As the Pelis descended upon Ibstone CC to usher in the reign of a new supremo, it was in fact a younger face that took the reins. Step forward Josh Bailey aka god-daddy.

While Pelis caught up after a long winter, Josh decided that bowling first in 25 degree heat was the way forward. Clearly, Toobes had infiltrated young Josh’s mind through some form of telekinesis or Josh genuinely thought this was a great idea. Either way, I guess you can kill the man, but can never kill the idea of bowling first.

One coin toss later and the dreams of 10 Pelis were shattered as Josh signalled to loosen up. As balls flew to the boundary from half pitched deliveries and beamers, it was clear that opening bowler Has had missed that particular memo. Waz on the other hand probed on a consistent line and length yet was unlucky to go wicket less in his opening spell.

With 55 on the board after 8 overs and the big hitter closing in on 50, experience and control was needed. Step forward JG for a metronomic spell (1-18 (7)) that broke the opening stand via a clever piece of work to bowl the opening bat behind his legs.

From the other end, Nic was summoned and just as quickly outcast after an opening over of 17 runs. Unhappy with the performances of his bowlers, Josh stepped up himself to stem the runs with a tidy spell of 0-17 (4).

With wickets needed, the Pelis’ latest debutant, Amit T, was thrust into the action. With his ripping leg spin, Amit T spun a weave around the Ibstone no.3 until he was completely tied up and bowled by a terrific turner. Not too long after, Amit T was celebrating another with a sharp catch behind the stumps from our stand in keeper, Alex. With a spell of 2-18 (6), it was left to the returning Waz and Nic to redeem themselves and close out the innings at 179-4 after 35. A great fightback.

Throughout the first innings, there were reservations surrounding the tea (rightly so after previous visits). This time – there was to be no doubt. As box after box after box of food was added to tables beneath the 3(!) marquees, the intrigue of the tiring Pelis grew in the later overs. I’ve been playing cricket for almost 20 years now and I can safely say that this is the best tea I’ve ever seen in my life. Massive thanks to Ibstone for providing such a great spread.

After 4-5 helpings each, Ali and Alex set about the target. Despite being anxious to open, Ali played some outstanding shots to get the Pelis on their way before getting a shooter to rob us of an Ali masterclass. At 3, Jimbo joined Alex and it’s fair to say the lads didn’t set the world alight as we crawled to drinks at 60-1 off 17 overs.

With words of polite encouragement, Josh reminded both batters that we were in fact chasing a score. Jimbo seemed to take this personally as he absolutely dispatched the new bowler into the field opposite and cracked a sweet four to boot. So overcome with setting a new personal high score as well as carrying the infamous Bailey curse, Jimbo was subsequently caught the next ball for a fine 23.

Amit S joined a well set Alex and was told by his skipper, 100 at 25 overs would be a good platform. Amit S obliged and pulled off a couple of swashbuckling shots before succumbing to the Ibstone bowling. Noran/Niron followed with the same ethos before one of the quickest triggers from stand in umpire senor Fairweather sent him packing.

With 81 required from 10 overs, Josh stepped in at number 6 and quickly launched a young child for 2 hefty maximums. At the same time, Alex brought up a well crafted 50 as future Peli Florence proudly watched on. The onslaught continued with 55 runs plundered in the next 5 overs to bring the target into sight. Capping off a fine chase in the sun, Josh slammed a 6 to get to 50* and secure the win. Not too shabby. (Alex 74*)

All in all, on a day of such few wickets, we were treated to a chasing masterclass to start up the season. Victor Pelicano.

The real winner? The tea. Hands down.

On to next week when we welcome Hyde Heath to the Meadow (should they go to the right ground that is). Until then

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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.