HAC cruise to victory at Larkhill.

On a weekend were flash floods and spectacular lightning was the norm, the sun shone on the players of the HAC and Gunners at spectacular Larkhill.

Edwards senior was given the reigns as skipper and duly lost the toss, part of the plan. The Gunners skipper Tim Osman choosing to bat on what was a damp looking wicket. That was OK as the plan was to bowl.

A timed game starting at 1pm with 20 overs from 6pm and tea/declaration at 4.

Caviet opened from the Officers mess end and immediately had their openers in a tangle. Jagging seam and swing along with the odd one rearing from a length soon saw the back of one of the openers but not before Caviet had pinned a batter square on the funny bone requiring some tlc from the fielders.

Runs were hard to come by as the bowlers used the conditions to their advantage.

In the final over of his spell, Caviet decided to take the mantle of 'enforcer' coming around the wicket and bowling short and quick. That clearly took it's toll and he was soon asking for a break. His wicket was a peach with bails sent to all parts.

Parry took over and let fly, telling the skipper 'it's ripping' whilst bowling at nearly 70mph. I've no idea how he does it.

Meanwhile, Edwards junior was settling into one of his 'long spells'. He was given respite after bowling 14 overs on the spin. A very good spell of seam and swing bowling. His one wicket was the lethal 'straight one' which saw a gunner pocket a duck.

Faj replaced Edwards which the batters enjoyed. Some cobwebs were blown away. Soon after Faj's spell, the wizard Dewand cast a spell.

The gunners pressed-on seeming to want to ignore the boundaries and run everything. Their skipper eagerly encouraging the junior batter, who looked like he'd just completed the P Company 10 miler at the end.

Declaring at tea on 255 for 4 in 45 overs. Tim Osman 99, bowled by Parry and Spence loving his 'red ink' 90.

The HAC opened up with Lohan and 'I can do it' Carter.
Logan went early giving a steepler to point.

The left Casey to come in a three but nature had called and Parry (who we think locked him in the loo) dashed in to fill his boots.

Carter was finding his driving range but alas his running boots were still in the locker. He didn't get up to speed and was run out. That left Casey, who had released himself from Parry's trap, to the crease.

Casey went about his innings in time honoured fashion. Defend and then somehow without any change the ball would ping to the rope. Parry on the other hand was getting warmed-up for his post drinks explosion. Whatever he drank certainly put some pep in him as he set to the gunners with delight. Inside out, pumps, drives, they all came out. Casey was still classy and pinging the ball to all parts at will.

When Parry fell on his sword trying to maintain a wonderful pace, Edwards senior was due in next, but he was injured. Fielden, a former gunner officer, stepped in and came to the wicket (after asking for directions from a solider, officers and maps). He gave Casey due support who then upped his pace and made it look too easy.

The run rate was always around 8's thanks to the skill of Parry and Casey. Then Dewand (umpiring) fancied a change and sent Casey for an early bath. LBW for 88 (matching Parry's score). Maybe the symmetry looked right.

That left keeper and accountant Bax to the crease. He had done his maths, we needed 3 from 8 balls. Next ball he drive for 4 and the crowd went wild.

It was a pleasure to also welcome Ian Fotheringham and his wife as guests. They both very much enjoyed the game and he looked very smart in HAC blazer and ribbon for his hat.

HAC win by 6 wickets.

Match report written by Matthew Edwards.