History is made at the Mount in a Dickon inspired victory

Result: SVOB won by 84 runs.

Team: Alan, Dickon, L.i.am, Damian, Mark, Boom Boom, Tribey, Tosser, Luke, Nicky, Nick.

College Lane, Mount Ambrose was the venue for our ‘home’ friendly against our old friends, who always give us a warm welcome at what is surely one of the loveliest grounds in Cornwall.

Great credit must go to the selectors for anticipating the need for reinforcements in the aftermath of Bobby’s stag do. The retiring bachelor himself was a late withdrawal after a nasty fall in the 9.30 at Falmouth. Delia, a reluctant starter, couldn’t get out the stalls, so we were two down before the off.

Fortunately the selectors were on hand to offer the likes of Boom Boom, Nick, Nicray and Tosser rare starts, the latter hoping, as we all were, he could replicate the Boycott day-one-of-five style innings he’d perfected in the match against Trengilly.

As if the late selection drama were not enough, Damian shocked the dressing room by handing our reliable tailender Alan the number one batting spot. Partnering Dickon, Alan scored an assured 20 and helped in an opening partnership of 67. Surely a record for a nailed on number eleven Seaview batsman.

At the other end, the Squire of The Manor was amassing a not out 115, which included fifteen fours and two sixes from 111 balls, thus entering him into the SVOB century club. After delving into the records it appears that this is the first time in its history that a member of the House of Lords has carried his bat for the ‘View.

With this firm foundation in place, the innings continued at a brisk pace with the support of Liam (12), Damo (10) and the graceful Mark (26 not out off just fourteen balls). There were three excellent partnerships, the first between Alan and Dickon – 67, as I’ve already mentioned, the second between Dickon and Liam – 57 and the third between Dickon and Mark – 65. (Sadly Tosser didn’t get his opportunity to shine at the crease). The innings finished at 203 for 3 from 35 overs.

The Mount’s reply struggled from the start. The SVOB bowling attack, spearheaded by Luke, proved too strong for an Ambrose batting lineup which mixed youth and experience. Luke’s six overs consisted of one maiden, a wicket maiden and offered up just 11 runs. That one wicket came off the last ball of the innings and marked Luke’s first wicket for the Old Boys this season – hopefully a glut will follow.

Liam’s 2-32, Nick’s 1-10, Boom Boom’s 1-15, Nicray’s 1-23 and Mark’s 1-7 accounted for the other wickets. Mention must also be made of the fact that, not content with opening the batting, Alan threw off his keeper’s gloves and bowled three overs (another first?).

At no stage did the SVOB look in trouble and, quite frankly, victory was never in doubt against a gallant, sporting and generous team who have asked to play us again later in the season, which says it all.

Mt Ambrose scored 119 for 7 in their 35 overs. M. Rodgers Snr (24) and Kamran (23) were their top scorers with young Elliot Cadman scoring an assured 19. The Seaview have now won five in a row in all competitions. Can we make it six against Methigion?

Next match report: The crucial home fixture versus Methigion in the Mining League South.

Tribey