Game 3 - Menston (Home)

The ICC went into this crucial game against league form side Menston without the services of Captain Gup, whom was attending the ‘Dandy’ comic convention in London. Joaquin Phoenix (Dan) with his experience of playing lead roles seemed the obvious choice as temporary skipper. This change of captaincy had no effect with the toss however, as the ICC completed the hat-trick of losses and not surprisingly the ICC were inserted to bat.

Bails and Dan strode to the middle in confident mood after a good partnership in the previous game at Illingworth. Nonetheless, a similar partnership did not materialise as Bails was trapped in front, much to his annoyance. In came the vivacious and effervescent Hustler in buoyant mood after his knock last week, the pair started well and began to accumulate runs. These two were putting the ICC into a good position, but unfortunately the ICC followed the same script as the last two weeks.

Three quick wickets fell and it put the brakes on the innings, firstly the Hustler was lbw sweeping, Dan drilled one to mid-wicket and Santy chipping it straight back to the bowler. The ICC welcomed back Mark Luffman to the first team, and although he had not played cricket for a long time he illustrated his natural eye for the ball by quickly racing to 19. However, Luffy tried to wallop the spinner out of the ground and was caught out. The ICC were struggling to get runs as the Menston’s spinners were bowling with control and guile and it took a fantastically composed innings from Wheels to set a total worth defending.

Having spent 15 overs consolidating and feeding off the small crumbs the Menston bowlers were leaving he was ready to explode. Cocky was stumped with a few overs remaining. At the death Wheels hit some sumptuous boundaries and got the scoreboard accelerating. The ICC again failed to get 200 and posted a score of 167 for 8.

The ICC required an early breakthrough - Santy Lad ran the overseas opener out in a controversial manner. The two openers were bowling well and Dicky was settling into his spell and Rhodesy was bowling with controlled aggression and rubbish facial hair. Dicky had the number three in knots and he soon got out. However the next two Menston batsmen formed a useful partnership and pushed the score up. Dicky claimed another wicket as Hustler caught well at point. Macca replaced Rhodesy but unfortunately failed to find any rhythm and was replaced by Cocky after two overs. At the other end Dicky trapped another lbw and when Cocky joined the party there was a glimmer of hope. However once again an opposition number 7 chipped in with a thirty guiding Menston home to victory. Dicky did get a consolation wicket at the death and he ended up with good figures, well bowled pal.

Another disappointing match report written by the ICC Blogger but hopefully Skipton will be different, the place of such euphoria following last season’s epic victory. Good lucky for Saturday lads and please win!