Walsall Health CC (108 -2) beat Old Moseley Fitment (107 ao) by 8 wickets

In a week that saw the fallout from the Lords Test Match between England and Australia and a revitalised England putting the Aussies to the sword at Headingley, everyone has had their say on the spirit of Cricket. Fortunately, this is still strong when the Elf takes the field. After a blistering start from Old Moseley Fitmen, the Health eventually took control in the same way that Stokes did at Lords with his magnificent 155.

1. D. Dunn (50*) – Another game, another Dan Dunn 50. He was able to settle in to his stride early on and got the runs flowing. With a smallish target to reach, it was interesting to see whether anyone would reach their 50, but when you have this guy, anything is possible. Added to his batting, Dan managed to snaffle three catches to help seal the win. Is there anything this man can’t do? 
   
   
2. M. Perager (0) – After having a few weeks off, Mac was hoping to get back into the groove of scoring runs. Hoping to make a big contribution with the bat, Mac was trapped lbw after just his second ball of the innings. Unfortunately today was not to be his day with the bat, but he made up for that with his efforts behind the stumps where he finds himself very much at home. Better luck next time.
   
   
3. A. Nunns (33) – Alex was looking to put the disappointment of the week before behind him and show everyone what he is capable of. This was a perfect opportunity to get some runs on the board, despite entering the crease earlier than he probably expected and wished for. Nevertheless, when Alex came in to bat, just like that, his focus was immaculate. He started off very cautiously, but as soon as he got into his stride, runs flowed easily. He looked so comfortable that when he lost his wicket after he was caught and bowled, it shocked everyone as he looked in no danger.   
   
   
4. D. Hill (7*) – After his 15-ball duck against Romsley the week before, Dave was eager to show what he could do with the bat. This time it came off! First ball was hit and Dave got off the mark immediately. That made all the difference as he relaxed and started playing his shots. His efforts in the field were very impressive, stopping nearly everything that came his way. To cap of the day, Dave managed to do something that his mate Trigger hasn’t done as of yet. That is to hit the winning runs in a game. Well done Dave.
   
   
5. R. Hewlitt  (dnb) – A quiet day for Rob. Without needing to go out to bat and not much coming to him in the field, it was a case of working on that tan. Being in the number 5 position, you’re likely to get a bat or bowl. This was one day where neither happened. However, he did not let that affect him. He just got on with the game and played it in such a way that he was just glad to be out there. Top stuff Rob and better luck next time.
   
   
6. P. Bickerton (dnb) – Another player who was not needed in the batting or bowling department, but let his fielding do the talking. Fielding all around the pitch, Paul stopped everything that came to him and threw himself about at every opportunity. No matter how hard the batsman tried, Paul was there. If they thought a run was possible, Paul made sure that run was not risked.
   
   
7. R. Fell (dnb,  5-2-13-3) – A fantastic display with ball in hand. The ex-skipper has played more times this year than he has mustered in the previous 2 years altogether. It is also obvious that he is thoroughly enjoying playing, through his commitment both on and off the field. This day, he got his just rewards with a dominant bowling display. When he wasn’t batting, he was umpiring. When he wasn’t bowling, he was constantly encouraging the bowler. Rich epitomises what we at Walsall Health are all about – supporting those around us and even if things aren’t going right, plays with a smile on his face.  Top man Rich – and well played.      
   
   
8. D. Stephens (dnb,   8-1-36-1) – If I have said it before, I’ll say it again. Dave Stephens very rarely gets what deserves when he bowls. This was no exception. Opening the bowling on a regular basis, he can do it all, a part from taking 3 or 4 wickets a game. Because that is what his bowling deserves. Consistently good line and length, he very rarely picks up more than 2 or 3 wickets. Maybe if he bowled later on in the innings he would have more luck. While he only took the one wicket when he bowled the opener for 24, he could and some say should have had a second wicket when a chance went down earlier. Well bowled Dave. Better luck next time.        
   
   
9. B. Lester (dnb,  8-0-35-2) – After an injury that kept him out of the first part of the season, Ben made up for lost time. The early signs weren’t too promising as he got hit right back over his head for a massive six in his first over, but once he got his rhythm, there was no stopping him. His two wickets came in consecutive balls; firstly from a catch by JP, who positioned himself at a deep square-leg position where he held on to a ball, that was skied and could have easily gone over the boundary and second by skipper Nunns who put himself at slip, a somewhat more routine catch. To add to his bowling exploits, Ben also took a stunning catch diving to his left to grasp the ball. Another contender for catch of the season. Well played Ben. Top performance.
   
   
10. J. Preece (dnb) – This was one occasion, where JP was not needed to bat or bowl. He had to contribute some way. That was to come in the way of his one-handed catch off Ben’s bowling. Usually so calm after he takes catches, this time he let out an uncontrollable yell of adulation. His efforts in the field were set to the highest of standards, stopping virtually everything that came his way. While he will be disappointed he didn’t get an opportunity to bowl, he won’t be disappointed with his overall performance.
    
    
11. J. Butler (dnb,  4.2-0-13-4) Josh seems to be having a fantastic season with the ball and this was another example of his ability to take wickets at will. This season, he has become one of the main bowlers that Alex will go to if he needs a wicket quickly and more often than not, he has delivered. If a ball goes for 4 or 6, he will shrug that off, get back to his mark and go again. If Josh keeps going at this rate, there will be plenty of accolades coming his way when the season is done.

All in all, a great win for the Elf after comprehensive spells from both Dan and Josh with great support from Alex with the bat and Ben with the ball. A game played in the right spirit and well done both sets of players for making it an enjoyable occasion.