A cracking sunny Sunday in Hanwell was the setting for the Sunday 2^nds weekly run out.  After leaving the Green with a rather dodgy away address, no recognised wicketkeeper or equipment and no scorebook we made our way to Hanwell taking in the sights of Greenford en route. 

The Ts, after losing the toss, took to the field with a mixture of colts, new boys and seasoned professionals.  Conditions were hot to say the least.  The Ts nevertheless opened with a strong attack.  Bouwer, on debut fresh from South Africa, charged in, so much so that after his first ball he fell flat on his face such was his vigour in attacking the crease.  He was supported ably by Shah from the other end who got the Ts off to a cracker as Andy Donelan caught superbly at 1^st slip.

Despite a controlled start changes were made and skipper Aldworth turned to colt, Frankie Quinn.  Quinn, a nifty left arm over bowler, proved to be the find of the day as he bowled a tight line with a touch of in swing; such was his bowling that he picked up a succession of wickets ending with 4 from his allotted 8 overs with just the loss of 26 runs.

The Ts struggled a little through the middle section of the innings as Hanwell skipper, Miles, and Kumar both with fifties to their name made life tough going in the field. Dasani, also on debut, bowled well and showed good promise for the future.  However, as things were starting to get way from the Ts a little, Aldworth turned to the ever reliable wounded giraffe, Andy Donelan, for inspiration.  He proved to be very effective and ended up with 3 for 30.  It was at this point that the skipper should give special mention to Mike O’Brien who volunteered to wicket keep and did a fantastic job, letting through barely any byes and keeping things very tidy behind the stumps.      

Hanwell from their 40 overs managed a competitive 195.

After a well needed tea interval the Ts took to the field.  It was at this point that Hanwell Cricket ground became more like Sabina Park, Jamaica as booming reggae dominated the surrounding area.  The opening pair of Monghan and Freeman added to the carnival atmosphere opening the innings with a great start. Freeman played fluently yet sensibly and made 40 before top edging to square leg.  Monghan played an excellent supporting innings none the less followed soon after.

Colt O’Brien kept up the charge with a punchy 27 compounding his earlier performance with the gloves.  Nevertheless Hanwell’s wily off spinner tied down the middle order and soon made the run chase difficult. Donelan played his usual sound innings along with help from two short but big innings from Shah and Bouwer.  However, a run rate of 10 an over eventually proved to be a bridge too far. Twickenham fell around 20 runs short as they were bowled out for around 170.

All in all it was a great effort put in by all in hot conditions. The game was also played in good spirit by both sides. Debutants showed potential, and the colts proved that Twickenham is in good hands for the future, particularly as many of the opposition lavished high praise on their respective cricketing skills.  Well done guys, next week the Sunday 2nds are back on the Green versus North Middlesex.