Chairman's XI does it again

Olly and Ben Painter got the President’s XI off to a fast start, with Ben walloping three huge sixes before being trapped in front by a wily Oscar Johnson slower ball.

Flame haired guest James Burke went after the bowlers and made ferocious 62, combining in a big partnership with Hobley, who nurdled a smart 50 of his own. With a different ginger going berserk at Headingly, the President’s XI captain thought the players might want to watch the end of the test match and declared the innings closed on 202, two overs earlier than scheduled.

With the Ashes still alive and a few celebratory drinks consumed, the players headed back out. The Chairman’s batting order, drawn by bingo balls, threw Cox and Saunders into open. The latter was removed early by Hobley, who caught a screaming fast edge, low to the ground, from the off spin of Tom Garraway.

Harvey Cox was joined by Puddle Putman and both tucked into some weary bowling to reach half centuries. When Putman was removed, Dan Powell strode to the crease and embarked on a fifty of his own that would get his team over the line. He was ably supported by a cameo from Colin Stanbridge, who hit the winners with a ball to spare, and Andy Kempster, who was sent out as a runner.

Thanks go to all the players, many of who travelled some distance to play, to BBQ volunteers and to the President, Cliff Geary, for standing several rounds of refreshments after play.