Match reports - Hollybush

Cavs put cocky Hollybush to the sword

The Cavaliers marched on to another victory on Sunday against a Hollybush side who really aren't very good and yet still managed to be cocky and arrogant. Somewhat of a bogey-side (criticism indeed) over recent years, the Cavs easily despatched of the Redbourn outfit with 9 overs and 6 wickets to spare.

The Cavaliers turned up in dribs and drabs on the hottest day since records began and half the side looked like they'd been up all night. Half the side HAD been up all night and as we lost the toss for the 900th time in a row, the idea of fielding for 3 hours in 90degrees didn't appeal to any of the players as they trudged out. Then we saw the difference in the side this year. Led by Delias mouth throughout, the Cavs put on a bowling and fielding display out of the top drawer. The most famous sporting brothers since the Charltons opened the bowling between them and gave the Hollybush a masterclass in tight, controlled and aggressive bowling. After 10 overs the oppo had scored a measly 13 runs off Snr and TimmyF.

Wickets soon began to tumble, even though an obvious edge, a run out and good LBW shouts were somehow missed by the Hollybush' umpires. Good work from Chrissy T and Barry ran out the opener, Benny aka 'DLC' bowled beautiful spin picking up a deserved wicket and fantastic fielding from everyone kept the score down. Then Tant ripped the heart out of the 'Bush by putting in his best performance since wooing Raquel at the Living Room back in '89. Frase was on fire and finished with brilliant figures of 8-1-23-5. Only the second Michelle in Cavs history and that put a smile back on that boyish face (even after stumping up cash and jugs after the game). The fielding continued to excel (Barry not included) and was duly summed up by Lager Lloyd who took a fine diving catch and his 'exchaliber' appeal was fitting of such a moment. The golden arm of JimmyHat tied down the attempted slog at the end and the Hollybush ended on a pitiful 139/9 from their 40overs.

Quality batting was still required to knock the runs off and Wordy and BCR gave the platform we required. Saul knocked a quickfire 9 and looked in good nick before flashing an awful shot that could only be learnt at Georges and got himself bowled. Jurgen hung around and batted well for his 5 before succumbing to the finger of Chianti who gave him LBW. In stepped Barry Ellis with new cricket boots on and - together with everyone else's gear - looked the part. Baz and Benny steady the ship and started punishing the bowling, upping the run-rate. Ben played quality, classic shots and looked every bit the batsman we all know he is capable of being. Something has changed in this young man of late and he seems to have a spring in his step and a beat in his heart. He turned in a faultless 36 before going for a quick single only to find Barry had lead in his boots at the other end and got run out.

Bazmario continued to knock everything out of the meat and combined cross bat slogs with some cracking square cuts and drives. He was assisted by ChrisT who smacked a rapid 8 before becoming Barry's second run out victim. Ellis quickly moved to his finest knock ever and took his 50 with another powerful boundary. The cheeky barrow-boy was cheered home by his fellow Cavaliers and raised his bat in glee. Elbo finished on an unbeaten 51 - great knock, well done. Snr secured the sweet victory with a boundary even though it went straight to Figaro who dropped it and saved Zidane the embarrassment of a duck.

Another great win, then, for the Cavaliers who really are a side to be reckoned with this season. A professional attitude in the field and some brilliant bowling set up the win and has been key to our success this season. Frase's 5 wickets and Barry's half century were the highlights, but it was the overall team performance by all 11 men that really won the day. Lager Lloyd again summed it up to perfection.

"I'm sick of all this upper/lower/5th year shit. We're a team and a f**kin good one at that. Now lets go and get on it".

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