Rampaging Rhino
causes havoc as the Ts cruise past Southall
Southall II
143 all out (Ravi
Sidhu 59, Ryan Combrinck 8-36)
Twickenham II 144-2
(Dan Hough 66no, Garth Borain 57)
Rampaging Ryan Combrinck produced his
most inspired spell of bowling since joining the Ts in 2005,
ripping out the heart of the Southall order top end to register
the stunning figures of 8-36. Skipper Ravi Sidhu (59) and
the ebullient number 10 Nasir Qureshi (32) were the only visiting
batsmen to really put up a fight, as Southall recovered from 51-8
to close on 143 all out. Ts’ skipper Dan Hough (66no) and
the impressive Garth Borain (57) nonetheless made short work of
the chase as the hosts cruised to their total in a little over 24
overs.
Despite picking up 10 points the
previous week against Turnham Green, Dan Hough was once again
forced to ring the changes; Athar Khan returned for Ashley Gray
(working), whilst Paul Pannell came in to make his debut in place
of the holidaying Pete Richards (sunning himself in Sofia).
Anu Agarwal and Ben Parer also came back, as Warwick Paull
(retired) and the injured Richie Brewin (dicky right hand) made
way. Although the Ts have started 2010 reasonably, it’s
perhaps worthy of note that only one player has managed to play in
all six of the 2nd XI games this season – perhaps not
the greatest of omens if a side seriously wants to challenge for
the championship!
Be that as it may, the chopping and
changing didn’t affect the Ts this week, as Southall were brushed
aside without too much of an ado. The Ts had the visitors on
the back foot from the third over of the day as Ryan Combrinck –
steaming in from the Staines Road End – dismissed the dangerous
Aftab Choudry caught behind without scoring. Combrinck made
great use of the hard, quick Twickenham track and a succession of
Southall batters found him far too hot to handle.
Belligerent though Combrinck was, he also owed a debt of gratitude
to his catchers behind the wicket; stand-in keeper Eddie Paxton
pouched no less than four, whilst Paul Pannell took two at first
slip – the first of which was a truly stunning effort, diving to
his left, arching his back and grasping the ball just an inch or
so off the floor. Throw another very sharp catch by Benny
Parer above his head at second slip and Southall were in deep
trouble, 51-8 and looking down the barrel.
Skipper Ravi Sidhu nonetheless did his
best to lead the fight back, standing up to Combrinck’s pace and
aggression and holding the fort well. He found a loyal ally
in number 10 Nasir Qureshi; Sidhu was certainly the more orthodox,
but Qureshi showed plenty of positive intent and soon Southall
were up and past the 100 mark. In order to try and force the
breakthrough Dan Hough rotated his bowlers, but it was ultimately
Combrinck who made the breakthrough, Qureshi falling on his sword
for an enterprising 32. Sidhu’s father, Balbir, came out to
bat at 11 and, again, they showed that with a little application
survival was certainly possible, adding another valuable 30 runs
until eventually Sidhu junior skied one to Dan Hough at mid wicket
to depart for a well-crafted 59.
The Ts looked to make a quick start in
response and a flat track, a quick outfield and some friendly
bowling certainly helped them in their cause. The departure
of Dave Brady (caught behind off Saeed by the exuberant Suleman
behind the stumps for 8) didn’t get in the way of a top order
intent on finishing the job in plenty of time to watch England v
the USA in the World Cup. Dan Hough drove freely and ran
smartly, whilst the ever-improving Garth Borain hit the ball hard
and clean. Sidhu rotated his bowling as best he could, but
the score soon raced on passed 50 and then 100, as the hosts
closed in on their target. Indeed, it looked for all the world as
if Hough and Borain would see Twickenham home until Borain
mistimed a drive off Dhutti to depart for 59. Matt Bendelow
subsequently joined Hough at the wicket to knock off the final
seven runs, leaving everything done and dusted just after 5.30pm.