Conwy Cricket Club, nestling in the purlieu of the iconic Conwy Castle, provided the perfect, picturesque setting for a compelling and highly entertaining cricket event. Once the scene of fierce medieval battles – for example, Wales’ Owain Glyndwr ejecting Edward ‘Longshanks’ English forces – the stunning greensward and cosy pavilion now witnessed a contest of a much more amiable variety.
The persistent and heavy rain that had been falling for the previous 24 hours suddenly and miraculously ceased, and local supporters in their droves poured out of their homes to cheer the local side on.
Conwy CC came well-prepared, the Camels’ reputation whooshing before them like a supertanker’s bow-wave, and fielded a formidable side which combined experience, ability and youth. A tough first game call for the Camel’s youngest ever captain, Tom Wooding. Undaunted, he took the brave step of asking Conwy to bat first, and unleashed his own and Matt Rees’ blistering pace.
The home side were reeling soon at 13 for three after Wooding struck twice and Rees once. Would this game be over before the next massive downpour?
Enter local hero Stuart Watkins. Before you could say “shwmae butt?” he had struck nine boundaries in a lightning 50, only falling to Martin Saunders cunning long-hop pouched spectacularly by Charles Forward on the deep mid-wicket boundary. Meanwhile, two more wickets fell to Wooding and Dafydd Huw Caffrey.
With change bowlers Dave Axtell, Fergus Shaw and Toby Haslam restricting the batsmen to vainly desperate swishes to cow-corner, the Camels thought they would have an easy chase down of about 100. But no! Conwy had a dragon’s tail!
It came in the form of Callum Jones. 15 balls later, Jones’ score was 46, Conwy’s total was 140. The Camels now had the task of chasing seven an over in fading light and a baying local crowd egging on their heroes.
When the Camels’ main batters play to form, it is usually, mixed metaphorically, game, set and match. It was a bit different. Yes, Forward cruised to the first half ton of the tour, Haslam (16) twice helpfully rattled the boundary wall, and Rees moved through the gears to his 42 not out, but always the ‘seven-an-over’ thought of ‘What if we need 10 off the last over?’ nagged.
The doubts became more acute after star bowler Aleena Jones produced two tight overs, conceding just one boundary. Burly Dan Viles (17) had the solution. It came in the form of the only six of the day, crashed high and distant off his very first ball.
Conwy skipper Patrick Jelly clean bowled Viles, but this just left the scene set for Dave Mason to knock off the winning runs with a fine drive through mid-off. As the teams trooped off to ringing applause, the heavens opened and sheets of rain descended. Perfect timing all round!
Menai Bridge CC provide the Camels with their next challenge. A team that doesn’t take kindly to losing against touring sides. Are the Camels up for it? You bet!
Scores: Awali Camels 142 for 2 wickets in 19.2 overs beat Conwy Cricket Club 140 for 5 wickets in 20 overs.
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