Speculation was rife even before the match, with the Cobra’s Cumbrian contacts confirming that Freddie Flintoff would now play the odd match for his old club, St Annes. Another swore blind he had seen the famous fellow in Eymet Square, and even the President had the cheque-book out in the hope of signing Freddie to give Angouleme a taste of their own in 2011, although the Treasurer warned this would take more than a few quiz nights in the winter months. Alas, St Annes Allstars were no Lancashire league outfit, but founded by 3 enthusiasts from an Oxford College in 1995, an unlikely Alma Mater for our Ashes hero.

The skippers agreed on 35 overs and that Eymet would bat first who began slowly in the chilly sunshine without 4 leading bats. Such losses normally spelled disaster, and it was no different this time out, and after just 10 overs the score stood at a paltry 8 for 3. At least Skipper Sam was still in, and with the help of Mr Wides, and a useful knock from Stephen Bailey, the score progressed into the 40s before another middle-order collapse left Eymet reeling at 45 for 6 off 20 overs. Fortunately the tail wagged, with the General and the Cobra sticking around long enough for Sam to belt a series of splendid 4s. Sam reached his 50, as Eymet advanced to a more respectable 98 for 8, and he and Bish carried the last wicket through to 112 before Sam was bowled by the lively Bowman. Indeed, the statistics proved that it was Bowman and Nicol who had done all the damage with the ball and the Allstars had also held every single catch.

During the tea interval the troops were entertained by the start of the inaugural Eymet ladies football match with Tom Hinds giving each of them a score. By the time St Annes took guard Eymet ladies led Castillones 5-0 but would their form rub off on the Eymet bowling attack as they defended their meager total?

St Annes began with a pinch-hitter, who was soon sending the unlucky Cobra to the ropes, but Vince Morgan was standing no such nonsense and flattened his stumps in the 5th over, 22 for 1. Bish joined the attack and the Allstars even had a go at him before he started to turn his normal screw on the run-rate. Vince finished with a superb 1-7 off his 7 overs and then Bish snapped up the second wicket, 53 for 2 off 16 overs and game on. But the Allstars had some more big hitters, and the Eymet back-up bowlers had no joy, with the score soon reaching 91 for 2. Sam turned to John Fabb, the chap who should have been named Fabio, and with his first ball Hindle smashed it down the Cobra’s throat, who held on in the deep. John attributed what happened next to his hero, Warney Smith, as he imitated his looping bowling style. He captured 2 more victims as the Allstars soft underbelly was revealed. With Stephen Bailey chipping in one more St Annes were reduced to 110-6. Sadly, it was all too late, as Eymet once again rued the 20 or 30 more runs that may have secured a win. Bowman had survived the carnage and steered St Annes home to victory.

It was no consolation that the Eymet ladies had finally won 14-0 and following the eloquent speeches Sam was presented with yet another shirt that was far too big. St Annes Allstars departed for a pizza at our sponsor in Eymet Square and celebrated their first victory in 7 overseas tours. Meanwhile there is news from the real Fabio in UK, or at least his lawyer, a certain Mr Ahmed Mohammed. The e-mail completely refutes suggestions of involvement in betting scams and points to the fact that Skipper Sam was involved in both his run-out incident and that of the Eymet president, Tiger Tim. But the answer in both these cases is quite simple, whilst Sam fair scampers between the stumps, the other two, well let’s just say they both probably enjoy their foie gras .......................

RESULT: St Annes win by 4 wickets.

 

EYMET :        112 All Out off 33 overs (Harrell 58, Bowman 4-5, Nicol 4-9)

ST ANNES ALLSTARS:      113-6 off 28.3 overs (Hindle 38, Bowman 31 n.o., Fabb 3-14)

EYMET: S.Harrell (capt.), T.Smith, T.Hinds, J. Fabb, S Bailey, B. Rhodes, T Bishop, G Taylor, V Morgan, A Coombe, R.Hinds.