In 30-degree weather, it’s no easy decision choosing what to do when winning the toss. The Buccaneers were split: having won by chasing the previous year the captain was inclined to follow the same method of approach whilst the rest of the team were more eager to shelter from the sun, and take to the field when that time came in the hope of cooller surroundings.
Nevertheless, we quickly lost the toss and were put into bat without complaint. Clark succumbed to a jaffa on an unyielding wicket to be removed early – which enabled the fantastic partnership of J. Milne and J. Marsh. Milne Sr was barraged by short balls from the opening bowler which after seeing a few, took them on with relish to all parts to reach his first 50 of the year (and increasing his desire to enroll into next year’s fixture). J Marsh was keen to correct his magnificent 95 the previous year and was clearly in great nick. He played shots that drew outside the patrons watching the Test match inside, who got to enjoy a magnificent knock in reaching his well-deserved ton. Both batters showed gentlemanly spirit and retired in quick fashion after achieving their relevant milestones. In brought O. Robertson and N. Robertson to the middle, with the latter missing a straight one from a young spinner to bring his season to a close, with L. Milne following shortly thereafter. With an average of 1.5 this season, one might have thought the decision to promote O. Robertson up the order was rash and reeked of nepotism. Nevertheless the man in question responded to his captain’s call with a fantastically constructed 50 off no more than 30 balls, finding a rich vein of form that had been absent for the better part of a decade. He was also joined by an important cameo from A. Valentine.
With more than 250 on the board off 35 overs, the Buccs declared and tea was taken to cool off and prepare for the opposition’s innings. The familiar force of Pexton and Robertson took the new rock and a wicket was taken in the first over off the bowling of Pexton. Spirits were high and victory seemed possible, so Okines was quickly brought on in an attempt to improve the over-rate ahead of the 20-over countdown (ECB please take note). Warwick responded with some fantastic bowling that had the opposition guessing the direction of spin and flight and claimed a well-deserved wicket. Important cameos with the ball also came from Brown (Buccs debut), Gibbons and L .Milne with the latter two each grabbing a well-deserved wicket. Brown could have also enjoyed the spoils if it wasn’t for a tough chance that was put down in the slips off his bowling.
On a day where the ground felt like concrete under-foot, one might excuse some fielding inconsistencies, but the Buccs put on a fantastic performance to maintain pressure and prevent the batsman from ticking over the scoreboard. The highlight must go to Buccs veteran N. Robertson who against all odds managed to get a solitary hand behind the ball diving backwards to claim a scalp for the dangerous Gibbons. Special mention should also go to the most unlikely wicketkeeper of all time, and arguably the tallest in Buccaneers history. Taking the gloves under duress and standing at 6ft 7in, Archie V, may look an unnatural keeper but was impeccable behind the stumps putting his body on the line many a time and demonstrating that dedication trumps ability (0 byes recorded)…
In the end, despite a fantastic performance from the team, the Buccaneers ran out of time with the opposition more than one hundred runs short but four wickets short. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic afternoon played in great spirits and we look forward to returning in 2026 looking for the win.