Two records were broken in this match; Mark Bradshaw and Niall McConnell's stand of 158 finally eclipsed the long-standing 2nd wicket record and Jim Joyce's business trip to St Tropez was definitely the most glamorous reason ever for missing a match. This record was previously held by John Crossland who missed 2 matches in 2007 whilst on a Mediterranean cruise. That sounds pretty glamorous itself until you realise that he was accompanied by a postman
Man of the Match was Gopi who produced another great spell of which the highlights were 2 wickets in 2 balls and a devastating bouncer. Fielder of the Day was Ajmal.
Clapham Nomads - 233 for 5 Declared from 35 overs
Bradshaw, 70
Fewson, 28
McConnell, 73
Prasanth, 0
Ajmal, 16
Lefebve 6 not out
Reeve, 10 not out
F.O.W. - 35, 193, 194, 200, 221
Touring Theatres - 96 all out in 30.1 overs
Ajmal 8-1-27-1
Todorow 10-5-13-0
Reeve 6-0-18-3
Gopi 5-2-16-5
West 1.1-0-12-1
Clapham Nomads won by 137 runs
Thursday 27 August 2009
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Touring Theatre XI v Clapham Nomads - 23/8/09
A report by John Crossland
Mark Bradshaw, on his return from injury, opened the Nomads batting with Ben Fewson. The latter was immediately into his stride, scoring freely off the slow bowling of Warnaby whose first 2 overs went for 27. It was unusual to see Warnaby as an opening bowler. The other opening bowler, Owen, kept things reasonably tight and he also dismissed Fewson for a rapid 28 with the total on 35.
McConnell now joined Bradshaw and these two started to build a big partnership. Never looking in any trouble, they reached 50 at about the same time and were not parted until they had added 158 runs which is a record for the Nomads 2nd wicket. Bradshaw made a chanceless 70 and McConnell made 73 with eleven 4s and a 6. Ajmal then hammered a few quick runs and, shortly afterwards, skipper Todorow declared with the score on 233 for 5. This was a time game, not limited overs.
In reply, Touring Theatres had some early escapes due to dropped catches with Todorow having two easy chances spilled off his bowling. However when Gideon Reeve and Gopi came into the attack the wickets started to tumble. Reeve, bowling off his new, shorter run-up, was more accurate than he has been on previous occasions, albeit a bit slower, and he took 3 for 18. Gopi, a clever bowler, weaved his magic again and finished with 5 for 16, his second 5-wicket haul of the season. These two bowled so well that Andrew West, who was itching for a bowl, was almost not needed; but he was brought on at the end and took the final wicket with the total on 96. There were still about 11 overs left so this was a very convincing win for the Nomads.
It was great news to hear that England had won the Ashes. Everybody seemed happy, even the one who had bet on an Aussie win. JC
Mark Bradshaw, on his return from injury, opened the Nomads batting with Ben Fewson. The latter was immediately into his stride, scoring freely off the slow bowling of Warnaby whose first 2 overs went for 27. It was unusual to see Warnaby as an opening bowler. The other opening bowler, Owen, kept things reasonably tight and he also dismissed Fewson for a rapid 28 with the total on 35.
McConnell now joined Bradshaw and these two started to build a big partnership. Never looking in any trouble, they reached 50 at about the same time and were not parted until they had added 158 runs which is a record for the Nomads 2nd wicket. Bradshaw made a chanceless 70 and McConnell made 73 with eleven 4s and a 6. Ajmal then hammered a few quick runs and, shortly afterwards, skipper Todorow declared with the score on 233 for 5. This was a time game, not limited overs.
In reply, Touring Theatres had some early escapes due to dropped catches with Todorow having two easy chances spilled off his bowling. However when Gideon Reeve and Gopi came into the attack the wickets started to tumble. Reeve, bowling off his new, shorter run-up, was more accurate than he has been on previous occasions, albeit a bit slower, and he took 3 for 18. Gopi, a clever bowler, weaved his magic again and finished with 5 for 16, his second 5-wicket haul of the season. These two bowled so well that Andrew West, who was itching for a bowl, was almost not needed; but he was brought on at the end and took the final wicket with the total on 96. There were still about 11 overs left so this was a very convincing win for the Nomads.
It was great news to hear that England had won the Ashes. Everybody seemed happy, even the one who had bet on an Aussie win. JC
Tuesday 18 August 2009
LESSA Christchurch v Nomads - 16/8/09
Nomads travelled to Eltham to play the team for whom Ben Fewson turns out in the Kent Feeder League on a Saturday. It was a slightly makeshift Nomads line-up due to the understandable reluctance of several players to travel to a place with an 'E' in the postcode.
