It was one of the most chaotic pre-match build-ups anyone could recall which, for Clapham Nomads, is saying something. Most players were late, one car almost ended up in the Thames, there was a major controversy about parking; in the end it was a relief to take the field, even though the pitch was surrounded by hushed players, gazing at it rather in the manner of Junior Doctors witnessing some horrific skin condition for the first time.
The late start necessitated a 30-over game. Chalfont's skipper eagerly inserted Nomads and Mark Bradshaw was joined on the parched, bumpy-looking strip by a new opening partner in Gideon Reeve. Disaster struck in the first over with the pacy Dorman finding the edge of Bradshaw's bat; 1 for 1. Reeve followed in the next over when Watson cut in a ball that also kept a little low, but by that time the score had raced to 12 courtesy of a classy cut from Prasanth Pattiyil and six wides from Dorman.
Hassan Khan came out and soon showed the pitch was playable with a series of boundaries, at least one in each over, with Watson being the chief victim. 14-year-old spinner Dunn replaced Dorman and initially impressed, but he wilted rather in the face of an onslaught from Hassan, a glorious cover drive being the highlight. The score raced past 50 in the 11th over and it looked rosy for Nomads with our battery of bowlers who specialize in bowling on dodgy pitches - though at this stage the track was looking half-decent.
That theory took a knock, as did Nomads' chances, in the next over with the arrival of the tall left-arm quickie Noot. His first two balls got up sharply on off-stump and Hassan did well to keep them down. The third ball pitched similarly, Hassan shaped to cut but the ball bounced no more than nine inches and took out the off stump.
Prasanth took centre stage but No. 5 Sohail soon departed. A new bowler, Murphy, seemed temptingly driveable but took 3 important wickets in a 4-over burst. Prasanth fell for a most valuable 26 to a fine running catch deep in the covers and Abdul Khan and Riaz Khan were also caught in the deep. Abdul had played particularly well in keeping out some threatening bowling from Noot and some variable bounce. Riaz inevitably managed one of his trademark straight fours before departing for 8.
Nick Lefebve and Gopi Pala came together at a rather worrying 109 for 7 and, with the fastest and the slowest Nomad in partnership, there was definite Run Out potential. The pair played well though; Lefebve mostly blocking while Gopi produced one of his best Nomads innings with some hearty leg-side blows, a 4 and a big 6 over mid-wicket in one over from the wilting spinner Dunn being the highlight.
Gopi was finally caught for 29 off the returning Dorman with 13 balls remaining and Emil Todorow soon followed, bowled by a complete pea-roller which didn't bounce at all. It was down to Lefebve and John Crossland to unleash some fury at the death. Lefebve did unleash a massive swipe, but not particularly near the ball, and he was trapped in front LBW to end the innings in the final over on 145 - which we would certainly have settled for after 2 overs, or probably even at the start of the game.
Chalfont were a very pleasant bunch of young guys and we sensed that their batting was likely to have some class, but also that they would be more used to the lush greens of South Buckinghamshire than the Council-prepared deserts of North Richmond. It was hard to guess how things were going to pan out. There was a low-key start with Hassan Khan and Emil Todorow sending down their usual tight, probing, stuff but Chalfont coping comfortably. Todorow produced several of the B.Y. Specials (Balkan Yorkers) which were a feature of the earlier part of his career and claimed many a head-scratching victim. The closest we came to a wicket was another excellent direct hit from the golden arm of Abdul Khan - it would have been a fourth umpire referral and I think it would have been just out.
For the seventh over, H. Khan was replaced by Gopi who gradually eased himself into a truly devastating spell of medium-pace bowling. In his second over, John Crossland leapt like a salmon to prevent 4 byes and keep the pressure on and then, the following ball, the evergreen keeper pounced like a vulture to glove a sharp chance and end a threatening opening stand of 31. Todorow kept the pressure on at the other end and then the Hyderabad Hurricane just blew St Peter apart - and left Nomads at the gates of heaven; No. 3 I. Cottam was comprehensively bowled, Ben scooped the next ball, a rare long-hop, up to Gideon Reeve at Short Cover Point and, with No. 5 McHale encircled by Nomads who were hungry for the hat-trick like a pack of ravenous hounds, the youngster clipped it straight to Short Square leg where Riaz Khan took an excellent pressure catch to spark off scenes of joy.
