20/11/2022
Round two of Thames Valley village cricket had the Barracudas traveling down to the picturesque Kennedy Park in the retirement village of Pauanui to take on a POWERFUL Tairua Mantarays lineup.
Here's an interesting fact. Despite what you might have heard, Kennedy Park is NOT named after the bloke who would allegedly swap a feed of crayfish for a vasectomy under the pine trees. That's another story.
This match had more excitement and drama than the weekly swingers parties on the canals.
Batting first, the Cudas found the going tough with Tairua bowling tight lines and value for shots marginal on a spongy outfield. Following a horrific performance with the bat the previous week, Lurch Lennox calmed the f**k down and scratched out 22 runs. He was supported by Toby "The Tank" Hunt who made a well compiled 21. Tairua dropped about 37 catches assisting the Cudas through to 143/8 off their 30 overs.
The Cudas knew they'd need to bowl well against a gun Tairua batting lineup to defend a below par score. They attacked that task admirably with Lurch building pressure that then allowed VVS Laxman Roach to produce a firey spell of bowling that produced three quick wickets including the prized skelp of former Blackcap Brent Arnel. Roach finishing 3/24.
Uncle Fester continued to apply pressure with the ball, bowling beautifully for not much reward. This opened the door for Snorkel Corkill to slide in like a slippery thing and tear through Tairua's middle order finishing 3/21.
The bowling effort wasn't backed up by the fielding effort with a couple of absolute goobers put down and a few lads needing to take a good hard look at themselves!
Thunderstorms in the surrounding hills set a dramatic scene as the Mantarays lower order dug in and the Cudas bowlers tried everything with a damp ball that was proving lifeless.
Much like the local swingers parties, this match was headed for a massive climax! Tairua sneaking home with two balls to spare and everyone needing to catch their breath and appreciate what was one heck of a game of cricket.
Thanks to the Tairua lads for hosting, always a good laugh.
The Cudas are back at the Country Club in a fortnight to take on Whangamata. Until such time, fins up, up the Cudas!!
