ChantillyExpat.com

We toiled away in the blazing sunshine and both Craig and Patrick had some success in the middle order. Craig’s high speed turbine generated 2 for 30 and solar-powered Patrick finished a fine spell taking 3 for 18. Testament indeed to the impact of our backroom coaching staff (aka Iain Hanson) whose drills and advice have turned Patrick into a very effective source of energy.

The more traditional windmill actions of Nick Clarke and Nick Shepherd yielded a wicket each, but Lille were able to harvest nearly twice as many runs. Things may have been a little different if the catches had stuck – chances were spilled by various Nicks and we lost count after 4. The most important one stuck, nonetheless with Denzil’s fine glovework responsible for the wicket of Meredith just 8 short of his century. Foster added a couple to the total before edging to Homer off Clarke senior whose final dot ball saw the innings close on 166 for 7.

Tea was taken, a fine spread having been provided by Denzil, who shoots right to the top of the sponge table thanks to the great gateau chocolat decorated with stumps, a ball, AND the CCC logo ! But the secret to the light and airy consistency is out – apparently he mixes the ingredients whilst wearing his wicket-keeping gloves. Amanda says they work better in the kitchen than in the bedroom, whatever that may mean………

Captain Clarke selected the batting order and CCC openers took the crease purposefully, feeling that five an over was achievable. Sansbury and Gillett moved the total on 13 after 4 when Nick lobbed a drive to mid-off. Shepherd, resembling some exhausted fossil fuel, ran out of steam early going lbw to Szumowski, who then proceeded to skittle out our own Mr Kipling on his way to the impressive and ultimately match-winning figures of 4 for 11. Renewable energy is the future, and Patrick pumped his way to 26 in quick fashion with a series of unstoppable boundaries. Father Nick provided a steady supply of runs via his well-tested and reliable pipeline which runs east to west on the fields of Apremont. Unfortunately for Nick, and for the team his flow was interrupted when Gazprommed lbw by umpire Roy The Boy Newman on 37 – a terrific knock abruptly ended by the influence of some Russian oligarch who told Roy to turn off the tap mid-stream in exchange for a £5 hot dog voucher valid at Stamford Bridge next season.

Our tail wagged, or probably “waggggered mate” as the Australians would put it, with Craig running up 14 before being bowled by his countryman Szumowski. Tris was resilient to the end, but the lights went out on our innings at 119 some 47 runs short of Lille.

We reviewed our energy policy whilst re-fuelling on beers under the late evening sunshine, and we are convinced that we will return stronger for the Home and Away matches with our Neighbours from Lille next season.