Gopi completed his five-fer with another bowled in the next over and, at that stage, looked like he might claim all ten. Riaz Khan bowled the potentially dangerous Noot in his first over to end the chances of a ten-wicket haul but Gopi took a wicket in each of his last two overs to finish with figures of 7 for 29 which is the best Nomads analysis for 7 or 8 years. This left the score at 66 for 8 and, with the opener O. Cottam still at the crease, Dorman on his way out and Gopi having finished his overs, there was at least some chance that St Peter could score the required 80 from the last 14 overs. The Khans did a professional job though; a wicket apiece for Abdul and Riaz - and a sporting LBW decision from the umpire for the 10th wicket - ended the visitors' innings on 82 with O. Cottam carrying his bat for 40 Not Out. A day that had started badly ended brilliantly with a much-needed victory over a side that had a lot of talent.
To award Gopi Man of the Match is not a difficult decision. What a spell of bowling. Some captains would have claimed credit for Tactical Intervention in making the early bowling change but Todorow sportingly admitted that Hassan asked to be taken off as he was tired. Fielding wasn't too bad and catching was excellent for the 2nd week in a row. Fielder of the Day must be Riaz Khan for clinching Gopi's hat-trick with a sharp catch.
CLAPHAM NOMADS - 145 from 29.2 overs
M. Bradshaw 0
G. Reeve 0
P. Pattiyil 26
H. Khan 36
Sohail 0
A. Khan 11
R. Khan 8
N. Lefebve 8
G. Pala 29
E. Todorow 0
J. Crossland 1 not out
F.O.W. - 1, 12, 53, 67, 75, 102, 109, 141, 142, 145
CHALFONT St PETER 82 from 20 overs
O. Cottam not out 40
Ben c Crossland b G. Pala 16
I. Cottam b G. Pala 7
Ben c G. Reeve b G. Pala 0
C. McHale c R.Khan 0
Pomarenke b G. Pala 0
Noot b R. Khan b G. Pala 0
Jake c M Bradshaw b G. Pala 0
Dorman b G. Pala 6
Dunn b A. Khan 8
Tom lbw R. Khan 0
Nomads' bowling;
H. Khan 3-1-8-0
E. Todorow 6-0-24-0
G. Pala 6-1-29-7
R. Khan 4-0-17-2
A. Khan 1-0-6-1
F.O.W. - 31, 40, 40, 40, 47, 54, 66, 66, 77, 82
Clapham Nomads won by 63 runs
Thursday 29 July 2010
Monday 19 July 2010
Clapham Nomads v Southall Eagles - 18/7/10
After last week's debacle we just wanted a game of cricket, so it was a heart-stopping moment when the opposition rang at 1 o'clock. Thankfully they were just calling to say they were all at the ground (one hour early) and were waiting for us. It was easy to tell that it was the first time they had played Clapham Nomads.
Anyway despite the ground, King George's Playing Field in Ham, being pretty inaccessible, we all got there in reasonable time. There was an unexpected treat on the journey as Emil Todorow drove us past the posh cricket pitch at the other end of Ham Street and there, looking every inch the senior professional, with the sun bringing out the highlights in his hair, was Morden legend Del Ballard. Unfortunately he didn't see us but it would have been marvellous if he had called out to Emil; "And I'm a better driver than you as well," as we bounced off up the road.
I'm not sure which was more intimidating; the organised-looking opposition, all dressed in matching India one-day international shirts, or the worn, green and ragged-looking pitch. Skipper Todorow inevitably won the toss, put the Eagles in and pushed the boundary flags out as far as possible.
Eagles seemed very wary of the pitch at first, and excellent bowling from Todorow and Hassan Khan had them mostly defending, though their skipper did stroke away a couple of off-side fours. Todorow, playing his 147th consecutive Nomads match, made the breakthrough in the sixth over, forcing the batsman back onto his stumps with deceptive flight and thudding the ball into the off stick half way up. An accusatory glance at the pitch from the batsman was an anomaly; he should have been looking accusingly at Todorow for out-thinking him. In truth the pitch didn't play too badly; there was some high bounce at the Tennis Courts End and low bounce at the Allotments End but it played a whole lot better than it looked. (Mind you, it had to.)
