Twickenham 228- 9 of 50 Overs- N.Walder
68, T.Davies- 53, U.Khan- 46
Alexandra Park 229-6- M.Abbasi 4-79
The 5ths had their 8th encounter with the top four fixtures against Alexandra Park. It was a last grasp game as Alexandra edged their way past to victory respectively. Skipper Dassani won the toss and elected to bat first on the hot and sunny day. It was a very positive start from Nick and Uzzy who continued to shine away with another 100 partnership. Both batsmen emphasised from last week with persistent orthodox shots. Nick reached to his half century and it was thoroughly deserved. Uzzy Khan was yet again unlucky as he missed out on his 50 as he departed on 46. It was a good knock as he deserved a half century at least.
Nick also departed but retired hurt as he deflected his shot onto his eye. The first aid kit was out and he was getting treated by Sanjay and Taufeeq. This brought Gilbert and young colt Stephan Cowley. Stephan, Gilbert and Ben Aldworth all came and went and the situation became the same as last week as a collapse started to emerge. Young chav Tom Davies was next to the crease and Nick also returned. Both batsman started of steadily and eventually they both started to bring the momentum up again as Tom was driving and pull away the ball to the boundary. Nick was supporting him at the other end and also hit a few more boundaries until he was bowled and departed on a very sublime 68.
Hendo was next in and he joined the fun with Thomas the Tank engine as both batsmen were hitting some blistering shots away to the boundary and Twickenham continued to increase the runs tally. Hendo was the next to depart on a quick fire 17. We have never imagined Hendo being this aggressive but he continues to show how valuable he can be with his batting ability at top and lower middle order positions.
Tom Davies reached his half century and it was one of the best knocks of the season. A very silky knock as a lot of straight shots were played. Not bad for a chav as he turned up the match drunk as he almost ran his team mate Ben Aldworth over. This was a huge boost for his confidence and for the 5th team batting depth. Unfortunately for next week he will not be around as he is on a chavy holiday to Malia. I am surprised Paul Johnson is not going with him. The innings eventually ended on 228-9 off 50 overs.
The second innings started and it was the same situation as AP encountered. A very solid opening partnership of the opening bowlers Majid and Taufeeq lifted the AP spirits despite both bowlers coming marginally close on some occasions. The first wicket came and it was Sanjay to lift the spirits high. That one wicket stayed on the board for another long period as Jamaican overseas Kevin had a very good eye which he proved as he never hesitated to dispatch deliveries to the boundary.
Dassani, Rawal and Henderson all had a stint but the luck was not on their side. Abbasi and Sheikh were introduced to the attack and they redeemed themselves from their first spell with some tight bowling. Both bowlers worked very hard despite both batsmen reaching their well deserved half century. The second wicket arrived and it was Abbasi to obtain it. It was well deserved as he worked very hard in the hot heat. We may have all thought this was a consolation wicket but Taufeeq and Majid both forced more pressure with tight bowling which rewarded them with more wickets.
AP had a lot to think about as they may only walk out with 4 points as Sheikh and Majid kept striving on and not giving up till their last breath. The game became very tense and now Twickenham were in the driving seat as AP needed 13 of the last over. Majid who was on a 2fer had a mixed over as he got 2 precious wickets but also a full toss which was dispatched for 6. A few fielding mistakes led to AP needing 2 of the last ball. With some much tension around Broom Road AP edged passed as the batsman smashed the ball towards Dassani who could not stop it.
It was a disappointing result but the fight back was immense. The T’s showed that they can give top table teams a hard time and the courage shown proved that we are capable of climbing up the table. Both teams were dictating the match different periods and both sides were close to gaining points but unfortunately for the T’s Alexandra Park coasted past. Both teams made the same mistakes but we can really learn from this in a positive way. Early wickets, a few close LBW calls and it definitely would have been interesting.
Credit goes Nick, Tom and Uzzy who batted superbly with the assistance of Hendo and Taufeeq. Bowling wise it was a good fight from Taufeeq and Majid who really bowled their heart out in their second spell. Next week the T’s are away to Lohana with a youthful side looking to show of their talent. We thank AP for a great contest that just about deserved the game for them.
Skippers Top 5 Players
- Nick Walder- 5 player points
- Tom Davies- 4 player points
- Majid Abbasi- 3 player points
- Uzzy Khan- 2 player points
- Taufeeq Sheikh- 1 player point
Man of the Match- Nick Walder
Every Dog has its day award- Hinay Dassani
and Stephan Cowley
Jonty Moment- Not much really but a decent
catch from Crouchy was enough to have a Jonty Moment
Monty Moment- There was plenty of Monty
moments yet again but the Skipper will put his hands up with the
last grasp shot on the last ball.