LESSA were restricted to about 156 for 9 from their 35 overs. A forfeit system was in place in the field whereby any Nomads fielder dropping a catch had to wear a hat in the shape of a turkey's head. Emil Todorow avoided this indignity with a stunning catch on the boundary from a skier. Todorow also impressed with a hyper-economical spell of 9 runs from his 7 overs but the highlight was a hat-trick from Gopi who took a total of 4 wickets. Prasanth was next best with 3.
In Nomads' innings, Ben Fewson put his LESSA team-mates' bowling to the sword with a very rapid 46 before being brilliantly run out. This took a lot of pressure off the batsmen lower down, the highest scorers of whom were Ajmal with about 25 and Gopi with 22. Chris Kennedy also played a good anchor man role with a valuable 14, holding together the late middle order. No.10 Emil Todorow came in with the scores level and about 4 overs to go but victory by 2 wickets was sealed with a wide.
Man of the Match was Gopi for only about the third hat-trick in Nomads' history and 22 runs. Fielder of the Day and full match stats to follow
LESSA were restricted to about 156 for 9 from their 35 overs. A forfeit system was in place in the field whereby any Nomads fielder dropping a catch had to wear a hat in the shape of a turkey's head. Emil Todorow avoided this indignity with a stunning catch on the boundary from a skier. Todorow also impressed with a hyper-economical spell of 9 runs from his 7 overs but the highlight was a hat-trick from Gopi who took a total of 4 wickets. Prasanth was next best with 3.
In Nomads' innings, Ben Fewson put his LESSA team-mates' bowling to the sword with a very rapid 46 before being brilliantly run out. This took a lot of pressure off the batsmen lower down, the highest scorers of whom were Ajmal with about 25 and Gopi with 22. Chris Kennedy also played a good anchor man role with a valuable 14, holding together the late middle order. No.10 Emil Todorow came in with the scores level and about 4 overs to go but victory by 2 wickets was sealed with a wide.
Man of the Match was Gopi for only about the third hat-trick in Nomads' history and 22 runs. Fielder of the Day and full match stats to follow
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Worcester Park v Clapham Nomads - 9/8/09
After a long summer of purgatory, the Nomads finally arrived at Paradise in the shape of Worcester Park CC's ground at Green Lane. For the first time, Nomads had given themselves a Conference Rating of Medium rather than Weak-Medium and were being rewarded with facilities to match their new status; an excellent-looking, correctly-marked pitch, a full-size scoreboard, 2 large sightscreens and a bar full of large, tattooed men who had come to shout at the pampered, over-paid, petulant sports stars (Chelsea in the Charity Shield, not the Nomads.)
Having seen the pitch, and with the toss won, Nomads' Top 8 were champing at the bit. Ben Fewson and Prasanth had first go and the opening over was a bit of a reality check as the Medium Pacer Rob Waite found considerable extra kick off the pitch. Fewson just about kept a low one out and Prasanth also did well to survive. Thankfully the pressure was eased by 4 byes and it was eased further when 12 came from Scott Kent's first over; a boundary for each batsman and a smattering of wides. Most of the early scoring was behind the wicket but progress was swift with 45 taken from the first 8 overs, mostly off Kent.
There were 2 important turning points around this time; Ben Fewson hit the first boundary in front of square - uppishly, but it eased the tension palpably - and Prasanth survived a run out appeal which I could tell, even from the other end, was quite remarkably close.
Both batsman were getting into their stride as 50 was passed. Prasanth played several nice leg side shots. Fewson confided to me that he was struggling to find his form and then struck the spinner Ben Line back over his head for two 4s in an over. I wish I could struggle like that.
Kent had changed ends and, reducing his pace, finally accounted for Prasanth (29) caught with the total on 92; yet another of the fine opening partnerships which have underpinned Nomads' season.
Fewson smote a big 6 off Ricky Geale, removing the bowler from the attack, and raced to another half-century. He was dropped off Ben Line but was starting to look in prime form with Niall McConnell playing a supporting role as drinks were taken after 20 overs with about 115 on the very professional-looking scoreboard.
McConnell was initially quite cautious, pushing the ball gently out on to the off side. "He's only got one shot," one of the revitalised fielders chirped. A top-drawer straight drive soon disproved that theory and the batsmen began to build a major stand with snappy running between the wickets and a sprinkling of classy boundaries. McConnell even caused the blue-shirted men in the bar to take their eyes off Frank Lampard's legs for a second when he produced the shot of the season so far, a quite wonderful cover drive just like they play them on television. Soon after this highlight, McConnell was bowled by Bruce (yes, he was Australian) for his second 44 in successive games and the partnership was broken 4 runs short of its century.
Ben Fewson gave the charge to a slower one from Kent and had to scramble back, seemingly pulling something in the process. "I think it's my quad," Ben grimaced as he staggered to his feet. "Do you want to come off?" The umpire asked. His score (87 Not out) flashed through the batsman's brain. "Do I ****," he replied.
