Report by Joss Dare:
We rang the changes this year by bringing in a new side in the form of the Cairo Lions, captained and managed by our very own IPA Riot. James certainly did his share of "ringing" himself given that he apparently brought half the Gloucestershire CCC academy with him . . .
The match began with the Lions concocting a total of 246/9 in 44 overs of humiliating misery for a succession of hapless Brouhahaster bowlers, this score sheet being glossed by no less than four batsmen retiring out at 50 - including Mr Riot himself. In amongst the carnage White Lightening (8.4 overs, 1 maiden, 1/44), Morty (13 overs, 1 maiden, 1/56) and Jamie Dare (7 overs, 0 maidens, 0/29) all bowled well in difficult circumstances.
Set such a stiff total, the Brouhaha Boys immediately floundered badly, falling to a perilous 10/2, including the blow of the early loss of Houlder J. Whatever slim prospects of victory that had previously been entertained, now evaporated like morning mist on a summer's day. However, cometh the captaincy cock up, cometh the man - or in this case men - for it transpired that the early losses merely were scene setters to a fine partnership of 118 between Hall T. and, especially, Houdini H. (65*). Both played the most cultured, controlled, disciplined and determined innings seen by this observer in these many years. It was a particular pleasure to see the errant youth of yesteryear blossom into such adult solidity. And so it was that the flat track bullies of the Cairo innings tasted their own medicine (which is sinful if not illegal - even if it does display impressive flexibility of the spine) and learnt that, in real cricket, there is such a thing as a draw - and, on occasions, it can truly taste of victory.