Brian Mollet
The scene at Lomath Oval for the Shand Series was a bit like act one, scene one of Macbeth (a blasted heath).
Surfing conditions being less than favourable, the Suffolk Swingers were on time and keen.
The Geckos were at sixes and sevens without the guidance of St Seymour, who is currently doing the penance of the loaf, and were short handed. Levi of the Swingers won the toss and mercilessly sent the Geckos into the field. Greg-O bagged an early scalp thanks partly to some smart work by keeper ‘Captain Soy Milk’, also known as the mild-mannered Adeha.
The wind dropped off and with the sun higher in the sky batsmen began to cash in. Nick thrashed out 30 runs in about the time you’ d take to make a cup of tea, then big hitters Luke (26) and George (36) set about the bowling like a couple of greyhounds on a live bait.
For the Geckos John took a well-earned wicket and James escaped severe chastisement but Levi (30) and retiree Nick (68 n/o) ‘lambasted’ the surging Swingers to a hugely well-endowed 254.
James’ 30 brought in Christian, who flagellated the bowling; by drinks the Geckos were 1/12 and in the hunt.
For the Swingers Gav, Aza, Nick and Jim held their nerve with the ball as the Geckos threw everything at a last-ditch assault, Mick (18) and Brian (34) staying with retirees James (42) and Christian (44).
Next week the Byron Full-Tossers, whose large Pommie contingent must be pumped after the first test, face the Left Bankers to see who remains undefeated in the series.
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