Offham 2nd XI Vs Rodmersham 2nd XI

Offham 2nd XI Winning Draw

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away……

War! The wicket is crumbling. There are heroes on both sides. Evil is everywhere.

In a stunning move, the fiendish Offham leader, Neil Willis, snatches the opening decision as another opposition fails to arrive with an umpire condemning Rodmersham to several hours in the field. The home side dispatches two willow wielding knights, Evans and Collier, guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy to settle the conflict. Unfortunately the visitors have some wily merchants with whom they hope to resolve the matter with a blockade. One Tony Bond, who plies his trade from the Pavilion End frustrates the knights into rash and hasty actions resulting in them being slain for little gain. Enter a young warrior who has much to learn and may yet be tempted by the dark side, Nathan Faulkes, and an older, wiser Phil Heine, who has in recent weeks has been wandering a remote part of the universe known as ‘The Marsh’, but is now drawn to his spiritual home. Together they begin to rebuild but Faulkes …impetuous he is…. chases a second run, only to find Heine not as eager for enrichment. The result, a third wicket down. The captain now arrives to bolster the home side’s resolve, and with patience the two companions are gradually emboldened as the force grows stronger. With flashing sabres slicing through the visitors armoury, dispatching oncoming missiles to the outer regions of the green sward the partnership grows to near 100 before it is broken. But no fear, the force is strong and takes the score to 212-8

With recent results in their favour Offham sends its fighters on the offensive anticipating 20 more points. However there is a disturbance in the force, and the Empire strikes back as Trevor Jackson flails the home bowling. Nigel Stoodley attacks down hill; much anger there is in him, too much pride in his powers, and he is soon withdrawn to nurse his wounds. Phil Carpenter now sweeps his X wing deliveries into that narrow trench of uncertainty outside off-stump. After several failed attempts, he at last lets the force guide him and fires his weaponry at the small target…an explosion as it hits the deck…a hit, a hit…the batsman succumbs. With a younger cohort of storm troopers exposed to battle they fall regularly and the home side believe in certain victory, but a prophecy . . . that misread could have been. With 10 overs to go Mark Jewiss digs in, and the victory it is not to be. As certainly as the force exists, it contains both a light and dark side. And that dark side will always draw those possessed with desires for power into its grasp with fair promises. Rodmersham just has enough strength to disappear with 150-8 and a losing draw leaving Offham with 13 points.