Hassan Khan was producing good pace and movement off the pitch but it was a great diving catch from Prasanth that secured Hassan's first wicket. Nomads began to fight their way ahead. Hassan bowled the young No. 4 around his legs and then Todorow hit the No. 3 in the beard with a surprise lifter. I'm not sure the pitch can be blamed for this; I've seen the Bulgarian maestro do it on all types of surface. I think he could do it if he bowled on blancmange. The batsman was impressed; "How did you do that mate? You should give us lessons," he called out to the bowler. Emil just smiled enigmatically and produced a real lesson - a ball that pitched well outside leg stump but turned sharply to clip the stunned batsman's bails. For that one golden moment Todorow was Warne, with the only difference being that Todorow manages to spin the ball without actually rotating his wrist or fingers.
Hassan claimed another wicket and after 14 overs the score was 46 for 5. When Gopi knocked back the stumps in his second over there seemed a chance that it might all be over rather quickly. Gideon Reeve was unlucky when two edges off his bowling flew over the slips for 4 but 20 runs were taken off the 2 overs before drinks . In hindsight this was the turning point but with Eagles on 76 for 6 from 18, the orange tasted sweet.
The seventh-wicket partnership pressed on, sedately at first, but from about Over 23 onwards they really upped the tempo, with particularly good running between the wickets and regular boundaries straight and square. Nomads ground-fielding was ok but we were getting just a little fractious as the partnership dragged on and on. The eventual breakthrough came from a great reflex catch from Gideon Reeve after a ball from Riaz Khan was absolutely mullered straight at him. Abdul Khan out-thought the batsman in a skilful over full of variety, finally claiming his man caught and bowled with a slower 6th ball. A comical run out from Hassan Khan, set up by some bizarre overthrowing and running, was the 9th wicket, but Eagles kept scoring off almost every ball right up the end. It was still a surprise, though that they had notched 174. The excellent 7th wicket stand had realised 90.
Mark Bradshaw and Mahesh Vyas donned helmets and strode out to face the music. The openers were quite pacy and lively and the pitch managed to give the impression that it was about to do something seriously nasty, without ever quite carrying through the threat. Both our men looked in good touch. Bradshaw connected with several good off-side shots but they either found the fielders or failed to reach the (rather too long) boundary. Vyas played several off-side shots - including an exquisite late cut - which is always a sign that he is on song. Bradshaw finally found the boundary with a lovely cut past point but played uppishly to the next ball from Rachit, a lifter, which unfortunately flew straight to a man in a rather unorthodox position, a kind of Short Backward Point / Deep Gully. 21 for 1 off 8 overs and a reasonable start with hitters to come and the change bowlers an unknown quantity. Unfortunately, Rachit bowled Prasanth in his next over. Enter Hassan Khan, with a fair bit of work to do, but the star batsman of this season so far skied the left-arm first changer, Avi, when on 3 and gully took a fine running catch to massively dent Nomads' chances.
The second change bowler, Sonu, generated some velocity off a 5-pace run up. Mahesh Vyas took advantage with a couple of boundaries before the bowler's radar had really locked on. But it was clear that cheap runs were not going to be in plentiful supply for the foreseeable future. Sonu had quick revenge on Vyas, sticking out an arm for a reflex catch - almost as good as Gideon's - off his own bowling. 38 for 4. Riaz Khan managed one of his emphatic straight 4s off Sonu but the increasingly impressive bowler soon pegged back Riaz's stumps by way of reply. Abdul Khan and Gopi both hit nice 4s before being caught off the bowling of Avi, but then Sonu took centre stage. Nick Lefebve, Emil Todorow and John Crossland can all defend but Sonu was through them all like a dose of Senna; bowled, bowled, bowled in a spell of accurate medium-fast bowling with a hint of movement to complete a most impressive five-fer and seal a resounding victory for the away side.
I guess you'd call it a thrashing but it wasn't completely unenjoyable. Apart from the horrible music from a 70s Progressive Rock tribute band playing an open air concert somewhere across the river, and the smoke from burning vegetables on the allotments, it was quite an idyllic venue. If only the pitch was given a bit more (or, in fact, any) attention and it was 5 miles nearer Central London, we could consider using it again. Not otherwise, though. The cricket wasn't quite such a horror story as the scorecard suggests. The bowling was fairly good, very good from Emil and Hassan. The fielding was a big improvement on the last match and the catching was excellent. All I can say about the batting was that the openers played pretty well. The opposition were a nice bunch and had plenty of talent but were not the type of team that would always thrash us. I hope we get another crack at them next season. They seemed to quite enjoy playing us and they gave Gopi the biggest round of applause I have heard a fielding side give to an incoming batsman.
