What a game! Some would describe it as a miracle match.
After a slightly disorganized pre-match Twickenham “T’s” won the toss and elected to bat. Unsure of the strength of our opponents Clint McCabe and Tom Meredith opened the batting. Former West-Indian Pro Kidron Thomas opened the bowling for Kew with accuracy and pace conducive of a 1st team opening bowler and kept the openers quiet during the first 10 overs. After a slow start T’s recovered to a promising 137-0 before Meredith was dismissed for (75) and McCabe for (66). Not being overwhelmed by the situation our middle order consolidated led by Tomar (21) and Nickells (41) to push our total up to a competitive 235 off our allotted 45 overs. During the change of innings it was discussed by Twickenham spectators over some sweet and savory delights whether or not 235 would be enough. It seemed as though it wasn’t given Kew boasted six 1st XI players including former South African provincial cricketer Bruce Fredericks.
However (outright underdogs) Twickenham took to the field and had early success dismissing one of the Kew openers with the score on 5. Then followed some aggressive batting from two of Kew’s South Africans “Safa’s” until Khan broke the partnership with a disgusting yet effective “Full Bunga” . A combination of safe hands and commitment kept the runs down during the subsequent partnerships to come with the entire team throwing themselves for diving saves on the bitumen style Green outfield. At 6-150 with 13 overs to bowl needing a further 86 it was game on and the T’s bowlers were under pressure with Fredericks strolling to the crease for Kew. The runs started to flow for Kew and they looked as if that they had the game sowed up needing only 16 runs with 3 wickets in hand. A superb off-cutter from Gul sneaked through the tight defense of Fredericks bat and pad… Bowled! Game On! Filling the void of a tight and productive spell from McCabe (4-26) Fatah continued the spin attack from the Green Spice end. This unknown spin bowler provided some tight off-spin bowling (2-26) which took the match situation after 7 hours in the barmy English weather to 3 to win off the last over with 1 wicket in hand. A well flighted off-break from Fatah caught the top edge of the Kew eleven’s blade to the cries of catch from the entire Twickenham side. Gul swallowed the chance at short fine leg to secure a fine win. Final scores Twickenham 6-235 vs Kew 233.
“MVP” Most Valuable Performance votes (3,2,1)
McCabe 3
Nickells 2
Fatah 1
To those who read this and would like to be involved in Sunday league cricket please express your interest to Dan Hough. I appeal to higher grade players to consider playing in order for us to maintain a strong Sunday throughout the season.
Cheers
Tom Meredith