The Rodbert Brothers Cup Jan Feb 2005

Game 4: 20 Feb Final

And so the final: the lead up was fraught, with the Salix secret weapon fastie crocked after falling drunk down the stairs (see Injury 22) and the MWs big hitter Lars having to put his pre match fag out only half smoked. And so Captain Wuff won the toss and put Gingers Salixites into bat. A substantial number of extras later, some big hitting from the Bison (including a 6) and long planned Mankad from Wuff saw the Salix lads trot in for tea at 129. Special mention to the German for his magnificent pull off the one from Stephen heading straight for his bonce.

The MWs opened slowly and lost wickets steadily, but no one had bargained for the performance of the increasingly florid Lars who magnificently hit 71, and who single-handedly took the game to the last over. And close it was, but eventually a tip and run too far. And so Salix came out the winners.

The trophy was graciously presented by Dennis, father of the eponymous cup donators and by common consent, MOTM was the by now bright purple Lars and anti man of the match, Tim, for his gratuitous destruction of a set of plastic wickets after being run out.

A great day, £200 graciously donated to charity http://www.primaryclub.org by the Rodberts and plans for the same in 2006

MOTM Lars the Purple	Tim recreates his "moment"	The Bison collects the trophy from Dennis on behalf of Salix

Game 3: 13 Feb St Annes v Mighty Wanderers

Winning the toss, Lars (standing in for the late Capn Wuff) put the Wanderers into bat, and steady if not stately progress was made. Facing a decent total STAS got off to a bit of a slow start and it was thence uphill all the way. Neeeding some 30 off the last 3 overs they tried very hard but it was a ball and cliche too far as the MWs trotted home the winners and into the finals

Game 2: 30 January Salix v Mighty Wanderers

Some reverse altitude sickness affecting our planned Captain Ginger saw his shoes filled nicely by the German who won the toss and elected to bat. A steady performance saw the Salix lads moving along steadily, and then Mr Purple started hammering it around for an extra spurt and Steve-O turned up late, but just in time, to hit a career best 7 and Salix went for tea at 99 all out off 11.3 overs

Bowling-wise Salix got an early wicket and the MWs were under the cosh a bit. A brave fight back by the middle order could not put the tail in touch with winning and the last over saw them with nearly 20 left to get: a bat to far. I was amused to see the Salix teams bowling attack as scored by Wufferelli appeared to consist of Frank, Steve, Barney, Olaf and Luigi (with the Bison apparently not attracting a new name)
Celebrity sighting, a certain Mr M Gatting working the bowling machine

And so the final will be Salix CC vs the winner of the St Annes: MW Game

Game 1: 16 January Salix v St Annes

This inaugural game saw the lads line up on a fine winters day (Mr Purple courtesy of his Aunt driving him at top speed on account of his sleeping in after not getting to bed till 8 am. Ah sweet bird of youth) Losing the toss, Capn Warrick was put into bat, and a whack fest ensued esp. from Ginge, impressing his new lady friend from across the Pond and special mentions also to the Nurdler: game top scorer and Mr A, back from a long period out due to fatherhood.

Following a swift turn around, St Annes commenced in OK style, but the run rate was a big ask and it never really looked on the cards. Special mention (somewhat surprisingly perhaps), Mr Purple was in excellent form with the ball and bowled very meanly

* (the book doesn’t record how out)

And so it was off to the cricket club bar. Next game Salix v Mighty Wanderers.

Any draws sorted out on Run rate