Sunday 2s vs Streatham & Marlborough
Author: Robert Millar
Match Report |
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The first fixture for the Sunday 2's of 2015 saw the leadership baton pass from the new and future fathers Chris and Rich respectively to the rather less mature duo of Monty and Boner. Confidence in the squad was high as we eased into the parking lot of Streatham and Marlborough cricket club in Dulwich. Not only had PC Hogarth turned up with new recruits George and Leon oozing cricketing prowess, but we were also greeted with the rare sight of a member of the female species amongst the rag tag bunch of opposition. Captain Monty called correctly and chose to bat on a true surface and strode out to the middle with PC Hogarth in tow. After negotiating some early swing from opposing captain the aforementioned female, resplendent in silver coloured hair, stepped up to the plate. 'Whatever you do, don't hit it up in the air'. Wise words from Captain Monty to PC Hogarth. If only he had listened to his own advice as he spooned up a dolly to midwicket, gleefully snatched up by sub fielder Shipar. The revenge will come. Tail between his legs, Monty (7) walked off ruing the day he underestimated the opposition. Next in was George for his Sunday debut. Looking good, several sixes were smitten from the Australian's bat before he too was a victim to hubris and departed, another victim of the silver haired vixen for 35. Another new recruit Aviral (3) suffered a similar downfall as panic spread through the Putney ranks. Luckily for Putney PC Hogarth was joined by another new recruit, the improbably named Dave Lightning. By name by nature as some early quick singles left PC Hogarth clutching his hamstring in pain. Battling through, runs were steadily accumulated as the opposition wilted in the field. Some unorthodox bowling styles were witnessed; 'what's this, Chucky McChuck?' chided Boner as his hangover subsided. PC Hogarth flicked, drove and scampered to reach his first (of many) fifties of the season before departing (57) but Lightning continued in fine style, launching many a supreme drive as he was joined by Boner, fresh from winter coaching sessions. The oppo rang the bowling changes but as Lightning passed 50 the Sunday 2's were cruising as the sun made its first appearance of the day. After some fearsome shots Boner (25) departed, making way for Conor (6) who hit one crunching on drive before a leading edge. A big score is due, Conor. The final overs were seen off by Lightning (84no) and Leon (8no) looking good as he made his return to Putney after 14 years in the wilderness. Score at half time: Putney, 254-6 off 40. As we broke out the beers at the interval, Boner made his confidence clear by reminding us of his Gavaskar-esque average for the season so far. Coupled with Chris's bowling average, even the words 'fucking elite cricketers' emanated from his mouth. We shall see… Opening the bowling, Shipar and Chris were on the money right away, giving away nothing. Putney were lively in the field, cutting twos to ones and putting the batsmen under pressure. They were replaced by Time Traveller Ed and Iron Orr Leon who kept the pressure on. Chances were created; run outs were narrowly missed, a catch dropped in to Boner's mitts and bounced upon ground contact. On came spin, with Conor and George keeping the fielders interested. At the mid innings interval, 172 required off 20. Putney were confident. Shortly after the interval Putney had their first wicket with Iron Orr collecting a throw from Monty to run out their Gatting lookalike opener. In came oppo skip who departed first ball in one of the game's comedy moments. Swinging and missing, the ball rolled close to the wickets. 'Ooh, that was close' he said to Boner, before turning around to see the finger up. Life is a cruel journey. All too often we can see the finish line on the horizon, confident of success after a hard task well done, only to be denied by a combination of hard luck and mitigating circumstances. Well that is the only way I can describe what came to happen on this fine afternoon to Putney Sunday 2's. A marginal run out call went against us, PC Hogarth went down in pain and catches were put down but truth be told the final 15 overs saw the motley crew of the Sunday 2's run ragged by the powerful opener and the number 4. Ringers from the league team, they were simply too good as Monty's bowling changes failed to get the breakthrough as we capsized after a valiant effort. All in all, a fine effort and an enjoyable first fixture of the season. Many thanks to our hosts who stepped in after our original oppo pulled out - a return fixture is surely on the cards. Robert Millar |
Date | Time | Team | Opposition | Location | Putney | Opposition | Result | Scores | Points | Toss |
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03/05/2015 | 1.00pm | Sunday 2nd | Streatham & Marlborough | A | 254/6 | 260/2 | L | 0 |