Third defeat on the trot for Cincinnati as only straight-bat Frank leaves Whitstable unbeaten

This was a game that, given the weather, should never have happened.
By close of play, Cincers wish it hadn't.
Despite a deluge the day before and all the forecasts, the annual fixture against Whitstable Labour Club went ahead last Sunday.
We even turned up on time (well, mostly) at the pitch in Radfall.
Sadly,  the Skip's usual bad luck with the toss also turned up.
We had to bat first on a damp pitch and under overcast skies (just like last year).
Progress was, er, slow.
Test Match was bowled early, the Skip went first ball and when Dee was LB shortly afterwards, Cincers were 20-odd for 3 with nearly an hour gone.
Forgot to say, we play time-game rules in Whitstable.
Thankfully, due to the foul weather nearly everywhere else, Finchley's game was cancelled so Frank was in our ranks.
Together he and Moyners put together a key partnership.
Frankie particularly enjoyed his knock, pulling oppo skip Richard for a six into the brambles at midwicket and forcing us to search for the ball.
Abid's rarely moved so quickly after he found there were stinging nettles in among the brambles.
After we found the ball, Moyners, AKA Mixed Grill*, went for 15 (he walked amid chaotic appeals for a stumping after sportingly admitting he'd nicked it to the keeper).
Enter Roger Shorrock, one of our our resident Whitstable players, looking calm, resolute and determined to make his one game of the season a memorable one.
So it was for the oppo bowler.
Lancastrian Roger was skittled for the big 'O' (very fashionable total for natives of the Red Rose county as the Skip could testify).
Amid the drama, Frank pressed on, stealing the singles here and there, punishing the bad ball and passing his 50 (his first for Cincers?).
He was joined by Alex W who smote a mighty straight six before he was caught for 13.
Kamran was stumped for six but our Aussie coach ended unbeaten on a superb 73.
A total of 144 for 7 off 39 was not a bad effort in the gloom.
But with the sun coming out, it didn't appear not quite so hot.
Cincers bowled well to keep Whitstable in check, with Abid especially miserly at one end.
At the other, first Majid then Kamran went close but it was Dee who struck first.
Our keeper spotted the Whitstable opener was dawdling out of his crease and smartly threw down the stumps.
17 for one became 29 for 2 when oppo Richard, one of their best batsman,  chipped the ball to an alert  Alex W at extra cover off Abid
With Kamran bowling stubborn Whitstable opener Keith, we had them at 45 for 3.
Another wicket went when Frank, coming on to replace Abid, bowled their keeper Peter.
Our hopes rose.
But Whitstable's master-blaster J. Wicks (who also served up a very fine tea) held his cool.
Instead of his usual fireworks over cow corner, he began accumulating instead.
In partnership with their number six, he steered bit by bit towards the target.
Richard H's late introduction didn't fox him.
A late drama did ensue when Alex W, finally given an over by the Skip, sprayed a few about before trapping Mr Wicks plumb LB.
Four overs to do, 20 to win, five wickets...could there be one of those famous late Cincers v Whitstable late twists?
There could.
The Skip took Westie off (to bring Frank on), thereby provoking a furious response from the deposed paceman who looked caught between launching a High Court legal challenge and thumping the Skip.
Fortunately, he did neither (at the time of writing, that is).
But sadly for us,  the game was up.  Whitstable got the runs just before the scheduled close.
In other words, our third defeat on the run.
But many thanks to all at the Labour Club for another fine game, a splendid tea and the usual great hospitality.
* ROCKIE'S REVIEW (As told to the Skip): I'm often asked: 'Why is Tim M called Mixed Grill?'
Funnily enough, most people think it dates from his choice of dish on tour in Tenby a few years ago in an Indian restaurant.
While the rest of the team tucked into traditional, tonsil-removing hot curries (apart from the Skip who faints at the mere sight of chillies), Tim ordered the only English dish on the menu.....mixed grill.
Or so everyone remembers.
In fact, it was far more exotic. Little bits of fish in breadcrumbs with chunky chips, actually.
So technically,  when you call to Moyners in the field, you should all shout: 'Oi! Scampi!'