Ben appeared unaffected by the pull and was so well set that he was able to run several balls deliberately down to third man off the edge. This took him to 96 and he brought up the big landmark in fine style with another drive over the bowler's head. This was Ben's third century of the season, a fantastic achievement and probably the finest of the three, taking his seasonal average up to around 67.
Hassan Khan had played a supporting role and this continued after Fewson was finally out for 107. The run rate remained impressive despite a string of slightly unlucky dismissals; Jim Joyce to a snorter, Rob Jenkins to one that kept very low and Amin to a 30-yard direct hit by the wicketkeeper who still had his gloves on. A flurry of crackerjack straight hits from Ajmal took the total up to 244 for 6 at the close.
So just over 6 an over was required and Nomads had mixed feelings; no opponents had successfully chased a total this large in Nomads' history but on the other hand the opposition were a 1st XI containing well-coached youngsters and Australians.
Nomads opening pair of Rob Jenkins and Hassan Khan started reasonably well with Hassan bowling a particularly good line and length. W. Park's opener Ryan made the big mistake of trying to hit Hassan across the line and departed, bowled, for 8. Opener Ladha then consolidated with No. 3 Harrison and runs began to flow, especially off first change Emil Todorow, though Emil was unlucky with several aerial shots narrowly evading the clutches of the Nomads' fielders.
Hassan was taken off after bowling 7 overs, saving one up for later, and Ajmal replaced him downhill, impressing with good pace and soon having Ladha trapped LBW for a rapid 40. Ladha departed to very desultory applause from the W. Park players - I counted 4 claps - which seemed either to be evidence of poor team spirit or that they felt 40 was a run-of-the-mill score. I feared the latter.
2 further wickets fell to Ajmal taking it to 90 for 4 at the 20-over drinks break and then a brief flurry was terminated by a wicket apiece for Amin and Gopi. At 126 for 6 Nomads appeared to have their feet on the jugular and a burst of shots from Number 7 and 8 Kent and Waite (the opening bowlers) didn't appear too significant. Nomads perhaps relaxed a little and suddenly Worcester Park were racing past 150 and Waite and Kent were playing quite beautifully. Nomads bowling was reasonable but there was very little help from the pitch and there was a 6-over spell where every single ball was met by a sturdy middle. 85 were required from the last 10 when Gopi was taken off, a little unluckily perhaps. Rob Jenkins replaced Gopi and the change of pace worked only briefly. Ajmal replaced Amin but 2 successive 4s from him and a Jenkins over which culminated in a 6 brought the rate down to around 6.5. A massive roar suddenly cut through the evening gloom and a thin, stark-naked 20-year-old male appeared inside the boundary, strutting his stuff and obtaining much more ball movement than Nomads' bowlers were getting. He was no Erica Roe sadly and, chased by a Worcester Park fielder trying to slap him on the bottom with a bat, he soon disappeared back into the bar leaving Nomads to attempt to wrap up the match. The required rate was coming down with almost every passing over. Ajmal raised hopes slightly when one of his overs went for only 4 and then even more so when he smashed Kent's stumps. The new player was the skipper, Line, however and he was a competent replacement. Even Hassan's last over failed to stop the rot and Amin returned to bowl the final over with only 5 needed. A dot ball was followed by a scampered 2 to bring up a fine 50 for Waite who celebrated by locating the ball somewhere in the twilight and thumping it for 4 to complete victory.
This was a good performance from Nomads and we justified our Medium rating. The bowling wasn't as bad as the figures appear but perhaps we lack a bit of experience of bowling on really good tracks. We have probably been relying on the pitch to help us a bit too much. There was a rumour Worcester Park had tinkered with their batting order to make a game of it (and certainly their numbers 7 and 8 appeared more accomplished than 4, 5 and 6) but if they did it could easily have backfired. After all, they needed over 100 off the last 12 overs and they didn't know much about us. It is hard to believe they could have achieved that run rate if we'd had up our sleeves someone like, say, Rafi, or (after last week's performance) Andrew West.
Man of the Match can only be the man to whom scoring tons is shelling peas - Mr Ben Fewson. Fielder of the Day is harder; Crossland, Ajmal and Fewson all impressed but Jim Joyce gets the nod. He did very little wrong and a hell of a lot right. NL
CLAPHAM NOMADS - 244 for 6 from 40 overs
Fewson, 107
Prasanth, 29
McConnell, 44
H. Khan, 9 Not out
Joyce, 0
Amin, 9
Jenkins, 1
Ajmal, 7 Not out
F.O.W. - 92, 188, 217 - list to be completed
WORCESTER PARK (Sunday 1st XI) - 246 for 7 from 39.3 overs
H. Khan - 8-3-33-1
Jenkins - 7-1-48-0
Todorow - 8-0-56-0
Ajmal - 8-1-39-4
Amin - 5.3-0-48-1
Gopi - 3-0-22-1
Worcester Park won by 3 wickets
Having seen the pitch, and with the toss won, Nomads' Top 8 were champing at the bit. Ben Fewson and Prasanth had first go and the opening over was a bit of a reality check as the Medium Pacer Rob Waite found considerable extra kick off the pitch. Fewson just about kept a low one out and Prasanth also did well to survive. Thankfully the pressure was eased by 4 byes and it was eased further when 12 came from Scott Kent's first over; a boundary for each batsman and a smattering of wides. Most of the early scoring was behind the wicket but progress was swift with 45 taken from the first 8 overs, mostly off Kent.
