The loons were looking for another win. A new fixture. A new pitch. A new opportunity. The drive way into Seaford felt like an eternity as you passed the rolling hills of Duncton. A golf course and multiple sports facilities. Entering the car park, I could see two cricket pitches. As I passed by a student (in the latest BMW) it dawned on me that this could be a daunting task. 

Forever ready, the loons are always ready for a challenge. 

As mentioned before, the training facilities were 1st class. An opportunity to warm up in the 6 nets- side by side. The only thing that wasn’t available….was a pen – even though there were 5 teachers in our team- and we were playing the staff at a prestigious Private School. Not one pen in sight.

After setting up the pitch and bringing in the massive boundary markers, the skipper decided to bat. 

Tran and Jimbo decided to have a crack at the top of the order. The track was hard and the outfield lightening. The Seaford opener was swinging it on like a banana. Jimbo was dismissed early on to a massive in ducker. Tam hit a couple of boundaries before being bowled by a full toss. Steve Day (continuing his rich vain of form) had other ideas. He despatched many more over the boundary. A classy knock. Marty Ford was at the other end, ticking it over. Lavant we’re going at about 8 r.p.o . A solid start. After a retirement(Steve 30 NO and Marty bowled for 32 -trying to up the ante). Andy was dismissed by his staff colleagues (special mention and a big thanks for organizing such a special event) Will T rex blasted a another 32 NO, playing the way he only plays. Full throttle. The Sunday skipper entered the fray and was running singles hard with Steve B. The most I have ever seen him run! The last few over were difficult to get away as the bowling resembled the final overs of a top class ‘Big bash’ death bowling unit. A solid 165 at the end of the innings. Would that be enough? Only time would tell. 

The opposition were deliberating who should open. Selfishly, Tam thought he would open the bowling as well. His first over going for 10, then 6. Dave the bursar went for a similar score in the first 2. But picked up a wicket in his first over. The ball was sailing over cow. Long on and long off. ( The shortened boundaries, not a great idea by the skipper) Overs 5 and 6. Went for 10 and 13. Respectively. 57 of of the first 6 overs. Seaford were off to a flyer. It was time to pull the trigger and get the speedster on. 6 ft 6 inch Fordy. A message was firm. No offies! Martin was bowling close to the 70mph mark. It was a pleasure to see what a semi professional could do, even in his late forties. He was definitely squaring up the batsmen.

Unfortunately a few edges flew off the bat and the set batter was in the late 20s. Another change and Will T steamed in. the opening batter cut loose with immense power and took advantage of (the retire at the end of the over rule) unleashing boundaries everywhere. Later it was revealed he played top level cricket in Sussex and Hampshire. Things were not looking up. But as always the never say die attitude is the Lavant Loon mantra. Will had him caught on the boundary but out for 52. Justin bowled an over for 9 and the run rate required was not very many with lots of wickets left. Chris P tried his luck but the boundaries kept coming. It was very evident the Seaford crew wanted to watch the England match…..in a hurry. The final over from lavant came from Andy. A few singles and a couple of boundaries and the game was over. 

A reality check for a mighty team. The effort never faulted. Just beaten by a better team on the day. 

The day ended with a loss, but the teas were a win. Delicatessen cakes, boxes of beers, a variety of sandwiches and pastries, fit for a king. 

Big thanks for Robbo -chasing the ball like a cheetah and Andy for organizing a fixture on a classy pitch. 

Well done to the three batters , Steve, Will T rex and Martin.

Onwards and upwards.