Temporary Captain James Reilly has entrusted me with the responsibility of commiting this week’s game to the annals.
I must say, that when Dan and myself rocked up to Chipstead and Coulsdon CC at 1.45pm, there was a general sense of foreboding among the Scotties with both Our Glorious Leader and our Glorious Communications Officer declaring themselves unable to take the field on the morning of battle.
Many wondered, what kind of beating would the Scotties receive without these cumulative decades of experience, skills and general athleticism around the park? Some wondered, when was the last time the Scotties had overcome Chipstead and Coulsdon – if ever? One or two wondered (J Reilly), would the Scotties in fact do better??
There was certainly one unusual feature, which was that all 11 Scotties had arrived and were ready for action at least 5 mins before the official start time!
We lost the toss and the oppo decided to bat, understandable given the road-like nature of the track and the c 27 degree temperatures.
I admit to thinking, ‘well, at least we’ll all get a bat when they hit 300’. Happily, Ant and Ayman had other ideas and kept it superbly tight, with the oppo on around 80 after 18 overs. Tight bowling increased the pressure on their openers and Jim took our first wicket at 80-1 as they looked to accelerate. Chipstead’s danger man had clearly got the instruction to get a move on as he skipped down the wicket to hit Ayman for four to bring his score to 71 and the team to 136-3. Ayman was unamused – middle stump removed from the ground next ball.
Doc’s left arm orthodox then came into play, with both their no 4 and no 5 holing out to long on and deep mid wicket respectively, leaving Chipstead at 165-5. Dan’s catch at deep mid wicket was a decent one for a rapidly aging guy. I note, however, he did shell their danger man at first slip off Ayman (presumably incurring a significant fine).
Chipstead reached 175-8 before, generously, declaring after 38 overs. We would probably have batted a bit longer in the circumstances. We would have about 45 mins plus 20 overs to bat, chasing 176 to win.
Ultimately, Chipstead missed their main bat from last year, who recently signed a contract with Harlequins rugby team.
Jim and Dan opened up with their 22 year opener showing some decent nip. Unfortunately for Chipstead, an archilles issue kept him to 4 overs. Jim and Dan laid a solid platform with some nice driving and cutting, Jim eventually falling on 49-1. Chris picked up the baton with the two going strong until Chris was bowled by their off spinner when we on 96-2. Dan continued to rack up 105, clattering the ball to all parts until he was caught (playing his favourite game of trying to hit the tree which is inside the pitch at deep midwicket) when we were 172-3. Ayman and I got the rest, featuring some classic glory hunting by Ayman at the end.
As far as Sunday games go, that brings us to 4 wins, 1 loss!
Full Scorecard can be found here