As Eric Hoffer said “Men weary as much of not doing the things they want to do as of doing the things they do not want to do”. Me neither, but hell we got another victory on Sunday.

With overcast skies and the prospect of rain, Skip strode out to the wicket with the lucky 2 euro coin. Unfortunately the inclement weather had washed a bit of luck out of the 2 euro coin and the toss was lost, but then the washed-out luck must have seeped into the opposing Skip’s head because he elected to bat.

With a format agreed that would take account of the weather – ie 20/20 – Toobes and Rags commenced their 4 over spell.

There is a certain predictability in the bowling figures: Rags 4 overs 1 for 16, Toobes 4 overs 1 for 37 but on this occasion Toobes had all the luck of a leprechaun that had slipped in dog poo onto a stick covered in dog poo ending up under a dog that was about to poo. There were missed catches, misfields, misdemeanours and mistakes in equal amount as the upper order went about their task.

Rags and Toobes soon gave way to Hasan and Asad and as expected the run fest reduced somewhat. In fact Asad’s 4 overs for 1 run and 2 wickets was miserly in the extreme, whilst Hasan’s 4 overs for 27 runs and 2 wickets was equally impressive.

Once again the bowling was peppered with missed opportunities and misfields not least by Skip himself who dropped what must rate as one of the easiest catches of the season, there was no attempt to apportion blame it was just simply rubbish.

Bringing up the bowling rearguard, Skip turned to Ex Skip Livie, playing in his last game, and Adam. It was during this spell that the catching reached even higher comedic proportions that Buster Keaton would have been proud of.

First up we had a looping ball dollied up between mid wicket and mid on. Now with fielders in both those positions it was simply a case of wandering over to where the ball was going to drop, reaching up and like plucking an apple from a tree, taking the catch, what could go wrong? Well what could go wrong is two people with the same intention: it is fair to say that Hasan gave a slight indication of what he was up to by screaming “Hasan’s”, but Ali was having none of that and in true Toobes fashion ran into Hasan, both players ending up on the floor as did the ball.

Secondly we had Tony wearing his spring loaded gloves who felt it would be better to palm the ball up to Adam in first slip, unfortunately Adam hadn’t read the script and decided to ignore the ball.

Eventually Livie and Adam finished their two-over spells with 13 and 19 runs taken off them respectively.

With the 20 overs finally finished Bledlow returned to the clubhouse with 107 on the board.

It was now time for the famous Pelican run chase.

Stepping out to the wicket for the last time Livie joined Kunaal in the opening slot. Looking regal and resplendent Livie slotted his first shot for a magical 4; comfortable at the wicket and ready to bring it home for the Pelicans Livie settled in for a big score, then he was out.

Asad joined his usual partner in crime at the wicket and set about the Bledlow bowlers, with some lusty blows he sprinted to 11 before he too joined Livie in the clubhouse. Kunaal though decided against joining his partners and did what Kunaal does best, stay at the wicket and knock seven bells of sh1t out of the ball.

Jalil took over from Asad and raced to a mighty 6 before being caught, which brought Ronak out to the crease.

Having arrived on his scooter in full cricket regalia including pads Ronak finally scored his first Pelican run. It’s fair to say the second took a bit of time but he manfully held up his end whilst Kunaal smashed the ball all over the place finally being caught with the score drawn. Hasan walked out to the crease, hit one and everyone duly walked back.

Tea was taken, a joint effort between NVDP BBQ and Skip on cakes.

Drinks and fines were then taken at the Keys, Lord Chief Justice Peanut relishing the prospect of fines, so sure was he that his playing for the opposition would render him immune – it didn’t.

With fines fined and drinks drunk we bade goodbye to Livie, an excellent Skipper for 5 years who has done so much for the club and who will be sorely missed.

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.