On only their second visit to Broadhalfpenny Down, their first being New Year's Day 1929, The Invalids brought down a spritely and well-tailored XI.
Having inserted Brigands into bat, Ladenburg and Whittle succumbed to accurate bowling on a day that was difficult to score runs. A steady flow of wickets was slowed by Charlie Peach (26) and a few aggressive drives from Dave Turner, and a lovely last wicket stand of 20 from Neil Wood and Dave Hemsley.
Tea featured sandwiches, posh crisp, amazing sponges, rocky road and almond biscuits. With only 141 runs to defend special measures were needed; bowling tactics were to lull the opposition into thinking they would get home easily and then surprise them with rippers.
First over; a full toss was despatched for four, then the surprise long hop was despatched straight into the hands of the fielder behind square leg. Genius.
Ed Hands bowled with menace up the hill (but with the wind) and catches were taken including Inglis and Northwood holding on at cover and extra cover respectively.
The tactics continued; Ladenburg started with a lulling full toss and then got two in two balls cheered on by the locals. Hemsley was no-balled for a beamer and then again for a double-bouncing ball, followed by two snorters including the last wicket which saw off stump out cartwheeling out the ground.
The Invalids had inexplicably collapsed to 59 all out leaving more time for photographs, drinks at The Bat and Ball, and a record evening of sales for the Broadhalfpenny Down merchandise shop.
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