The weather was certainly not in favour of celebrating 50 years of Knockers cricket but, as shown by the turnout at the Vine ground on Sunday, everyone else was.
The original plan to
start play at 11.30 was a never going to happen when the rain poured all
night and all morning. In fact it looked like there wouldn't even be a
game at all. So the drinks flowed freely and lunch went ahead at the
planned time of 2pm. A marvellous spread provided by the Oak Tap was
enjoyed by all those who were supposed to be playing and also those who
were guests for the day. Following desert it was time for some formalities
and it was up to President and Chairman, Keith Miller, Team Secretary
Peter Smith and one of the Early players Norman Oldale to deliver some
very entertaining speeches to remind everyone exactly why they were in
the room. The raffle was drawn creating some very excited winners and a
toast to the club given. To end the formal proceedings a group photo was
taken.
To everyones surprise
the wind and dryness enabled a pitch inspection to be feasible. It was
decided upon to have a 25 over match. Keith Miller, past captain, won
the toss and elected to bat. There side made quick progress and amassed
149 from their overs, Martin Crowhurst making 49, Rob Luke 26, and
everyone else adding in their own way. After much hyping Ian Hitchcock
managed a first baller hitting it straight to Lynden Sp-Allen. Steven
Trounce failed to takes his 150th wicket but Ed Irwin showed some good
bowling.
Chasing 150 to win the
present team got off to a shaky start losing wickets quickly. It was
looking like a forgone conclusion of loss until Ed Irwin steadied events
and scored quickly and freely to make a well fought 30 before being
retired by Darry with only 2 overs left. Guy Howe stepped in and made 3
before being out and Steve Trounce gained a golden duck to bring Ed back
in. Unfortunately the task had become too big by now and the past team
proved triumphant even if the scorebook tends to suggest
otherwise.
As is customary of late a
few beers in the ground before descending on the Tap to consume a large
quantity of beer. A few even made it to the Curry house but who
remembers it though?
The day was tremendous
success inspite of the weather and we would like to thank everyone who
helped put the day together and to all those people that came along and
made the day such a memorable one. It just goes to show how strong the
club is. Roll on another 50 years! | 
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