As Yvonne & I were to be away on a well deserved break from Monday 14th through to Friday 18th with a visit to the lovely city of York, a full Sunday XI was published on the morning of our departure. Knew that it wouldn't be that easy, but little did I know what was to follow!
As firstly, mid week James messaged me saying that due to his work commitments he would not be able to play. A replacement was found almost immediately.
Upon returning home Friday afternoon everything seemed to be 'hunky dory'!
But more fractious actions regarding drop outs/replacements were to follow, as on Saturday evening firstly David dropped out through illness, a replacement Saeed was found by Matt Daniels very quickly, but he to then dropped out Sunday morning as he had to cover for someone else at his cab company on the airport runs. Earlier in the day [7.15] Freddie reluctantly dropped out falling foul to the same tummy bug that had struck down David, and then the final absentee was Kieran, who as I know understand it had been ill for most of the week with a similar scenario. His call was received @ 10.15 just about an hour before the scheduled meet time. The author didn't know whether he was coming or going, but with the assistance of both Matt Daniels & Steve Marshall, we were able to field XI players, and I would like to thank them both for their patience & assistance in helping me out. Thank you both.

Meet time @ LSSC 11.30 arrived, and 8 of us set off shortly after, whilst Rishabh, Haroon & Adeel were to go straight to the opponents ground. The journey took about 40 minutes, and those who left from LSSC although going different routes all arrived roughly at the same time. Haroon & Rishabh arrive shortly after, & Adeel who had messaged me to say he was running a little late arrived @ 12.45. So, we were all there.
Apparently our opposition had encountered similar selection problems, & at the start of the game only had 10, with the promise of one other player arriving around 2pm. This didn't happen, but another body was found.

The weather for mid Sept., was glorious with warm sunshine & a gentle breeze. The toss was won by the author and without hesitation, as he'd been threatened prior to the toss, decided to bat first in a reduced 35 over game. The match @ Cudham Recreation Ground [a nice spot & the ground itself was in perfect condition, although the outfield was a little long!] started @ 1pm with our openers Matt Daniels [80] & debutant Gerry Kitching [15] who both scored freely going along at 7/8 runs per over. However, with the introduction of Moazzam Sultan 8 - 1 - 14 - 3 & Abdul Mohammad 7 - 0 - 39 - 4 wickets begun to tumble. Matt who could have gone big again in scoring more runs done the honorable thing in getting out so that others may have a bat, as did Haroon [54], unlike our hosts!
With other batting contributions from Rishabh [33], Chappers [12], Adeel [11] & Steve Marshall [10 no] we put together a reasonable total of 223 for 9 from our allotted 35 overs.
Our hosts other wicket taker was Jass 5 - 0 - 20 - 2.
During our innings the home captain who was keeping wicket dislocated his thumb, and although 'paramedic' Matt tried to put it back, he had to go to hospital. Out of common courtesy, and as it was a friendly we loaned them 2 fielders as their 11th man had still not arrived, going down to 1 when he did. We all wish their Capt., a speedy recovery.
Tea was taken, a couple of beers, cup of rosy lea, and biscuits.

The home teams innings commenced with Adeel & Rishabh bowling in tandem, both took early wickets and we seemed to be in control of the game. However, with Moazzam [123 no] & Abdul [73] who were both dropped, played and missed on numerous occasions, and clearly instructed from the side lines to see them home safely steadily rebuilt the home sides innings. However, with 2 run outs the final result remained in the balance. We used 6 bowlers in all including myself, and unfortunately, I bowled one over too many, & I feel that this over cost us the game. For which I personally apologize to all who played their hearts out, & gave everything on the day. But with Moazzam now batting brutally in hitting the ball to all parts our opponents surpassed our total with 4 balls to spare showing that my final over which went for 20 runs was a pivotal moment for them.

At the games end we all shook hands and wished our hosts well for their final game next Sunday.
Their stand in Capt., said that it was a treat to play in a game played with the right spirit, and one has to agree in the main, but it was pointed out to him, and his other players, that 2 of our batsman who could have gone onto score big gave their wickets away, unlike their 2 major run getters, who indeed had been clearly told to stay out there from the side lines and to win the game for them!

We departed for home all feeling dejected and very tired.
I would like to personally thank all 60 players who have turned out to play for the Lordswood Sunday XI this season, & hopefully, many of you will return next year.

Finally, don't forget the end of season celebration to the Isle of 'Fannit' this coming Saturday where we may be celebrating three promotions and a successful if at sometimes frustrating through availability Sunday XI season.