There were 2 important turning points around this time; Ben Fewson hit the first boundary in front of square - uppishly, but it eased the tension palpably - and Prasanth survived a run out appeal which I could tell, even from the other end, was quite remarkably close.
Both batsman were getting into their stride as 50 was passed. Prasanth played several nice leg side shots. Fewson confided to me that he was struggling to find his form and then struck the spinner Ben Line back over his head for two 4s in an over. I wish I could struggle like that.
Kent had changed ends and, reducing his pace, finally accounted for Prasanth (29) caught with the total on 92; yet another of the fine opening partnerships which have underpinned Nomads' season.
Fewson smote a big 6 off Ricky Geale, removing the bowler from the attack, and raced to another half-century. He was dropped off Ben Line but was starting to look in prime form with Niall McConnell playing a supporting role as drinks were taken after 20 overs with about 115 on the very professional-looking scoreboard.
McConnell was initially quite cautious, pushing the ball gently out on to the off side. "He's only got one shot," one of the revitalised fielders chirped. A top-drawer straight drive soon disproved that theory and the batsmen began to build a major stand with snappy running between the wickets and a sprinkling of classy boundaries. McConnell even caused the blue-shirted men in the bar to take their eyes off Frank Lampard's legs for a second when he produced the shot of the season so far, a quite wonderful cover drive just like they play them on television. Soon after this highlight, McConnell was bowled by Bruce (yes, he was Australian) for his second 44 in successive games and the partnership was broken 4 runs short of its century.
Ben Fewson gave the charge to a slower one from Kent and had to scramble back, seemingly pulling something in the process. "I think it's my quad," Ben grimaced as he staggered to his feet. "Do you want to come off?" The umpire asked. His score (87 Not out) flashed through the batsman's brain. "Do I ****," he replied.
Ben appeared unaffected by the pull and was so well set that he was able to run several balls deliberately down to third man off the edge. This took him to 96 and he brought up the big landmark in fine style with another drive over the bowler's head. This was Ben's third century of the season, a fantastic achievement and probably the finest of the three, taking his seasonal average up to around 67.
Hassan Khan had played a supporting role and this continued after Fewson was finally out for 107. The run rate remained impressive despite a string of slightly unlucky dismissals; Jim Joyce to a snorter, Rob Jenkins to one that kept very low and Amin to a 30-yard direct hit by the wicketkeeper who still had his gloves on. A flurry of crackerjack straight hits from Ajmal took the total up to 244 for 6 at the close.
So just over 6 an over was required and Nomads had mixed feelings; no opponents had successfully chased a total this large in Nomads' history but on the other hand the opposition were a 1st XI containing well-coached youngsters and Australians.
Nomads opening pair of Rob Jenkins and Hassan Khan started reasonably well with Hassan bowling a particularly good line and length. W. Park's opener Ryan made the big mistake of trying to hit Hassan across the line and departed, bowled, for 8. Opener Ladha then consolidated with No. 3 Harrison and runs began to flow, especially off first change Emil Todorow, though Emil was unlucky with several aerial shots narrowly evading the clutches of the Nomads' fielders.
Hassan was taken off after bowling 7 overs, saving one up for later, and Ajmal replaced him downhill, impressing with good pace and soon having Ladha trapped LBW for a rapid 40. Ladha departed to very desultory applause from the W. Park players - I counted 4 claps - which seemed either to be evidence of poor team spirit or that they felt 40 was a run-of-the-mill score. I feared the latter.