Man of the Match was, I suppose, Hassan who took the most wickets and was, just, the most economical bowler. He also ran a man out. He only made 3 runs but, as John pertinently put it; he can't save us every week. Fielder of the Day is tougher; Gideon took the best catch. Gopi also took a good catch and as usual did loads of work but I will award it to Prasanth for a great diving catch and plenty of stops on the ground.
Southall Eagles 174 for 9 from 35 overs
H. Khan 7-0-21-3
E. Todorow 7-1-23-2
G. Pala 6-1-31-1
G. Reeve 6-0-32-0
A. Khan 5-0-27-1
R. Khan 4-0-38-1
Clapham Nomads 57 all out from 20 overs
M. Bradshaw 12
M. Vyas 14
P. Pattiyil 0
H. Khan 3
A. Khan 4
R. Khan 4
N. Lefebve 1
G. Pala 6
G. Reeve 1 not out
E. Todorow 0
J. Crossland 0
F.O.W. - 21, 23, 28, 38, 46, 49, 49, 56, 57, 57
Clapham Nomads lost by 117 runs
Anyway despite the ground, King George's Playing Field in Ham, being pretty inaccessible, we all got there in reasonable time. There was an unexpected treat on the journey as Emil Todorow drove us past the posh cricket pitch at the other end of Ham Street and there, looking every inch the senior professional, with the sun bringing out the highlights in his hair, was Morden legend Del Ballard. Unfortunately he didn't see us but it would have been marvellous if he had called out to Emil; "And I'm a better driver than you as well," as we bounced off up the road.
I'm not sure which was more intimidating; the organised-looking opposition, all dressed in matching India one-day international shirts, or the worn, green and ragged-looking pitch. Skipper Todorow inevitably won the toss, put the Eagles in and pushed the boundary flags out as far as possible.
Eagles seemed very wary of the pitch at first, and excellent bowling from Todorow and Hassan Khan had them mostly defending, though their skipper did stroke away a couple of off-side fours. Todorow, playing his 147th consecutive Nomads match, made the breakthrough in the sixth over, forcing the batsman back onto his stumps with deceptive flight and thudding the ball into the off stick half way up. An accusatory glance at the pitch from the batsman was an anomaly; he should have been looking accusingly at Todorow for out-thinking him. In truth the pitch didn't play too badly; there was some high bounce at the Tennis Courts End and low bounce at the Allotments End but it played a whole lot better than it looked. (Mind you, it had to.)
Hassan Khan was producing good pace and movement off the pitch but it was a great diving catch from Prasanth that secured Hassan's first wicket. Nomads began to fight their way ahead. Hassan bowled the young No. 4 around his legs and then Todorow hit the No. 3 in the beard with a surprise lifter. I'm not sure the pitch can be blamed for this; I've seen the Bulgarian maestro do it on all types of surface. I think he could do it if he bowled on blancmange. The batsman was impressed; "How did you do that mate? You should give us lessons," he called out to the bowler. Emil just smiled enigmatically and produced a real lesson - a ball that pitched well outside leg stump but turned sharply to clip the stunned batsman's bails. For that one golden moment Todorow was Warne, with the only difference being that Todorow manages to spin the ball without actually rotating his wrist or fingers.
Hassan claimed another wicket and after 14 overs the score was 46 for 5. When Gopi knocked back the stumps in his second over there seemed a chance that it might all be over rather quickly. Gideon Reeve was unlucky when two edges off his bowling flew over the slips for 4 but 20 runs were taken off the 2 overs before drinks . In hindsight this was the turning point but with Eagles on 76 for 6 from 18, the orange tasted sweet.
The seventh-wicket partnership pressed on, sedately at first, but from about Over 23 onwards they really upped the tempo, with particularly good running between the wickets and regular boundaries straight and square. Nomads ground-fielding was ok but we were getting just a little fractious as the partnership dragged on and on. The eventual breakthrough came from a great reflex catch from Gideon Reeve after a ball from Riaz Khan was absolutely mullered straight at him. Abdul Khan out-thought the batsman in a skilful over full of variety, finally claiming his man caught and bowled with a slower 6th ball. A comical run out from Hassan Khan, set up by some bizarre overthrowing and running, was the 9th wicket, but Eagles kept scoring off almost every ball right up the end. It was still a surprise, though that they had notched 174. The excellent 7th wicket stand had realised 90.
