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North Nibley Home    Sunday 27th May 2001

North Nibley 179-9 in 40 overs. N.Turk 73. B.Gazard 3-23. D.Garrett 2-27. I.Knapp 2-29.

Oldbury 130 all out. N.Hopkins 35. A. Sadler 29. J.Russell 24.

North Nibley won by 49 runs.

One week the sun shines on Derek, the next week the heavens open on the poor fellow....

A very warm but damp welcome to North Nibley, newcomers to our fixture list and hopefully there to stay despite the result. The match started in humid conditions ideal for Bob Gazard's swing, and tight early bowling frmo Bob and Derek had North Nibley struggling for runs. The day will be remembered for an amazing catch in the slips by Pete Ford off Derek's bowling. The ball flew at such speed that Pete could not get his hand out of the way fast enough, and thanks to some nicotine it stuck! One of the best catches seen at Oldbury for years. Further sharp fielding from some also made it difficult for the visitors, but Derek's flapping hands no Glynn's boundary and Nigel's 'limp wrist' throwing gave Nibley encouragement. The drizzle developed as the match progressed and Nibley took advantage, edging towards a challenging total in the conditions with an excellent knock from that sabre-rattling Turk.

Oldbury replied in steady fashion. an opening 52 partnership between Nigel Hopkins (35) and Matt Pearce was followed by solid knocks from Alastair Sadler (29) and Jim Russell (24).  But none of the top four could convert their starts into a match winning innings. The middle order struggled with sounds of quacking to Derek's golden duck, and as some of the Nibley team were considering entering an alternative wet T-shirt competition, Oldbury decided  that The Ship was probably much drier. Excellent umpiring from Bob Gazard who couldn't see through his glasses was not enough to help the home team who finally squelched off the pitch at 130 all out.

A disappointing result no doubt caused by the weather, but the game was played in a great spirit by both sides and we look forward to further banter for North Nibley next year. Praise also to Mike Knapp for a square and strip that held up amazingly in the conditions.

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