Saturday 2s vs Horley
Author: Mike Henshall
Match Report |
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'COMPLACENCY' (Noun): a feeling of quiet security, often while unaware of unpleasant realities or harmful possibilities; [also see: Putney Cricket] A fortunate result and glad to get the win after we (yet again) almost made a real mess of what should have been a straightforward chase following a very good performance with the ball. But it’s pleasing that we’ve faced a couple of very testing games so far, and each time have persevered. A tough week at the selection table, for the opposite reason than previous weeks. Half the club decided that this bank holiday weekend was an excellent chance to attend weddings/get away/have a picnic/some other reason (in total there were 10 out of the league teams from a week ago). But we had a decent 11, and many thanks go to Owen for helping us out, and then Barry who came in at last notice when the First XI had a cry-off. Only 10 minutes before the scheduled start, Horley had 4 players at the clubhouse so we generously delayed the start for 15min but claimed the toss and bowled. Our opposition a mix of old-timers and kids (2 were actually shorter than me, but at least 25 years younger...) Macca and Rolf delivered the extremes in bowling performances - Paul bowled tight lines, swung the ball and troubled the batsmen. Rolf bowled short and wide, getting carted. There was little time wasted before Brian replaced him (2 overs going for 22 runs), and the momentum shifted back. The two veterans bowled their full 9 overs straight, drying up the runs and getting crucial wickets. Brian unlucky not to pick up any, but only conceded 22 off his 9. Macca was superb - pace, bounce and swing resulted in a brilliant return of 4/16 off his spell. Rolf was reintroduced from the far end and was a new bowler. Pace, swing and aggression, and unfortunate to not get a wicket from his second spell of 5 overs for 9 runs. Hensh (2/18) at the other end got a couple more while giving away nothing in runs, and Saad also chipping in with his customary wickets (though did give away a few too many easy 4's). The target a very gettable 142. The disappointing part of course was our catching - 4 chances going down in the slips, not a single one taken. We’re getting away with it for now, but it will cost us soon. Horley took great (unfair*) advantage of using the old ball as we batted second, swing and lack of pace making life difficult. But the batting was poor. Soft wickets, ordinary shots, and lack of application by all of the top 6 bar Owen (35). There’s no need to waste any words on that quality of batting. We were in real trouble at 5/53 and Horley couldn’t believe their luck. Owen and then Karan counter-attacked well, putting on 41 together, but when both fell quickly we were 7/102. With Brian and Barry slotted in at 10 & 11, the next partnership was make or break. My hair was passing the grey stage into white, and stress levels like Macca with a 2-foot putt for the US Masters. Thankfully for him, he’ll never make it to the 18th at Augusta, and thankfully for me his midweek LMS means he can hit a couple of boundaries to win us a cricket game. A bit skittish to begin with, he calmed down, and with Rolf playing an excellent cameo at the other end they knocked off the target with 16 overs to spare. Macca comfortably MOTM, and we stay top of the table, undefeated. I’ll be looking for some more commitment from the playing group over the coming month to turn out regularly each week as I’m sure we can press for higher honours. (*League rules state you can only use the old ball for timed games) |
Date | Time | Team | Opposition | Location | Putney | Opposition | Result | Scores | Points | Toss |
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23/05/2015 | 1pm | Saturday 2nd | Horley | H | 144/7 | 142/9 | W | 20 |