuf turning up also half an hour before the game…..was this an omen.

The Pelicans opened up with Toobes and Hasan, Has was gracing us with his presence until his real friends in the Asian league called him.

The bowling was tight and after 10 overs the Fleet Street Strollers had amassed 17 runs, but for no loss of wickets. With Toobes exhausted after 5 overs he was replaced by the ever-calm Amir. Hasan was also replaced by the mighty JG. The bowling continued the run rate slightly increased and Toobes had that dangerous feeling which is akin to dark clouds gathering namely ‘comfortable’.

As JG’s spell of 5 overs came to an end Amir continued to his full eight, both of these mighty Pelicans went for 28 runs and really the only excitement to report was the run out which to be fair had been waiting to happen for some time.

When the oppo are hanging around and scoring steadily that is the time Skip calls for the King Of Spin himself, with his fingers fidgeting and twirling like a gyroscope that Spin Warrior of Magic surveyed his arena and stared down the FSS opener who had now moved onto 35. Mohammad Kashmiri Fairweather took only a couple of balls to lob a twirler of unbelievable twirlyness which straightened in the air and then straightened further off the pitch, bamboozling the opener, and taking his middle bail clean off. Unfortunately after that ball the Gods looked down on MK Fairweather and concluded he was a sinner as unfortunately he was tickled for 47 runs off 4 overs, but with ONE wicket.

Meanwhile at the other end Asad brought some semblance of cricket normality as he took full advantage of the spring wicket and had the oppo guessing where the ball would end up, for the 16 year old girl it was nestling by the boundary, for the Oppo Skipper it was nestling next to the dislodged bails.

Assad continued his 8 over spell and delivered very respectable figures of 7 overs 3 for 36, it would have been 32 but Skip managed to display all the skill of an offcut of carpet as he let a ball run through his legs in a style only Francis Rossi would understand.

Meanwhile closing the game off at the other end and taking over from Mohammad Kashmiri Fairweather we had Raymond Khan whose magical spell of 3 overs for 11 runs yielded the first and second catch of the young season, both to Amit, an excellent finale to the 40 over innings that mysteriously had yielded 180 runs.

Now tea was an unusual affair, the food was of the highest order as you would expect from Adam, and indeed there was enough of it to feed all of Asia, unfortunately for Adam quite a bit of Asia was fasting need I say more, we all know what Adam was eating today, and tomorrow and next week.

With Raheel and Asad taking to the wicket Skip sat back comfortable in the knowledge that with the quality available 180 runs should be achievable especially with these two openers. As every Peli knows such a feeling can only mean one thing and so it came to pass as Asad attempting to stop the ball his wicket spun round fell over and knocked his own bails off. That was not in the Sippers script.

With Amit taking to the wicket Skip gave his usual advice, ‘you have ages take your time and hit the bad ball’. Naturally this advice was ignored and 8 ruins later Amit returned to the clubhouse having decided to hit a ball into next month.

Thankfully we had Yusuf following Amit who we all remember the last time he was at the Meadow had managed to smash Josh into all four corners of Buckinghamshire. Unfortunately in his haste to win the game in two overs he too succumbed to the twirly lobs from the oppo and trudged dejectedly back the clubhouse having posted 8 runs.

So, when the team is collapsing around you who do you call…..exactly Iron Grip Jeffries. Being the perfect foil to Raheel these two Pelicans started to post a score which went from dire to not bad to getting there. Niron nurdled a few singles here and there and Raheel smashed the ball into next year as he flew past his 50 in no time at all.
Niron even got into the act and started also bothering the boundary. Unfortunately, with Niron on 18 all good things come to an end as he was bowled but what a great effort and great partnership.

Raheel was now ably supported by Hasan who as ever never gives his wicket up without a fight. Raheel on the other hand had decided all out carnage was the order of the day and with 6 runs to win and 6 runs needed for his century there was only one shot he was going to make. Thats right 6………. Thank you very much. What a score 100 not out, absolutely fantastic and controlled carnage ably supported by Hasan who played a great supporting role and was 21 not out.

Excellent start to the season.

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.