The Pelis continue their unbeaten run with a match abandoned

With dark skies and a heavy atmosphere the Pelis congregated at the Meadow ready to put Ley Hill to the sword, the weather forecast predicted rain late on in the day, plenty of time for a cricket match as the forecasters as we all know are always right.

Without Tony’s 2 Euro coin and with the words of the team still ringing in the Skip’s ear of “make sure you bowl first”, the Pelis were put into bat.

Taking guard against the ferocious onslaught of Ley Hill’s finest we had Clive and Kunaal. With a fine batting line up in the clubhouse to follow, a steady start followed by a full-on cut-loose onslaught was expected.

The fine steady start did indeed happen, unfortunately it continued, particularly at one end.

As the skies seemed to be defying the forecasters this intrepid duo put on a performance to match the weather conditions, which was bleak, cold and drizzly. I know this sounds somewhat ungracious but as trench foot and pad rot set in, the mood of the Pelicans watching the action out at the crease became ever more sombre as delirium slowly set in.

Eventually with about 140 on the board Kunaal who had been uncharacteristically quiet holed out for 94… Fined for not getting 100

Clive, meanwhile, ground out what the opposition scorer said was a 50 but on closer inspection in our book was indeed 48… Fined 48 not getting 50.

Tickles replaced Kunaal and Niron replaced Clive, we were then able to witness slaps for 4 and running between the wicket, indeed Niron on running another 3 complained to Tickles about his poorly knee, Ticks quietly referred Niron back to his heart surgery.

With the rain falling ever more steadily our two bedraggled Pelicans returned to the clubhouse on 44 and 13, I will let you work out who got what, but the total was 221.

Tea this week was provided by Adam and what a feast it was, as 14 hour slow cooked pulled pork was accompanied with figs and pistachio nuts drizzled in honey, very nice and warming.

With tea taken and what looked like the remnants of Hurricane Harvey at the Meadow, the Pelicans made their way to the wicket to finish the job. Opening for the Pelicans we had Rags and Toobes, after 10 overs of close shaves and even more wetness our two heroes were replaced by Pasi, no doubt desperate for the return to Sri Lanka and some sunshine, and Hassan.

It took about two balls for Pasi to remove the opener, who was replaced by the Ley Hill number three who it is fair to say had a face like thunder, this only got worse as the conditions deteriorated, someone was going to die out there, from exposure.

The option to carry on was offered to the batsmen and off we came, just before Irma joined Harvey and it started to rain even harder if that was indeed possible.

Sodden clothes were removed and the Pelicans retired to the Cross Keys to discus fines.

Niron this week had no complaints as he was fined twice, once for putting his hoodie on the wrong way, and then again for putting his jumper on the wrong way. Clive led the way this week with fines totalling £4: 48 not getting 50, Etiquette for spitting, Greg of the week, and general averageness for allowing the ball to hit him in the goolies.

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.