Sunday 1s vs Ploughmans
Author: Robbie Ransom
Match Report |
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A perfect late summer's day was the setting as the players arrived in dribs and drabs, some punctual and bubbly, others hungover and late, but all hungry for action, all baying for the blood of today's opponents; The Ploughmans. The toss was lost by Ben 'Fist pump' Brooks and the PCC Sunday 1st team would be bowling first. As the temperature began to rise, the stage was set for some heated opening bowling and Brooksey did not disappoint. PCC has come to expect this over the years now from their exalted leader who set the tone with some ferocious, swinging, full-pitch bowling, testing the batsmen's technique in every sense. Finishing with figures of 8/1/22/3, one wanders what might have been for the English cricket side had this now-veteran-of-the-game been given his chance on the international stage all those years ago. However, we at PCC, are perhaps grateful that he had to settle for a place amongst us here in Putney. Supporting Brooksey with the new ball was fellow veteran Mark 'King of Sculling' Smith. Alas, his first (and only) over did not match that of his fellow opening bowler and an over of looseners ensued (but, as they say, beware the wounded beast - Mark will be back and eager for redemption I'm sure - watch this space). However, amongst the wides, Mark did manage one perfectly directed delivery, just outside off, just back of a length and with a bit of zip. The Ploughman's opening batsman (and captain on the day) could only spoon a shot up to cover where Robbie Ransom was waiting. A real dolly! Robbie’s mind raced ahead; "here's my chance.. my chance to be accepted... my name to go down in hist-". But before he could finish his fantasy of grandure, the ball was on the deck, the batsmen scampering across for a single, and the humiliation complete (well almost... not before the pink hat of course!). Gus 'Bomber' Chumocracy Brown came on to replace Mark and did a fine job of steadying the ship. His elegant bowling action didn't create any inroads into the opposition batting lineup unfortunately and it did end up being a rather expensive spell but he certainly looked the part... and after all, looking good is half the battle! We thank Gus for a very commendable halftime voyage to the NEAREST Sainsbury's (I checked it on gmaps - he's right)... Corneto! Next up to bowl was Paul 'Sponge' Hogarth. And what a job he did. Perhaps not as elegant as Gus and his run up, a bit more stiffly and shuffly, but 8 straight overs of pacey, accurate, and very effective bowling saw him finish with attractive figures of 8/1/26/1, including the big scalp; i.e. the big bearded bloke who was twatting it and looked to be their main/only threat (there's always one!). Backing him up was Nicky 'Kabir' Ison, whose devilishly spinning deliveries were just no match for the Ploughman's abilities. Pretty much every ball was on the money, on a penny, with bounce and turn... each cherry seem to have "unplayable" written all over it. It's no surprise then that Nicky finished with the incredible figures of 8/3/16/3...things could've been even better had a) Mark Wibberly taken a tough chance behind the stumps and b) had Nicky not conceded two boundaries in his last over. And who can forget that caught and bowled? What an incredible display of feline speed and agility. That's hunger for you! By now the Ploughman's were well and truly against the ropes. But ufortunately, the pressure was somewhat released and although Peter 'McWarne' Hill and Greg Newark bowled tidily enough, the Ploughman counterattack took effect. (Peter and Greg did however display some very efficient fielding with the former taking two graceful catches which he made look very easy as well as a run out while the latter took a classy juggling catch at slip...you don't wanna drop em off the skipper's bowling). Brooksey came back on to finish things up and Ifan Jenkins came on to bowl the final over...his only over - a death-bowling specialist it would seem - just 4 singles to finish and the Ploughman had set PCC a sub-par total of 172/8... very attainable. Tasked with opening the batting for PCC were wiley veteran (and when I say veteran...) Mark 'Morty' Wibberly - whose wicketkeeping, I might add, was excellent despite that difficult chance dropped - and Robbie Ransom. Sadly, the partnership did not last long. On the 5th ball of the inningsrl, the Ploughman's Muralitharan-style opening bowling (he really was that good!) bowled what can only be described as the ball of the century; fizzing back in from way outside off to just clip the top of the bails... truly a magical, unplayable delivery! At least I think that's what happened. It was either that or Robbie played the ugliest shot of the century. No let's stick with ball of the century... totally unplayable! Either way Robbie’s humiliation was NOW well and truly complete (I didn't even mention the midfield!). A couple of expletives and complaints about the bowler chucking it and his day was done. Unfortunately Mark soon followed Robbie back to the dressing room (I suspect a little more graciously). But at least he had managed to score 4 runs by then and go some way to 'seeing off' the new cherry. An LBW did for Mark. I confess that I missed that one as I was still busy with the expletives... now directed at my Mrs (it's always her fault!!). But Mark later reported to this particular match reporter that he had no qualms with the decision... the definition of gracious (Ransom, take note). At this stage the Ploughmen must've thought they had us right where they wanted us. Oh how wrong they were! Mark's was in fact the last wicket to fall and the rest of the day belonged to PCC's next two batsmen. And what a partnership it turned out to be. Greg Newark's contribution to the partnership, although secondary, was nevertheless vital. A stoic man, with steely eyes and a calm demeanour... his batting is reflection of this cool temperament. Unswayed, unafraid, and undeterred by the two early wickets, Greg finished on 41 not out and saw his side home. His supporting role was crucial and he allowed his fellow batsman to take control with a rock solid display at his end. But who was this fellow batsman? 10 have been named so far and the 11th is still a mystery! Well come gather round and let me tell you... His name is Alexander 'Hot Alex' Savage He strode in at number 3 with his bulging muscles twitching and ready for the onslaught. He smashed the first delivery he faced for an almighty 6 over long on. And this was off the very same Muralitharan-style bowler that had been "unplayable" the ball before... his next delivery went for another ginormous 6 (maybe not so unplayable after all). But 12 off 2 was only a glimpse of what was to come. Alex's ball-striking and timing was truly mouth watering! One waist-high beamer got dispatched for six over deep square leg. And yes, it's true that such deliveries should go the distance, but this was one of the biggest sixes you're likely to see. Right through the top of the trees! That afternoon, the Ploughman's fielders spent more time looking for the ball than anything else. He reached his 50 in no time and before you could say Jack Robinson, he brought up his century to rapturous applause from the sidelines. Alex finished on 121 not out, and presumably slept very well that night, dreaming of those mighty sixes and a glorious victory. PCC won with all of 15 overs to spare, 8 wickets in hand, and plenty of time for some post game drinks. I, for one, took great joy in getting to know some of my new team mates. Having lived so close to the club for so long, it's truly a blessing to get to know some great characters and wonderful teammates. And playing cricket in the late summer with the sun on your back (and in a stupid pink hat)... well you just can't beat it. These are the days. We must try and remember them and savour them for as long as we possibly can. Although, it must be said, no one will soon be forgetting that spectacular innings from a certain Mr Savage. Unforgettable. Well played! |
Date | Time | Team | Opposition | Location | Putney | Opposition | Result | Scores | Points | Toss |
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05/09/2021 | 1pm | Sunday 1st | Ploughmans | H | 176/8 | 172/8 | W | 0 |