Phil has been the backbone of Over Stowey cricket for some
years now, leading the way with bat and ball when he was younger, fitter and
slimmer; now in more recent years chairing a very active and vibrant cricket
club – and he still turns out every Saturday.
It’s only right we reflect on a few highlights in Phil’s
illustrious career at Over Stowey, crikey, this sounds like an obituary!
Cricket tour to Torquay, when Phil slayed bowlers all around
Devon . One six against Marldon cleared the
ground, bounced on the road, went through the pub window and ended up in
someone’s lunch! However it was the innings on the Sunday against Cockington
which stands out most for me on that tour.
Phil had just scored back to back centuries against a Duke
of Marldon XI, then Marldon themselves and then it was the match on Sunday.
Now, I will say what goes on tour, stays on tour especially what happened on
that Saturday night. Everyone was very rough on the Sunday and no one really
wanted to play cricket, and to make matters worse the sun was beating down.
We were in the field first, the home side piled on the runs
and to say we were a little lethargic was somewhat an understatement. Chasing
280 was a very tall order, Phil said: “leave it to me!” and literally we did.
190 not out with balls flying all over Cockington, we mustered the other 91
runs, with help to byes, wides and leg-byes and
Stowey won and stayed undefeated on tour!
Another occasion was when I had the privilege in sharing a
153 opening partnership with Phil, of which I scored 13! This was against North Newton in a Sunday friendly fixture. Stowey won the
toss, batted and I was chosen to open with Phil. He faced the first over and
promptly smacked the first ball for six.
Phil reached his 50 within four overs, I hadn’t even scored
a run and in fact I can’t remember if I hit the ball off the square or even hit
the darn thing. Balls were smashed all round North Newton ,
at one stage he was on for six sixes in an over, only to miss time one which
went for four instead! After I was out, Phil went onto hit a double ton and retired.
Phil has scored countless tons and double tons, plus has
taken hatfuls’ of wickets as a bowler. He has represented the
pick-of-the-league at least twice and won numerous awards through the league
and has picked up countless trophies at the presentation evenings at Over
Stowey.
To say it has been a privilege is an understatement, well his
character off the pitch just sums him up, very warm and welcoming, with a few
social drinks to go with it. Here’s to your next 50 Phil!
5.27....oh and England
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