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Newcastle Tour 2004

Monday 2 August: South Shields CC
Tuesday 3 August: Marsden CC
Thursday 5 August: Boldon CC

The second annual Wilsons cricket tour was planned way in advance for 2nd August 2004 to Newcastle. Despite this some people still couldn't organise themselves and book the time off work. However when that day dawned thanks to Les's lovely wife we had 11, injuries would not be permitted.

Our first hurdle was an unlikely meeting of 3 cars at a greasy spoon somewhere up north. Nigel and Phil's cars arrived within minutes of each other and the occupants all enjoyed a lovely full English with Herd in particular showing all the eating skills that have made him an all round trundler. The final car, that of Stefan, Sean, Zak and Paul arrived just as we were all finishing (showing the kind of timing Stefan has demonstrated all year). As punishment for their tardiness the rest of us got up and left.

Eventually we all met up in Washington services and after a brief stop for a cup of dishwater we all set off in convoy towards South Shields. Arriving at the ground was somewhat of an achievement as it involved a rather tortuous route through South Shields with enough traffic lights and roundabouts to throw those at the back of the convoy off scent. However, arrive together we duly did and we found a rather nice ground with no grass on the wicket (see Mr Moore it is worth coming) and kids training on the outfield. A lovely old pavilion finished off the ground and soon we were preparing for the match. Les and Tom were sent in to soften up the pace attack and this they quickly did. Young Wilson racing to 20 before allowing a couple of loose shots, one he got away with and one he didn’t. Les, the senior tour pro, provided the rock to the innings. Playing some devastating shots. These included 3 delightful 4s through the covers, that reminded all watching of a young Vaughan.

As soon as Les got to his 50 the mind was willing but the body unable to go much further. After a splendid knock he suggested to their wicket keeper there may be a chance before the end of the over, which there certainly was and which the keeper took, Hardy out stumped. He returned to the pavilion to a hero’s applause something akin to what must have greeted Nelson on his return (Admiral not Mandela) A more blustery innings came next from Stefan and Zak who both plundered the kids in a manner we have come to expect from Stefan. With the score on 202 a declaration was made some 15minutes before the end of our allotted time.

South Shields reply got off to a steady reply as they paired the old wise Les of their team with their up an coming star, who had made a mess in his age group in the previous weeks. It was proving a difficult task for the Wilson’s bowlers but inspired captaincy from Boss saw him chuck the ball to Herd. Having spotted a weakness in the defence of the resolute older opener Herd fired a few quite wide down leg side. This lulled him as eventually when the inevitable one very wide of the off stump was fired down he was all out with his timing he went fishing and a superb catch by Zak at point ensured this big fish was caught. The young guy took over at this point and raced to 79 showing maturity and talent beyond his years before getting out. A little power struggle soon began regarding the finishing time. They wanted 5.15 and we were all playing for 5.00. Sure enough we won and we were to finish at 5.00. Good job too as the match finished they were on 185ish and we had won our first tour match.

We retired to the bar for the obligatory fines, jugs and an excellent tea which we all enjoyed. After this we went on our way to our accommodation of University halls in Newcastle. There was a little trepidation as Stefan had neglected to get any confirmation but luckily for him it was OK. A quick round of showers later and we hit the town. A few social beers down by the Quayside followed where we were joined by Stefan’s housemate the very quiet Aussie pro Anthony and the slightly more confident South African pro Cameron (but more will come about him)

Drinking and dancing followed with Les in particular showing us youngsters a quick glimpse of what he would have looked like in his heyday of the Charleston. People retired for their beds at various times and a splendid first day ended.

Nearly all made it for breakfast with Stefan (looking like he had had one too many waters) in particular showing great timing (again) arriving 2 minutes before closing to annoy all the staff there. A quick walk round Newcastle followed before we all headed of to our next match. Our next match was against Marsden and it was promising to be a long day with a good opposition and hangovers to match. This was apitomised by Sean asking if he could field at third man and bat down the order due to the previous night’s excess, however this was merely a hustle as he would later take two wickets. Opening the batting was Chris Noon and as he strode to the crease in his Durham colours we were all shaking inwardly, all except Paul Morley, who was relishing the challenge. Having arrived home from the night’s entertainment only minutes before the start of the match Paul bowled with devilish guile and eventually tempted Chris to play a loose shot outside off stump and dragged on. This led to a chorus of “Durham Shmurum”

However this was a false dawn as it rarely got as good as this as all bowlers were flayed to many points around the park. Eventually the Aussie and South African pro came to the crease and after Anthony (the Aussie) edged a chance off Herd to Wilson behind the stumps (which he failed to take) the fireworks started.

In a captaincy masterstroke Boss brought himself on to bowl at his friends, and we could see the passion in his eyes determined to get bragging rights. After a few innocuous balls Cameron took a quick single and Stefan’s eyes lit up. He dashed down the wicket and showing all the skills that he may have witnessed at the Britannia stadium he attempted to kick the ball onto the stumps. Obviously he missed by a country mile and what followed would make him rue this miss. Cameron then stepped down the wicket and hit three of the biggest sixes we have all seen. It was rumoured that the Mir space station rang up to complain. After this the two pros retired and the innings meandered to an end.

A lovely tea of fish and chips filled us up for the challenge that lay ahead. Morley and Lord Pook went in to open and a couple of big heaves across the line saw the demise of Paul. Chairman Pook played everything beautifully realising the need for someone to anchor the innings. Stefan came to the crease determined to make amends. However his determination was more than matched by Cameron’s. His first ball to Stefan cut back and had Stefan plumb. Stefan trudged disconsolately back to the hutch complaing that Cameron “only ever swings it away”. Herd came to the crease played a couple of dead bat shots, a swipe across the line and then the heavens opened. Unfortunately this proved the end of the match and although behind on D/L, Pook and Herd remain confident they could have done it.

After the obligatory fines committee, that saw Stefan get stung we again went out to play in Newcastle. A lovely meal in Pizza Express saw perhaps the biggest duel of the day. Les and Cameron were seated next to each other and we all feared for our ears as a talk off looked inevitably. However after a couple of minutes Cameron realised he would be beaten and trudged off to the end of the table. We eventually ended up at Buffalo Joe’s. The bucking bronco looked far too tempting and With Nigel egging us all on we one by one tested our redneck skills. After we all fell off horribly it was left to young Wilson to show some snake hip moves that will serve him well as he embarks on his university career.

Eventually we all retired to bed, Sean doing so via a wall, and the end of the tour was nigh. Next morning we got up and went to play a little pitch and putt. Wilson won this by one from Morley and Herd but the real winner was club togetherness. An excellent tour was at an end and all concerned had a great time and have already booked their places for next summer.

Yours in Cricket

The Trundler.