It is often said in royal circles that you should have an heir and a spare. Now , I doubt very much that Lady Roberts of Gammyleg thought that she would be protecting a Cricketing legacy by producing Anna but this afternoon proved that sporting talent in that family doesn't have to come with a gashed eyebrow.
By batting first hopes were high that a good score could be posted and that optimism seemed to be well founded. Sure Brij departed early but Farhan was blasting and enjoying some good fortune, well maybe that is underselling it slightly as three dropped catches speaks of the sort of fortune that means you get Miss Worlds number and she throws in her sisters details too.
Unfortunately when he finally fell the Fleckney innings hit a rut. Mandeep fell to the wiles of Bob Lee, bowling with cap reversed and shades on and therefore presenting a South Leicestershire splice of Geoff Boycott and Chris Gayle. Anyway Bob or was it Geoff Gayle played on Psychos patience for too long and poles were disturbed. Others were similarly unlucky.
That Fleckney made it to 156 was due to some late order biffage from Hishan who matched Farhans 42. It probably wouldn't be enough but it was too nice a day to go home too early.
Farhan grabbed a couple of wickets early and when the Yak matched it hopes were beginning to rise. Then it was THE moment. Scooter gets a caught and bowled, then an LBW decision and in came noted home blaster Sam Gomez. Those have played against Bowden know how vital this wicket can be. Let us therefore replay the moment in slow motion Fleck O Vision.
Here we go then hattrick ball. Field is spread. Skipper DodgyBrow over the wicket. He bowls...
Oh its a half volley and Gomez nails it. But it's in the air, straight to the fielder, it's going to be a hattrick for Scooter, he skips in anticipation. Oh how has he dropped that? Beggar it...
Now Sam never needs a second invitation and he blasted his own brand of mayhem before retiring on 55 with victory firmly in sight.
You would be forgiven for thinking that was the end but now enter the prodigy of the House of Roberts. Anna bowled her first over with commendable aplomb but that was as nothing to the moment when she snagged her first ever Sunday wicket, the Vice Captain visibly gaining a dry cleaning bill under a steepler. The relief he felt as the ball rested in his gloves was as nothing to the commotion and joy shared with the debutant. A truly wonderful moment in full view of both brother and Lord and Lady Gammyleg.
So Fleckney lost by 3 wickets but so what? When you share a prime moment with teammates it lives long in the memory.
Thanks to Bowden as always and see you next year and who knows what position in the Cricketing family ranking the skipper will be by then.
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