Rare Breeds

A couple of cricket free days has allowed us to recharge. We are staying in Cholderton which is near Salisbury. Salisbury is beautiful for its peace and history. Cholderton is unusual. You can’t get lost in Cholderton because if you are in Cholderton you are already lost.

We are staying in a hostel called ‘Rare Breeds Farm’ which has no milk, hot water, bacon, and countless other things.  Viv, Neil and Rick from The Young Ones could run a better hostel. Sybil and Basil would rate higher. 

There are however some bagot goats, some peacocks a pig race every day and some other unrecognisable breeds. So our boys fit in well. In truth the boys have coped well, slept well and are ready for some cricket this afternoon. Below is a summary of where we are all at at this stage of the tour.

Justin is all things to all people. He is fabulous for a pom. His crowning glory is the countless hours of driving he has done. These hours would be lessened considerably though if he knew how to negotiate a roundabout.

Wayne played for the Butterflies and wanted to play for The Hogs. His efforts in organising this trip and running it are beyond my understanding. Exceptional. He could run Rare Breeds farm without batting a butterflies’ eyelid.

Harry has been the backbone of our batting a brilliant fielder a handy bowler and an exceptional captain.

Sean has played 2 masterclass innings. Fielding has been world class He has been good company and provided great humour and a plentiful knowledge of music.

Tom is an enigma. He walks around England like a 70 year old but keeps like Alan Knott. Hasn’t batted much because he has a bad knee. Has the ability to seek out and to relate to the most eccentric of Englishmen.

Jono has bowled with patience and guile. His work and humour on bus trips has not gone unnoticed.

Sam. The Trebujet is great company. An easygoing chap who has had a couple of great spells with the ball.

Zac. Won a couple of games for us with the bat. A hit with the Haileybury ladies and a top class shopper.

Henry. He makes a good Sumo ball player. He has bowled well and fitted in beautifully to the tour.

Lachie. Despite injury he has batted well a number of times and taken important catches when required.

Oliver. Two great innings and numerous fabulous questions as well as matching Zac with his shopping.

Fergus. Looked good a couple of times without pushing on. Kept well when required and makes a great speech.

Peter. Had a great tour scoring runs taking wickets and catches. He has also made 2 speeches which deserve mention.

James. Started slowly but with both bat and ball has settled now. Needs a haircut.

Nick. Despite no-ball issues he has bowled well. His cricket is really improving.

Will. Now known as Swishwy. The find of the tour with his controlled flight and spin. A great tourist.

Hopefully the weather will hold for our remaining 2 fixtures. Match report to come this evening.