2 further wickets fell to Ajmal taking it to 90 for 4 at the 20-over drinks break and then a brief flurry was terminated by a wicket apiece for Amin and Gopi. At 126 for 6 Nomads appeared to have their feet on the jugular and a burst of shots from Number 7 and 8 Kent and Waite (the opening bowlers) didn't appear too significant. Nomads perhaps relaxed a little and suddenly Worcester Park were racing past 150 and Waite and Kent were playing quite beautifully. Nomads bowling was reasonable but there was very little help from the pitch and there was a 6-over spell where every single ball was met by a sturdy middle. 85 were required from the last 10 when Gopi was taken off, a little unluckily perhaps. Rob Jenkins replaced Gopi and the change of pace worked only briefly. Ajmal replaced Amin but 2 successive 4s from him and a Jenkins over which culminated in a 6 brought the rate down to around 6.5. A massive roar suddenly cut through the evening gloom and a thin, stark-naked 20-year-old male appeared inside the boundary, strutting his stuff and obtaining much more ball movement than Nomads' bowlers were getting. He was no Erica Roe sadly and, chased by a Worcester Park fielder trying to slap him on the bottom with a bat, he soon disappeared back into the bar leaving Nomads to attempt to wrap up the match. The required rate was coming down with almost every passing over. Ajmal raised hopes slightly when one of his overs went for only 4 and then even more so when he smashed Kent's stumps. The new player was the skipper, Line, however and he was a competent replacement. Even Hassan's last over failed to stop the rot and Amin returned to bowl the final over with only 5 needed. A dot ball was followed by a scampered 2 to bring up a fine 50 for Waite who celebrated by locating the ball somewhere in the twilight and thumping it for 4 to complete victory.
This was a good performance from Nomads and we justified our Medium rating. The bowling wasn't as bad as the figures appear but perhaps we lack a bit of experience of bowling on really good tracks. We have probably been relying on the pitch to help us a bit too much. There was a rumour Worcester Park had tinkered with their batting order to make a game of it (and certainly their numbers 7 and 8 appeared more accomplished than 4, 5 and 6) but if they did it could easily have backfired. After all, they needed over 100 off the last 12 overs and they didn't know much about us. It is hard to believe they could have achieved that run rate if we'd had up our sleeves someone like, say, Rafi, or (after last week's performance) Andrew West.
Man of the Match can only be the man to whom scoring tons is shelling peas - Mr Ben Fewson. Fielder of the Day is harder; Crossland, Ajmal and Fewson all impressed but Jim Joyce gets the nod. He did very little wrong and a hell of a lot right. NL
CLAPHAM NOMADS - 244 for 6 from 40 overs
Fewson, 107
Prasanth, 29
McConnell, 44
H. Khan, 9 Not out
Joyce, 0
Amin, 9
Jenkins, 1
Ajmal, 7 Not out
F.O.W. - 92, 188, 217 - list to be completed
WORCESTER PARK (Sunday 1st XI) - 246 for 7 from 39.3 overs
H. Khan - 8-3-33-1
Jenkins - 7-1-48-0
Todorow - 8-0-56-0
Ajmal - 8-1-39-4
Amin - 5.3-0-48-1
Gopi - 3-0-22-1
Worcester Park won by 3 wickets
Friday 7 August 2009
Nomads v K.Lefthanders - Lefthanders' Innings
In previous years, the script for this innings would have been written before we took the field. Stout defence for the first hour would have been followed by a slight wobble and then more stout defence with Lefthanders finishing on about 65 for 7. However, Kingston are a team in transition and the old approach was there in the person of the very solid defender Nick Crouch but there was also some good straight hitting from his lefthanded partner which, with a far from massive total to defend, meant that Nomads could not go for all out attack straight away. Rob Jenkins took first over and kept it tight without ever really threatening. A few more shots were played off Emil Todorow but he it was who made the breakthrough. Shortly after an easy chance from Crouch had gone down off Todorow's bowling, Emil produced his Crafty Leg-Side One which Crouch deflected and had wicketkeeper John Crossland twisting and stretching to pouch the ball an inch from the turf in a gymnastic display worthy of Olga Korbut.
A period followed where Lefthanders seemed to be making a decent fist of the run chase with some good hitting, particularly straight. Andrew West, fetchingly clad in a figure-hugging blue T-shirt, took first change and immediately impressed as he was in 'bowling machine mode' with virtually every delivery on the stumps and at a length somewhere between good and half-volley. This was an interesting test of Kingston's intentions as a good attacking player can really get after West, but he rather mesmerises defensive players with his accuracy. Just when a few shots were beginning to flow, Ben Fewson swooped for an excellent catch at short-ish mid wicket; it was as if the former actor was playing the part of John Crossland in a docu-drama. 43 for 2 and it quickly became 51 for 3. Numbers 4 and 5 were together at drinks and were looking solid with 116 needed from the final 20 overs.
For a period after drinks, the young pair managed either 5 or 6 in each over and the chase was just about on, but a West maiden ratcheted up the pressure and then 3 wickets fell on 77 to just about kill off Kingston's chances of victory. One of these wickets fell in what will come to be known as West's Over. Each of the first 4 balls was greeted by a thunderous appeal (accompanied by baffled chuntering from the watching Lefthanders.) The fifth ball produced another appeal, and more chuntering which died down abruptly when it was realised that the bails were on the ground and all that remained was to salute a Maestro in action - Mr Andrew West.
