Twickenham 230- 5 A.Burden 91, N. Walder 42, G.Sanchez 33*

Alexandra Park 108- 3   H.Dassani 1- 25   B. Thorne 1-20

The 5’s secured a winning draw against Alexandra Park. A fair result was concluded and it ended on all smiles. Skipper Hinay Dassani lost the toss and Park stuck the T’s in on a very wet track. Uzzi Khan and Nick Walder opened the batting looking to continue their fine strings of partnerships. The bowling was very tough to pick and both batsman had to be very patient for the bad balls to arrive. Despite Alexandra Park only having 9 players they worked their cut off on the field and also supporting the bowlers all courtesy to the skipper Simon. Both batsmen rotated the strike well, seeking for singles and also dispatching the bad balls. We managed to see some sublime cover drives from Nick. Both batsmen got themselves to an 86 run partnership by the drinks break.

The first dismissal arrived just before the drinks break and it was Uzzi Khan adjudged LBW for a well crafted 24. It wasn’t easy out there and he supported Nick very well. Hendo was the next batsman in fresh from Poland. However that did not last long as he was the next to go with a creditable delivery from the bowler which Hendo played around. James Richards was next in at number 4 and Ally Pally could not have asked for a furthermore boost as he departed on his first ball for a duck. He was caught at gully by a fielder who dropped 3 catches before and let 4 balls through his legs.

Former Mexican International Gilbert Sanchez stepped in at number 5. With the pressure all on T’s now the veterans may need to bring the golden days back and put the T’s back on the driving seat. Nick managed to play some very stylish shots to the boundary but that was short lived as he was bowled superbly by Shakir. Even Nick had to admire but nevertheless it was a very well crafted 42. He definitely deserved a half century but Shakir was always looking comfortable. Chav number 1 Andy Burden was the next man in at the crease.

The next 5 overs were the most tense for the batsmen. But huge credit to Gilbert and Andy who blocked out 5 nail biting maidens. Each over contained a few wicket taking deliveries. Huge applauds for Gilbert and Andy who stayed composed and focused to contain these overs comfortably. From this point I must say this was one of the best partnerships I have ever endured in the 5’s this season.

Both batsmen ran well between the wickets but also dispatched a lot quality cricketing shots to the boundary. Andy was the most aggressive who was smashing the ball over Alexandra Park. He raced his way to a fantastic half century. The job wasn’t done as he went even more all guns blazing. His shots were not slogs it was well judged and timed to the boundary which included various shots like the pull, drive and cut shot. Gilbert meanwhile had other ideas by just supporting the young chav. He assured there was not another dismissal as they were the only recognised batsman to handle the pressure. However Gilbert did unleash a few of his Mexican cut shots to the boundary and also a few bulls and drives.

Andy Burden also smashed a high flying six to the boundary. The last over he was standing on 87. Huge work to be done to get his ton. He got himself to 91 but then he was stumped on 91. It was a very entertaining innings and also a very crucial one to. The 16 year old stuck to his mental strength and battled out a very clinical knock. Andy is definitely one of the hot prospects for the T’s. Shibu Paul was the next in and managed to get a single which the T’s players roared a standing ovation for the Tamil Fury. The innings concluded on a very solid 230- 5 all credit to Andy and Gilbert. Gilbert ended his innings on 33* and it was such a crucial knock. He played a huge role as the T’s could have been in severe trouble. He maintained his discipline and composure to guide a very efficient and well crafted 33*. He definitely demonstrated why he is one of the best batsmen in the 5’s.

The second innings was a very tough and frustrating innings. Alexandra Park was really just out there to block for England and salvage a point. There were only 3 dismissals which came from Dassani, Thorne and Richards. Richards’s wicket was well caught by Hendo. Hendo and Harmeet had a good spell but were unlucky not to get a wicket. The T’s were still vocal on the field plenty of banter and played with the right attitude. The support was commendable and nobody’s heads dropped down which is always a delight to see. Two close LBW decisions for Richards were declined by the umpire and this may have changed the game around but nevertheless both teams played in the right spirit and it was a fair contest. Well done to AP who fought well to salvage a point as well as having 9 players.

Jonno Cockney Column: I tell ya what that Endo is monk. Batting at thraaay and getting a blaaady dack. E also took a catch from Les’s bowling. That is orrendous. Ow does that Les manage to even release thaa blaady crikit ball. That Inay is diabolical can’t even get his team to bowl aaaattt 8 players. Armeet Singh is a dodgy one. Ave you seen iz beard for a 16 year old. E az definetly got a dodgeaay Afghan Passpowt. E jas wants some of that Education Maintenance allowance and the poxy GCS’AYS Thaat blaady Joe Gowdon is 17 and iz balls avent even dropped. E doesn’t ave the slightest bit of airrr. Might ave to get that Matt Bendelow to lend im a few of his DVD’s e bought from Kingston Igh Street so ee can grow up. Andy Burden??? 91. Where did that Inay find im from??? I bet it’s that Ammersmith College that e went to.

Skippers top 5 players

1. Andy Burden- 5 player points
2. Nick Walder- 4 player points
3. Gilbert Sanchez- 3 player points
4. Brian Thorne- 2 player points
5. Harmeet Singh- 1 player point

Jonty Moment- Plenty of stunning stops from Joe Gordon and a catch from Hendo. Harmeet was also busy in the field with plenty of good stops which he is known for.

Monty Moment- Skipper was definitely up for a nomination.

To End this match report our thoughts and condolences are with Bill Wright and his family. May God give them the strength for this difficult period. R.I.P Bill you are a great asset to TCC and a wonderful person to everyone that was part of your life.