...Fortunately one of the OLCC reporting tsff was and so with thanks to aspiring reporter Gilbert Kearns we have the following description from the 4th XI match this Saturday :

In a low scoring nail biter at Grub Street, the mighty 4’s didn’t have too many runs to play with, when the Skipper, (fresh from a recent shearing) Luke “The Wizard” Williams (NZ Over 50) brought himself onto bowl from the Top end.

The opening pair of Ed “The Banker” DVH (Old Harrovians Over 50’s rep) and Will “The Badger” Gildersleeve (OLCC U16) had started tidily enough, bowling hard into the wicket, ably kept by Gil “The Glove” Kearns. (Overseas Under 50)

Following a few dot balls hooping around, (under the clouds the Wizard had conjured up for his spell), he then landed one on a full length to a well-set batsmen, who strode into the opportunity and launched it high and hard straight towards a very chilled out Sam “Safe hands” Francis (OLCC U14) positioned well for just such an event at deep Mid-on.

TIME SEEMED TO STAND STILL. Birds and angels paused in mid -flight to stare at the unfolding scenario, perfectly setup as if by divine providence. For to add to the pressure, Safe hands Sam was not only very casually ambling into position, half a foot within the rope, but his parents were seated on the bench right behind him, watching and supporting lovingly.

The ball descended rapidly. Hearts were in mouths. Pacemakers were paused. Tena pads were dampened. Lennie Mastin even put down his Tea and raised an eyebrow.

Just as it seemed the ball was about to head over the top of all Six foot three inches of prime OLCC breeding and coaching, Sam calmy raised his right hand above his head, seemingly stifled a yawn with his left hand, and plucked the ball one handed out of the air. Cue, pandemonium, bedlam, and scenes from all around the ground.

The batsmen fell to his knees. Teammates from all ends of the boundary sprinted towards Sam. Cometh the Hour, cometh Nick Auer (OLCC Over 50) who even got out of second gear into a statesmen’s shuffle to attend the huddle.

Just as we were all collecting our breath from much high-fiving, back slapping, bum gripping (A. Hemingway, Ampleforth alumnae Over 50) bally-Hoo and high jinks, Tim “Back2basics” Francis, (a fine player and top-notch OLCC coach), could be heard mentoring Sam that, “two hands are always safer than one !”

Humble, grounded, excellence executed, that’s how the 4’s roll win, lose or draw…..

Attached a photo of "Safe hands "enjoying a refreshing beverage whilst “The Glove” was trying to brush off the attention from the adjacent engagement party.

Exciting young talents (other than "Safe hands" Sam and The Badger) playing in the 4’s yesterday who are braced to break into Senior cricket in 2026;

Monty Anderson (OLCC U15) Spinning Allrounder set to grip and rip it up.
Barnaby Auer (OLCC U15) set to bring more strategic patience to middle order batting.
Maxwell Fosberry (OLCC U13) (left arm quick) Kicking goals and hunting poles!

Your faithful correspondent…