By now, Gopi had joined the attack and he produced a brilliant spell of Medium Pace bowling. His first wicket was a caught and bowled with the bowler just casually raising an arm and plucking the ball out of thin air. A caught behind (off a quicker lifter,) a bowled and another caught and bowled followed but Gopi's fifth wicket was the best of all. Meerkat was singlehandedly chasing a target of about 15 an over and took a mighty heave at a well-disguised slower one from Gopi. The batsman had played his shot twice and was halfway through his third attempt when the ball rolled onto his stumps. A moment which combined comedy and triumph and gave Nomads 7 overs to take the last wicket. One of the last pair was the obdurate Dave Connett, a veteran of many many rearguard actions. 4 overs passed yielding only frustration before Ajmal produced a quick half-volley which Connett flicked up to Rob Jenkins at Short Leg. 11 Nomads danced in celebration for almost a minute before glancing around and noticing that the batsman was still there. Both he and the umpire had acknowledged our appeal but decided that there was too much uncertainty for the decision to be given. They could only be implying the possibility of a 'bump ball.' Nomads discussed this at length later after about 3 pints and, using knowledge of Physics and...er... other sciences, decided that the ball's trajectory meant that it could only have bounced once - and it definitely bounced before the batsman played it.
The mood was a little tense for a while and we apologise to Kingston if any industrial language was used. Ajmal treated Connett to a bouncer and then Gopi bowled the penultimate over without success. The stage was nicely set for the final over with a fired-up Ajmal roaring in to Connett. The first ball was a full toss which was safely dealt with to a roar of 'make it bounce' from the slip cordon. Ajmal did just that and produced an absolute snorter which produced an explosion of stumps and celebrating fielders.
So victory with 4 balls to spare in a fixture which can be hard to win. If ever a match needed a Camcorder it was this one. I would love to see the late disputed catch again, and also Crossland and Fewson's diving catches and, most of all, the dramatic declaration.
Man of the match was Gopi for a terrific spell of bowling which set up the victory. Fielder of the Day was John Crossland for 2 catches (one top-class) and throwing himself to the ground repeatedly as well as throwing down the gauntlet to the opposition with his inspired declaration, the Tactical Intervention of the Season so far.
CLAPHAM NOMADS - 176 for 6 Declared from 36 overs
Fewson, 52
Prasanth, 15
McConnell, 44
Ajmal, 0
Jenkins, 34
Ismat, 9 Not out
Lefebve, 5
Todorow, 1 Not out
F.O.W. - 43, 88, 88, 141, 160, 174
KINGSTON LEFTHANDERS - 113 All out from 40.2 overs
Jenkins, 6-1-12-0
Todorow, 7-0-25-1
West, 13-4-22-2
Ajmal, 6.2-1-23-2
Gopi, 8-1-25-5
Nomads won by 63 runs
A period followed where Lefthanders seemed to be making a decent fist of the run chase with some good hitting, particularly straight. Andrew West, fetchingly clad in a figure-hugging blue T-shirt, took first change and immediately impressed as he was in 'bowling machine mode' with virtually every delivery on the stumps and at a length somewhere between good and half-volley. This was an interesting test of Kingston's intentions as a good attacking player can really get after West, but he rather mesmerises defensive players with his accuracy. Just when a few shots were beginning to flow, Ben Fewson swooped for an excellent catch at short-ish mid wicket; it was as if the former actor was playing the part of John Crossland in a docu-drama. 43 for 2 and it quickly became 51 for 3. Numbers 4 and 5 were together at drinks and were looking solid with 116 needed from the final 20 overs.
For a period after drinks, the young pair managed either 5 or 6 in each over and the chase was just about on, but a West maiden ratcheted up the pressure and then 3 wickets fell on 77 to just about kill off Kingston's chances of victory. One of these wickets fell in what will come to be known as West's Over. Each of the first 4 balls was greeted by a thunderous appeal (accompanied by baffled chuntering from the watching Lefthanders.) The fifth ball produced another appeal, and more chuntering which died down abruptly when it was realised that the bails were on the ground and all that remained was to salute a Maestro in action - Mr Andrew West.
By now, Gopi had joined the attack and he produced a brilliant spell of Medium Pace bowling. His first wicket was a caught and bowled with the bowler just casually raising an arm and plucking the ball out of thin air. A caught behind (off a quicker lifter,) a bowled and another caught and bowled followed but Gopi's fifth wicket was the best of all. Meerkat was singlehandedly chasing a target of about 15 an over and took a mighty heave at a well-disguised slower one from Gopi. The batsman had played his shot twice and was halfway through his third attempt when the ball rolled onto his stumps. A moment which combined comedy and triumph and gave Nomads 7 overs to take the last wicket. One of the last pair was the obdurate Dave Connett, a veteran of many many rearguard actions. 4 overs passed yielding only frustration before Ajmal produced a quick half-volley which Connett flicked up to Rob Jenkins at Short Leg. 11 Nomads danced in celebration for almost a minute before glancing around and noticing that the batsman was still there. Both he and the umpire had acknowledged our appeal but decided that there was too much uncertainty for the decision to be given. They could only be implying the possibility of a 'bump ball.' Nomads discussed this at length later after about 3 pints and, using knowledge of Physics and...er... other sciences, decided that the ball's trajectory meant that it could only have bounced once - and it definitely bounced before the batsman played it.
