Scooters Bank Raid

Sunday entertainment? Scooters XI took it to the bank, Leicester Banks Cricket Club to be precise. Well if by entertainment you mean a reasonable bowling performance followed by a hard fought climb from the batting collapse abyss.

The first stirring took place when Terry turned up and was immediately spotted by former pupils who were obviously delighted to see him and relive old times. Over the course of the afternoon his age was guessed multiple times and (I kid you not) relief stated that he hadn't moved to the great staff room in the sky.

Banks batted first and got off to a flyer and were 100 for 1 after 13 overs. The one wicket a quality inswinging yorker from Henry Rosier. Banks ground is lovely but small, especially straight , and one six that left the ground possibly threatened the angels that thankfully Terry has no personal relationship with yet...

Fleckney fought back and a score possibly North of 300 became 223 thanks to some sporting retirements, quality bowling and the sort of never say die spirit from our insanely keen Junior players. Sure 6 catches went down but some were tricky, a one handed near miss from Henry bordered on catch of the season territory. However 2 run outs evened up the ledger somewhat.

Mandeep opened up with Mohammed who had earlier got a wicket with his first ever Fleckney delivery. Mandeep as ever didn't hang about and bashed his first ball for 4 which he swiftly added to by smashing a maximum before his first over had completed. Was this to be his day? Sadly not.

21 without loss swiftly became 33 for 5. Home spinner Declan Wright was turning the ball savagely and tempted indiscretions from both openers and Riyaz. The hosts had suggested they would start preparing the post match hospitality when the 3rd wicket went down and there was a possibility that the remaining 7 would fall before someone had the chance to turn the slow cooker up.

International rescue used to involve fantastic vehicles and puppets on barely disguised wires. These day we just call for the Yak ...oh and Ollie turned up too...... (ahem).

A steadying partnership of over 70 added respectability but also took time out of the game ( slow cookers now fully employed) and both batted beautifully. What could have been all out and in the bar before drinks became a full 40 over rearguard falling 50 short. Yak needed 4 from the very last ball to reach his ton. Sadly he only got 1 but 97 not out was a very fine innings indeed.

Post match? Yak bought a jug anyway and the hosts provided a fantastic curry to round things off on a spectacularly sunny and friendly afternoon. Sort of makes you glad to be alive eh Terry?