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’

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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.