Saturday 2s vs London Gymkhana
Author: Rolf
Match Report |
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An indifferent display in the field followed by a largely incompetent batting performance brought our just deserts against a lively Gymkhana. Conceding more than five an over in the first 20 is never ideal, especially when only taking one wicket. Gymkhana’s top order pounced on anything short or wide. After drinks, Chin (9-0-26-2) and James “the hat” Peters (7-0-17-1) reeled it back somewhat. At the death, James Barker bowled with good pace, knocking over three of their lower order. But the damage had been done early on, and Gymkhana never looked troubled on their way to posting 203. In response, we put on a sorry show. Although Barny (18) and Amogh (21) briefly sparkled with some smart running and bad-ball-larruping, things subsided quickly. Yes the ball was swinging, yes the pitch was damp after a shower, but wickets fell far too easily - only Barny can claim to have been “got out”. 47/1 became 47/4, which swiftly became 88/9. It was down to our 10th wicket pair of James Barker and Brian (yes, Brian) to show us how to go about it. James batting with the sort of application and level-headed gumption a run chase requires. Brian, meanwhile, looked organised, playing some handsome strokes off his legs. After a couple of dropped catches - one off Brian, a truly comical spill by their spinner off his own bowling, straight up in the air and straight on the ground via fingers - there was a brief moment of hope. A palpable sense of nervousness hit Gymkhana as James and Bri reached a 50 partnership and only 20 more were needed for a remarkable victory. Alas, it wasn’t to be. James couldn’t be the Stokes to Brian’s Jack Leach. Largely because Jack Leach bowls much faster than Brian, and James isn’t ginger or (as far as I know) prone to violent attacks outside Bristol nightclubs. In truth, we didn’t deserve to pull it off. We were outplayed in all three departments. The margin of defeat is also flattered by the fact that the rain break shaved off 32 runs from our target - which also means the rain was our second top scorer. Much more determination and skill will be required for our next run chase. But I say: bring it on. Man of the Match: James B - three wickets and not far off being a hero of the ages with the bat. Mug of the Match: Brian - numerous minor infractions and silly comments including: confidently telling us Gymkhana had covers based on satellite imagery, only for Amogh to point out that was an aerial shot of another club entirely; telling JP “to pull the plug” on a flighted delivery (he meant “pull the pin” as per a grenade); brusquely yelling at idle passers-by to not hang around the sight screen by addressing them as “spectators” (they were innocent members of the public going about their daily business and not interested in watching us at all). Tush Bhakre “How on earth did you do that?” Award: Brian - for his lovely clip through mid-wicket for four - who knew he had it in him?! |
Date | Time | Team | Opposition | Location | Putney | Opposition | Result | Scores | Points | Toss |
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15/05/2021 | 1pm | Saturday 2nd | London Gymkhana | A | 156/10 | 205/9 | L | 6 |