The mood was a little tense for a while and we apologise to Kingston if any industrial language was used. Ajmal treated Connett to a bouncer and then Gopi bowled the penultimate over without success. The stage was nicely set for the final over with a fired-up Ajmal roaring in to Connett. The first ball was a full toss which was safely dealt with to a roar of 'make it bounce' from the slip cordon. Ajmal did just that and produced an absolute snorter which produced an explosion of stumps and celebrating fielders.
So victory with 4 balls to spare in a fixture which can be hard to win. If ever a match needed a Camcorder it was this one. I would love to see the late disputed catch again, and also Crossland and Fewson's diving catches and, most of all, the dramatic declaration.
Man of the match was Gopi for a terrific spell of bowling which set up the victory. Fielder of the Day was John Crossland for 2 catches (one top-class) and throwing himself to the ground repeatedly as well as throwing down the gauntlet to the opposition with his inspired declaration, the Tactical Intervention of the Season so far.
CLAPHAM NOMADS - 176 for 6 Declared from 36 overs
Fewson, 52
Prasanth, 15
McConnell, 44
Ajmal, 0
Jenkins, 34
Ismat, 9 Not out
Lefebve, 5
Todorow, 1 Not out
F.O.W. - 43, 88, 88, 141, 160, 174
KINGSTON LEFTHANDERS - 113 All out from 40.2 overs
Jenkins, 6-1-12-0
Todorow, 7-0-25-1
West, 13-4-22-2
Ajmal, 6.2-1-23-2
Gopi, 8-1-25-5
Nomads won by 63 runs
Thursday 6 August 2009
Nomads v Kingston Lefthanders 2/8-Nomads Innings
Abbey Rec played host to the latest renewal of this long-standing, always eventful fixture. The Lefthanders had warned us in June that they had some new, high-quality players who were away on a fishing trip. We did notice several unfamiliar faces on arrival and, considering this together with the slightly makeshift nature of our batting line-up, it seemed Lefthanders had a reasonable chance of recording only their second victory over Nomads in 9 seasons.
John Crossland captained for the first time this year and there was an emotional return for Andrew West, making his 60th appearance for the club.
Ben Fewson and Prasanth took guard for the Nomads. Fewson hit Chris's second ball for 4 but it was mostly stout defence against the Worcester Park CC League bowler who combined accuracy with a hint of movement off the excellent pitch. "Take it easy, Chris, it's only a Sunday game," a fielder chirped at one point. At the other end, "Meerkat" forced Prasanth to play out 3 successive maidens. Excellent ground-fielding helped this, though he was also dropped at point. 6 runs off 6 overs and the openers seemed only too aware that we were missing Mark Bradshaw, Hassan Khan and Amin. Fewson then grabbed the reins, hitting Chris back over his head for 4 in successive overs. Meerkat was inexplicably taken off with figures of 4-3-2-0 and, with several short deliveries, his replacement Johnson issued Nomads a licence to accelerate. Our lads accepted this eagerly to the tune of 23 off 2 overs, a 6 and a 4 from Prasanth in successive balls being the highlight. Johnson took revenge on Prasanth in the 14th over with the help of a massive slice of luck; the ball hit a pad well forward and rolled back to dislodge a bail. 43 for 1 and yet another solid start, of which we have had so many this season.
Former Leicestershire triallist Niall McConnell walked out, having not played for several years, but the man from Houghton-on-the-Hill looked at home straight away with plenty of time to play his shots, particularly strong square on both sides. Ben Fewson was on 36 at drinks but then raced to his half-century. He was playing as well as he has this season and was profoundly untroubled by Lefthanders' change bowlers, though the leg-spinner Dave Connett produced considerable tweak at times. It was a major surprise when Fewson got a leading edge to a short one from Adam Elliott and departed for 52. No less a figure than umpire Andrew West informed Ben later; "You should have had a century, mate."
Ajmal at No.4 was aware that, in the absence of Amin, he was "slogging for two" and he was bowled third ball. At 88 for 3 all-rounder Rob Jenkins, playing his first Nomads game for 2 months, joined his friend McConnell and the pals played out an important partnership. One side of the wicket was almost boundary-less and the pair repeatedly hit the ball deep into a patch of damp clover just short of the rope. Jenkins' innings of 34 included four 3s and an all-run 4. He was finally stumped off the wily Connett and admitted that, after running 11 in the previous over, he was too tired to make it back to his crease.
