The second Test in the series ended in a narrow win for the "Young 'Uns", to be called Players, over the "Old 'Uns", loosely called
Gentlemen. The Players now lead 2-0, this will inevitably lead to a more rigorous training programme for the "Old 'Uns" - "Guinness,
Guinness, gives you strength" and all that for the next twelve months.
The first shock to the system for the Gentlemen came when they
realised that they were expected to race around the field of play immediately after tea, a psychological move by the Players who had
elected to bat. The repercussions from this dastardly act could not be calculated. The Gentlemen's opening attack, giving the contrast
of speed and spin, kept the Players' batsmen quiet - each member of the team bowled two overs (to conserve the energy?); the Players
scored steadily until, at 64 for 3, Mr Whittaker (Captain for the day), asked "Typhoon" Hidson to take the ball, and in four balls
he took two wickets, the first being Maurice Eley, top scorer for the Players with 33 runs - a truly magnificent piece of bowling
equalled only by the Editor of the Staff Magazine, bowling right arm optimistic, who dismissed one of the leading batsmen somewhere
between the seventh and eighth bounce of the third ball of his second over. The innings closed at 122 runs for 8 wickets.
To a tumultuous
reception from the spectators, the Gentlemen commenced their innings - after all they had scored 126 runs last year, they only wanted
the same again - but then disaster - 2 wickets down for 5 runs. The score was then taken to 55 for 3 wickets and, with some tail-wagging
from the above-mentioned bowling stalwarts, the score reached 105 (aided by one or two spectators). A magnificent effort in failing
light and breath. It was rumoured that a Scout from Warwickshire CCC was present but it turned out to be a Warwickshire Cub who wanted
to be a Scout. I believe HP (not the sauce people) was approached and asked if he would go to India or Australia or Timbuctoo - or
anywhere.
This was an enjoyable game controlled admirably by the Umpires, Miss D Follows and Mr J Ager, ensuring that everyone scored
before they were dismissed. Unfortunately it was not an ideal night for spectators; the support given to the players by the Staff
and retired members of the Staff was most encouraging, and both teams trust that they enjoyed the game - and the "get-together" afterwards,
Scores Old 'Uns - 105 (K Whittaker 26, J Eyre 19, A Green 13, G Hidson 11; N Alsop 5 wkts for 9 runs)
Young 'Uns - 122 (M Eley 33, E Bignell 23, A Young 18 G Hidson 2 wkts for 4 runs)