High Wycombe III v Amersham CC Saturday 2nd X1 on Sat 24 Jul 2004 at
Amersham CC Won by 148 runs
The fixture card read 'July 24 High Wycombe III Away'. Well, we'd long since left all reasonable turnings to High Wycombe and reached Stokenchurch before deciding to head back in the general direction of HW in search of a cricket ground. At Ibstone we came across a lovely little village green, the stumps were out, the opposition were there and so it seemed like a good idea to stop and give them a game.
As the Amersham team came into the pavilion Renny Adams (captain) and your correspondent wondered who was going to have to change the nappies as Andy Viney, James Harmer, Olly Haddock and Jack Kilgannon arrived, closely followed by Ben Langley, David Sidebottom and Jamie Toates in search of the nearest hair gel dispenser - sorry chaps, no showers at Ibstone let alone hair dryers etc.
Anyway, with such a youthful team Renny won the toss and decided to bat first safe in the knowledge that when we came to field it would be a mere formality as to who would occupy the positions of first slip and gully! Ben Langley (113*) smashed the ball to all parts and was more than ably supported by Andy Viney (15), Olly Haddock (55) and Jack Kilgannon (36*) as Amersham cruised to 249-2 in 48 overs at an average age of fifteen! Champagne moment of the match was Ben straight driving the ball over the bowler, over the boundary and over the road for six to bring up his hundred. Champagne moment of the season was Ben kissing his helmet in celebration!
Tea, delicious and now it was High Wycombe's turn to bat. They couldn't cope with the wily young spin of David Sidebottom who in his best spell of the season took 7-17 in 20 overs ably supported James Harmer (2-21) and the relatively old Jamie Toates (1-30)! The tenth wicket went down to a fine catch by Andy Viney as Wycombe were bowled out for 101 in 39 overs at an average age of sixteen! Amersham won by 147 runs. Fantastic!
As for your correspondent ... did not bat, did not bowl and did not catch. Another well spent £8! Quite frankly, it would have been worth paying double to see these talented youngsters perform so well.
Ian Rogers
Amersham CC Saturday 2nd X1 Batting
249 for 2
High Wycombe III Bowling
High Wycombe III Batting
101 for 10
Amersham CC Saturday 2nd X1 Bowling