"Do I get my sweeties now Mr Waxley ?"

For the 2nd week running, thanks to a Friday BH, this was a Moreton Endweek game on the rec; this time against Wally Squash Club. The usual array of impressive athletes, augmented with great batsmen, such as Tim Wigley & Ben Ray. Our own dressing room looked pretty rich on talent too, but Jonny, as always, likes to give some of the lesser lights a chance, so he had also invited Kaz & Fletch for an outing to balance things up.


WSC started well, with some tight bowling from Jonny, unfortunately undone by some slack stuff from Kaz. Skip brought on Sammy with stupendous result; 3 overs, 3 for 10, comprising their top 3 batsmen, including Piglet for a duck, all caught. More left arm spin, this time from Thompy kept them on the slide, after their comfortable start. Then the "masterstroke"- on came Josh "thank you Mr Waxley " Slade, and he immediately, "pleased" his captain with a wicket with his very first ball for Moreton CC. After a couple of jelly babies and a lollipop, he took Ben Ray's wicket too (another duck), and finished with 2 for 8 on debut. Good fielding tonight, no significant drops, good keeping from Badger, Fletch mopped up the tail end charlie's, and a special mention for Joe & Dave, because..... they do need a mention. Our target of 81 from 15 eight ball overs looked straightforward.

The Duck Hat, a feature of Thursday cricket, was not required last week, which believe me is unusual. Not so shy this week, with Ed demanding it in the first over, clearly expecting to pass it on quite quickly. Having retained the yellow hat all evening, it's rumoured that he woke up with it still on this morning; we need to check footage of Sammy's latest movie " At home with Mrs Squires " to verify this. Tim, Badger & Thompy ensured no more alarms, and Swagger managed to get himself into the middle to steer his ship home.

Jonny was last seen heading off to cash & carry, to stock up on treats for his young apprentice, and finally, on a sad note, Badger was given a final warning regarding his green & gold outfit- hopefully he has learnt from his mistake.

Next week: Abingdon Hoover salesmen- home

P.S. No Fletch -I haven't forgotten that lbw decision !

Stealth Bomber

A balmy Thursday evening, blue skies, high temperatures, a slimline Bomber (no that's not a drink !)- it can't be April in North Moreton-pinch yourself, it's real. First fixture is Footballers CC XI or was it XIII. FCC traditionally borrow players from Moreton and from Blewbury, with the original "footballing" qualification long forgotten; nevertheless a thoroughly enjoyable fixture, with due credit to their captain with his shiny new bat, for not over-using their more skilled artisans.

Moreton welcomed back its "old faces", some with a new look- did you spot the difference above ?

The youngsters included Al, Joe and newboy Josh "Hello Mr Waxley" Slade. Bowling first, it was youth to the fore with Al & Joe both picking up 3 wickets, and Sam, unlucky not to get a stumping. "Experience" were happy offering skip advice on field placings, naturally ensuring there was nobody at home when the ball was edged to slip- sorry mate ! Badger's donkey drops were effective, but Volvo's weren't (despite the wicket) and FCC accelerated to a respectable 127.

T.O.P started brightly, and the spectator who can't be named was apparently upset that his "house" was under threat; on a point of law, and for the record, I think you'll find it's a bungalow. Stealth was in next, and despite suffering from a vast array of ailments, proceeded to smash the ball around the park in entertaining fashion; the hours of net practice on his own are really starting to pay off. Meanwhile Paddy was accumulating at the other end in the anchor role, unruffled even when hit on the head by a Wags bouncer. Wags was also playing at being a bit of an anchor, and was berated by his captain for being "the worst ringer I've ever had" duly demoted to scoreboard duty. Sam hit Josh for a 6, and immediately apologised, Jonny finished with a swagger, the duck hat was not required, and a comfortable win rounded off a great evening.

Next week it's Wallingford Squash Club