Sunday XI cruise past Kew

Fun in the sun as Steve Watts's men register first victory of the Ts' season

The glorious 2018 finally arrived for the 3s/Club XI on the picturesque postcard setting of Kew Green for the much cherished annual fixture against the Kew “Cumbers”.

After losing the toss and being sent to field the ball was given to trusty veteran JP Bowman who delivered a lovely opening spell and claimed an early wicket, it was the rapidly ascending youth pace sensation Ozzie Qavi at the other end who put this match to bed as a contest early with a spell of 4 overs 3-2.

Watts quickly removed him from the attack and gave newcomers Mik Horvath and Harman Singh a go. Horvath and Singh picked up wickets, but it was Horvath who looked the real deal. His mix of leggies and quicker balls were both consistent and dangerous, while Harman at the other end produced lift and bounce reminiscent of 2s great Athar Khan. Tony Hill, with his Bon Jovi locks, looked like he’d been practicing all winter and bowled a sensational spell claiming 2 wickets. Mo Mashar also got on the sheet as did Karandeep with his first wicket for Twickenham. After claiming the first 10 wickets for 55, Watts offered Kew the chance to bat on for the 40 by at the end of which they had amassed 122-13 (!).

The Ts' response began inauspiciously with Cavilla and Cowley both playing early season shots and leaving the visitors tottering on 6-2. Karandeep and Watts then steadied the ship before Karandeep fell for 20. Tony Hill then came in and with an almighty blow for 6 sent a warning to Watts that he better stop playing the leave alone and get on with it as rain was coming (don’t give up your day job Tony, meteorology doesn’t suit you). Nevertheless Watts headed the warning dusting off the lesser spotted lofted straight drive and a pair of pull shots. By the time Hill had won the game with a crushing 6, Watts had manage to start the season happily unbeaten on 58.

A thoroughly enjoyable work out for start of the season with everyone either batting or bowling and the 3s squad looking promising for the big season ahead.

By Steve Watts