Game 8 V Claverdon CC

A leisurely day today in the lead up to our 20/20 match V Claverdon near Stratford Upon Avon. Some went into Shakespeares home town for a look while other watched the cricket live on Skysports. The Blue Boar hotel and The Stag are quaint little village pubs where we are staying. At 3:30 the bus arrived back from town and it was game on 30 minutes away at Claverdon CC. Jo Parsley our bus driver is doing a fabulous job finding these places and he has surely deserved his day off tomorrow to go and see his family in Suffolk. We got to the ground early and and kicked and threw the footy (as we do have some rugby players on tour).

On a slow track Rick Jones lost the toss and was sent in by the Claverdon skipper. Moff and Fabio Noble opened up and got us off to a good start, while Andrew Thompson compiled a neat 55 retired.

Batting: Mark Moffat 25, Anton Noble 17, Andrew Thompson 55, Rick Jones 5, Ranjie Oliver 18, Matthew Edwards 12.

We bowled very well with Jordy Whiting (pacey and unlucky) and Matt Thompson bowling tightly and with wickets. Fish 'cant keep him out of the game' Whiting got a wicket with his first ball. Adrian 'Horry' Betts bowled well also, turning and drifting the ball and took 2 wickets also.

Bowling: Matt Thompson 2/1, Jordan Whiting 0/18, Adam Thewlis 0/8, Glenn Whelan 0/24, David Whelan 0/10, Michael Whiting 1/9

Wattlesprigs 3/155 Defeated Claverdon CC 6/102

Mug: Andrew Thompson

Thanks to Vince Hammond, Tommy Benjamin and the Parker family for organising the game.

In the real true test of pride however it was The Ashes in Barrel racing post match back at the Crown Inn that got the crowd 'Up and about'. Neck and neck at the final test (best out of 3) it was Australia that came out on top.

We were also treated to a fine meal by Claverdon chairperson Irene. Irene was presented with a Wattlesprigs Cap and also a donation of 150 pounds ($320) made by our touring group.

Barrel race results: Australia 2, Poms 1.

Matt Edwards and Ranjie Oliver at Claverdon.

Fabio Noble lines up for his first game with the Spriggers

Adam Thewlis wears the Jester hat at Claverdon

Playing at Claverdon

Dr Thompson addresses his players before the barrel race final