Saturday 2s vs Southern Railway & Kenley
Author: Rolf
Match Report |
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The Putney CC covers were a close contender for man of the match. We awoke to driving rain and were resigned to the fact that the game would be abandoned. The forecast improved and both teams were keen, so we trudged over to the ground, expecting it to be wetter than an otter’s pocket - but no, all was pretty dry (especially the pitch) and we cracked on. Those covers are the best investment since Amazon’s Series A. Amogh didn’t have a Scooby Doo about what to do at the toss, so it was good news when he lost and didn’t have to decide. But it was bad news for the unfortunate Ben Jones who took a first baller as we batted first. Amogh and I knuckled down for the first 20. Nothing flash, especially given the slow outfield. I don’t hit the ball hard at the best of times, so Amogh was getting pretty cheesed off with the number of twos that needed running. Amogh found the boundary a few more times than I did, including a lovely loft over mid on, dancing down to their treacherously slow spinner. After drinks, and notching up a 100 partnership, I fell to the aforementioned spinner. On 49. Whoops. JP rightly called me a dope for not getting to 50. As we tried to accelerate, Amogh fell on 64, Barny H for 6, and Alex S for 15. 140/5 wasn’t ideal but there were plenty of overs (and batting) to come. Chin started stroking the ball handsomely, initially aided by Maz, then JP. It was a particularly enjoyable and typically Chinny innings, with a bludgeoned six down the ground...and a blundering run out, James B the victim. JP pinged some boundaries off his legs before getting out swiping at the death. But he and Chin lifted us above 200, which felt like plenty. Bring back Brian’s teas...please… I don’t know what Tommo had for his tea but it seemed to help him. He bowled with nagging accuracy, constantly there or thereabouts. His first was off stump pegged back. Then a close LBW shout, which was turned down and made Tom very upset. His nostrils flared, his countenance reddened. He may have said rude words as well. This affront spurred him on. Three more wickets came in his spell - another clean bowled and then - and then - a sublime catch at second slip by Brian. A nonchalant, one-handed pluck. I think he surprised himself more than anyone else. An LBW was finally given and at 50/4, we were well in front. Tom’s spell of 9-4-18-4 had killed their run chase. The rest of SRKS’ lineup felt like being obdurate and concentrated on batting points rather than the win. All fair enough, but it did mean the next 20 overs meandered somewhat. James B and Alex S bowled with nice pace and good accuracy, the former sending down three maidens. Alex S nabbed a wicket - another catch by Bri at slip. JP tried his luck but their batsmen wouldn’t bite and have a slog. Amogh turned to me to see if that would shame them into giving their wickets away. It worked - call it inspired captaincy - but the old adage “shit gets wickets” proved spot on. An alert stumping from Maz (who kept tidily) off JP, then a failed attempt to slog Chin tied things up for us. Victory by 83 runs. Very handsome indeed and our mission to win the league has started well. Man of the match: Tom, for an excellent opening bowling spell Mug of the match: (no obvious candidates, but it was a bit of a TFC from Ben Jones) Tush Bhakre “How on earth did you do that” award: Brian for that liquid slip catch (and for taking two more in the game). |
Date | Time | Team | Opposition | Location | Putney | Opposition | Result | Scores | Points | Toss |
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08/05/2021 | 1pm | Saturday 2nd | Southern Railway & Kenley | H | 213/8 | 129/10 | W | 20 |