Despite the excellent batting on view, skipper Crossland appeared unsettled and was pacing the boundary wearing a deep frown. "Don't think I won't declare," he asserted repeatedly, "because I will." The consensus from the watching Nomads was that, with the Lefthanders team containing new players who were making diving, one-handed stops, a declaration at anything under 180 would be risky. That made Crossland's mind up for him. "I'll declare on 170," he decided. We should have realised that the frown was not evidence of worry, but of the cogs and pistons of a fine cricket brain pumping in overdrive.
McConnell departed, just 6 runs short of a deserved 50, caught off the excellent 13-year-old swing bowler Williams. 160 for 5. With one eye on the pacing skipper, Ismat and Lefebve kept up some momentum with 14 taken off 18 balls but, when Lefebve fell to Chris and only 2 were taken from the following 8 balls, Crossland had seen enough. "I'm calling them in," he shouted, "I'm declaring." The Kingston fielders' faces registered bafflement. "Why?" They asked. Their faces should have shown fear rather than bafflement, being sucked in as they were by a cricketing mastermind.
So an extra quarter of an hour was added to Kingston's innings. Would these minutes prove vital? You'll have to read the next instalment to find out
John Crossland captained for the first time this year and there was an emotional return for Andrew West, making his 60th appearance for the club.
Ben Fewson and Prasanth took guard for the Nomads. Fewson hit Chris's second ball for 4 but it was mostly stout defence against the Worcester Park CC League bowler who combined accuracy with a hint of movement off the excellent pitch. "Take it easy, Chris, it's only a Sunday game," a fielder chirped at one point. At the other end, "Meerkat" forced Prasanth to play out 3 successive maidens. Excellent ground-fielding helped this, though he was also dropped at point. 6 runs off 6 overs and the openers seemed only too aware that we were missing Mark Bradshaw, Hassan Khan and Amin. Fewson then grabbed the reins, hitting Chris back over his head for 4 in successive overs. Meerkat was inexplicably taken off with figures of 4-3-2-0 and, with several short deliveries, his replacement Johnson issued Nomads a licence to accelerate. Our lads accepted this eagerly to the tune of 23 off 2 overs, a 6 and a 4 from Prasanth in successive balls being the highlight. Johnson took revenge on Prasanth in the 14th over with the help of a massive slice of luck; the ball hit a pad well forward and rolled back to dislodge a bail. 43 for 1 and yet another solid start, of which we have had so many this season.
Former Leicestershire triallist Niall McConnell walked out, having not played for several years, but the man from Houghton-on-the-Hill looked at home straight away with plenty of time to play his shots, particularly strong square on both sides. Ben Fewson was on 36 at drinks but then raced to his half-century. He was playing as well as he has this season and was profoundly untroubled by Lefthanders' change bowlers, though the leg-spinner Dave Connett produced considerable tweak at times. It was a major surprise when Fewson got a leading edge to a short one from Adam Elliott and departed for 52. No less a figure than umpire Andrew West informed Ben later; "You should have had a century, mate."
Ajmal at No.4 was aware that, in the absence of Amin, he was "slogging for two" and he was bowled third ball. At 88 for 3 all-rounder Rob Jenkins, playing his first Nomads game for 2 months, joined his friend McConnell and the pals played out an important partnership. One side of the wicket was almost boundary-less and the pair repeatedly hit the ball deep into a patch of damp clover just short of the rope. Jenkins' innings of 34 included four 3s and an all-run 4. He was finally stumped off the wily Connett and admitted that, after running 11 in the previous over, he was too tired to make it back to his crease.
Despite the excellent batting on view, skipper Crossland appeared unsettled and was pacing the boundary wearing a deep frown. "Don't think I won't declare," he asserted repeatedly, "because I will." The consensus from the watching Nomads was that, with the Lefthanders team containing new players who were making diving, one-handed stops, a declaration at anything under 180 would be risky. That made Crossland's mind up for him. "I'll declare on 170," he decided. We should have realised that the frown was not evidence of worry, but of the cogs and pistons of a fine cricket brain pumping in overdrive.
McConnell departed, just 6 runs short of a deserved 50, caught off the excellent 13-year-old swing bowler Williams. 160 for 5. With one eye on the pacing skipper, Ismat and Lefebve kept up some momentum with 14 taken off 18 balls but, when Lefebve fell to Chris and only 2 were taken from the following 8 balls, Crossland had seen enough. "I'm calling them in," he shouted, "I'm declaring." The Kingston fielders' faces registered bafflement. "Why?" They asked. Their faces should have shown fear rather than bafflement, being sucked in as they were by a cricketing mastermind.
So an extra quarter of an hour was added to Kingston's innings. Would these minutes prove vital? You'll have to read the next instalment to find out
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