This was the first U15 vs.. parents encounter and the weather was glorious to set us up for a great evening. Planning had not included the fact that the match turned in to a day/night fixture. Due to floodlight failure (i.e. we didn't have any) the match had to be stopped 4 overs early but, as you will see, the result was not in doubt at that stage.
 
Firstly can I thank Andrew and Lisa Smith for helping me to finalise the players over the past 2 days. Additional thanks to Andrew too as it was his idea to play this and he also organised Ben, the DJ, to help make the evening "rock". Thanks also to Jane Butler and her several helpers for the BBQ and Margaret for the cakes. Finally thanks to George and Alan for umpiring.
 
And so to the cricket.....
 
We were a bit concerned about some spot fixing rumours. This was fuelled further as I am sure I heard a cry of "No ball" at the toss. Or did I just dream it?
 
Johnny Butler won the toss and elected to bat first. The fielding side looked keen, a few creaking joints -certainly from myself, and maybe some rust needed to be removed quickly as some of us had not played in over 20 years.
 
Johnny strode to the wicket to "Beautiful Day" and Jake had the Worzels' classic "I am a cider drinker" - the atmosphere was all set and the music continued as wickets fell, 4s were struck and new batsmen walked in.
 
The younger team started well and the momentum was rarely lost. Jake made a quickfire 15 before Joe Ashworth took a great catch looking straight in to the sun.
 
Runs from Johnny (33), Dev (36 retired) and Zac (24 not out) helped the U15s reach a creditable 135 for 5 off their 20 overs. Wickets for Richard Stevenson (2) and one each for Garth, Pete Yates and Derek Sprawson but there were plenty of wides (20) and Byes (7 - sorry team) which meant this total would take some chasing.
 
And "chase" turned out to be a generous word to use as the older team crawled their way to just 34 for 6 from the 16 overs that the light allowed us to play. Dan Sprawson top scored with 14. 2 wickets for Dev, 1 each from Jake, Zac and Greg plus one run out summed up some great bowling and fielding from the team. No extras were recorded either! Well played all of you - it bodes well for next season.
 
There were some delightful combinations throughout the match.
Jerry Butler opening the bowling against Johnny - so close to getting his wicket (or at least that's what I was chirping from behind the stumps doing my best to imitate Matty Bowles. Lots for me to learn still)
We also nearly had a catch which would have read Sprawson (Ruth) caught Sprawson (Dan) bowled Sprawson (Derek) in the scorebook. It dropped just short of Dan.
Zac bowled his hardest at brother Joe but the little fella was resolute in defence. Joe finished 5 not out and to my personal delight I was able to bat the last few overs alongside him.
Dev decided his Dad would enjoy some of his pace bowling and the smack of leather on thigh from one delivery could be heard throughout Southwell. Garth would not show any sign of pain but the bruise must be a corker now.
Richard Stevenson took 2 wickets in 2 balls and who came to the crease to defend the hatrick ball?  Son James of course! What happened? Leg side wide - shocking :-)
and Andrew Smith had son James bowling to him, this time without success - always next year though!
 It was great for everyone to enjoy the BBQ, cakes and a few drinks afterwards, where the consensus was that the evening was a great success with promises of making it an annual event. Watch this space. Thanks again to everyone for playing, watching, helping and having fun. Hope you all enjoyed it Teams: U15s - Johnny Butler, Jake Saleh, Dev McCarthy, Zac Ashworth, Greg Behl, Ruth Sprawson, James Smith, James Stevenson, Archie Rayner, Ben Smith and Joe ShaylerNot U15s - Dan Sprawson, Derek Sprawson, Andrew Smith, Garth McCarthy, Joe Ashworth, Ted Behl, Pete Yates, Andy Ashworth, Marcus Short, Richard Stevenson, Jerry Butler
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