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A Days Cricket



The Captain sort of slunk away into the crowed with a dazed expression on his face and he kept muttering to himself " Swatting flys."

I think he went to join Steamroller Ted to get some sympathy.

Joe was over indulging in glory and big sticky cakes so I thought we had better do something about getting ready to go as we had a long way to cycle home.

" Err hum." I coughed." Perhaps a toast? "

Tea cups were rapidly exchanged for some of the numerous glasses of wine that had been patiently sitting on a side table. To the losing team! I lifted my glass and we all had a good swig of the somewhat unidentifiable wine.

To the winning team! shouted the captain of the opposing side. Another swig, to our champion batsman! said our captain.

Bottles began to be passed around to replenish emptying glasses as toasts continued. To the umpire! someone called. Swig. To the North Grimbly Gasworks Band. Swig. They aren't here this week! someone commented, They were here last week was the retort, O K cheers. Swig.

To the Thergerton Womens knitting club!

They were still toasting anything they could think of when I decided it was time to go, so me and Joe crept out through back door near the showers. It was there we found the captain of the opposing team slumped in a corner with steamroller Ted, they had a dazed expression on there faces and several empty bottles scattered around. Steamroller Ted was muttering over and over to himself " swatting flys, swatting flys....".

I was quite an uneventful ride home in the twilight, except for a group of boy scouts who should not have been standing in the middle of the road anyway.

" That was quite an enjoyable day." said Joe as we put the bicycle away in the garage.

" I agree." I said.

" Do you think they will ask us to play again? " said Joe.

" I was surprised they asked us this time." I said.

" But I got a good score." said Joe.

" Beginners luck." I said.

" I think you're right." said Joe.

The sun was just disappearing over the town hall clock toward the gas works.

It had been a lovely day.

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Short Story Series - Abridged from the book - The Tatty Nickers © Tony on the Moon