Tim is TOPS !

The Tappin Cup is a keenly fought, high octane, T20 game, played within Moreton CC. It has been used by many players over the years to launch their retirement, and is always one of the highlights of the cricketing calendar; well it was for Mr Tappin ! This year the 2 captains were both part of the incredible T.O.P- Tim & Ed, but how would they fare on opposing teams ? Each time is allowed 1 overseas player, and Eton educated Ed, opted for Aussie import Uncle Tone. Flown in to help Rowan with his all important plum tomato harvest, Tony is always up for a game of cricket, but unfortunately this one coincided with yet another failed attempt to emulate David Boon on the flight over here. Boonies record of 52 beers looks pretty safe, but UT felt obliged to give it a "tickle", and his PR office later put this forward as an excuse for his efforts. Big Ian once played for Sussex u16's, but fortunately nobody else knew that, and he joined Tim's XI "under the radar". The rest of the team selections were made in true playground fashion, with the weakest, and least capable being left to the end. On this occasion, it was a genuine mistake that Nige was left until last as we really hadn't seen him come out of the pavilion

Batting first, Tim's Team got off to a flyer, thanks to their skipper, who retired on 33. Nic scored quickly, and Rob also retired looking in good form, but the rest of the team were woeful, and from a strong start were disappointingly 99 for 7. BI was cunningly placed at no 10 to bat with the retirees, and his response was to run out the first one ! However he quickly redeemed himself with an unbeaten 51 to match Rob's equally impressive half century, and a massive 75 run partnership for the last wicket, boosted TT's score to a challenging 174. Special mention for Ed, who caught out his youngest, but despicable behaviour from Swagger, who caught his girlfriend, and celebrated wildly- surely that's not cricket ? UT did bowl some nice "rippers" from the Bear end to briefly enhance his reputation, but Ollie, who couldn't miss the stumps when fielding, decided to bowl some gay leg breaks for his over, most of which ended up near Wallingford.

In reply Ed led from the front, well supported by Swagger- with them both retired, and with a hefty middle order to follow, they were rightly confident of making a bit of a show. BI had other ideas, and sent Lachlan, Charlie and Bomber back to the pavilion cheaply. Never mind UT walks in, and with a Sheila bowling at him- well- fair dinkum fellah, you can't fail here can you ? Nicky has only been playing cricket for a few weeks, but she immediately sensed the fear in UT as he tapped nervously at the crease. All she had to do was bowl straight and full, and the chirpy Aussie was done for; and so it happened......another Australian cricket failure dumped on his backside.
The returning batsmen were dealt with efficiently and quickly to secure a massive 50 run victory for The Landlord's team.
Here you can see Ed being quite gracious afterwards in The Bear as he prepares to hand over the trophy to the better captain, whilst his wife laughs at his bald patch from behind.

Meanwhile Nicky gives Tony a small bottle of, appropriately, cheap & nasty fizz for his flight home to Brisbane.

Thanks to you all for turning out- a jolly good time was had by all.