Mark Bradshaw and Mahesh Vyas donned helmets and strode out to face the music. The openers were quite pacy and lively and the pitch managed to give the impression that it was about to do something seriously nasty, without ever quite carrying through the threat. Both our men looked in good touch. Bradshaw connected with several good off-side shots but they either found the fielders or failed to reach the (rather too long) boundary. Vyas played several off-side shots - including an exquisite late cut - which is always a sign that he is on song. Bradshaw finally found the boundary with a lovely cut past point but played uppishly to the next ball from Rachit, a lifter, which unfortunately flew straight to a man in a rather unorthodox position, a kind of Short Backward Point / Deep Gully. 21 for 1 off 8 overs and a reasonable start with hitters to come and the change bowlers an unknown quantity. Unfortunately, Rachit bowled Prasanth in his next over. Enter Hassan Khan, with a fair bit of work to do, but the star batsman of this season so far skied the left-arm first changer, Avi, when on 3 and gully took a fine running catch to massively dent Nomads' chances.
The second change bowler, Sonu, generated some velocity off a 5-pace run up. Mahesh Vyas took advantage with a couple of boundaries before the bowler's radar had really locked on. But it was clear that cheap runs were not going to be in plentiful supply for the foreseeable future. Sonu had quick revenge on Vyas, sticking out an arm for a reflex catch - almost as good as Gideon's - off his own bowling. 38 for 4. Riaz Khan managed one of his emphatic straight 4s off Sonu but the increasingly impressive bowler soon pegged back Riaz's stumps by way of reply. Abdul Khan and Gopi both hit nice 4s before being caught off the bowling of Avi, but then Sonu took centre stage. Nick Lefebve, Emil Todorow and John Crossland can all defend but Sonu was through them all like a dose of Senna; bowled, bowled, bowled in a spell of accurate medium-fast bowling with a hint of movement to complete a most impressive five-fer and seal a resounding victory for the away side.
I guess you'd call it a thrashing but it wasn't completely unenjoyable. Apart from the horrible music from a 70s Progressive Rock tribute band playing an open air concert somewhere across the river, and the smoke from burning vegetables on the allotments, it was quite an idyllic venue. If only the pitch was given a bit more (or, in fact, any) attention and it was 5 miles nearer Central London, we could consider using it again. Not otherwise, though. The cricket wasn't quite such a horror story as the scorecard suggests. The bowling was fairly good, very good from Emil and Hassan. The fielding was a big improvement on the last match and the catching was excellent. All I can say about the batting was that the openers played pretty well. The opposition were a nice bunch and had plenty of talent but were not the type of team that would always thrash us. I hope we get another crack at them next season. They seemed to quite enjoy playing us and they gave Gopi the biggest round of applause I have heard a fielding side give to an incoming batsman.
Man of the Match was, I suppose, Hassan who took the most wickets and was, just, the most economical bowler. He also ran a man out. He only made 3 runs but, as John pertinently put it; he can't save us every week. Fielder of the Day is tougher; Gideon took the best catch. Gopi also took a good catch and as usual did loads of work but I will award it to Prasanth for a great diving catch and plenty of stops on the ground.
Southall Eagles 174 for 9 from 35 overs
H. Khan 7-0-21-3
E. Todorow 7-1-23-2
G. Pala 6-1-31-1
G. Reeve 6-0-32-0
A. Khan 5-0-27-1
R. Khan 4-0-38-1
Clapham Nomads 57 all out from 20 overs
M. Bradshaw 12
M. Vyas 14
P. Pattiyil 0
H. Khan 3
A. Khan 4
R. Khan 4
N. Lefebve 1
G. Pala 6
G. Reeve 1 not out
E. Todorow 0
J. Crossland 0
F.O.W. - 21, 23, 28, 38, 46, 49, 49, 56, 57, 57
Clapham Nomads lost by 117 runs
Saturday 10 July 2010
"Woodside Green" v Clapham Nomads - 10/7/10
Sincere apologies to everyone who made the long and fruitless journey to Warlingham for this match.
This sort of thing just doesn't normally happen with the Nomads. It's been at least 9 years since there has been a wasted journey for any reason other than weather, but I know that doesn't make it any less annoying for you guys.
Normally I'm very careful to ensure that the opposition are lined up and ready for a match but occasionally, such as today, I have been a bit over-confident and have just taken it on trust that an opposition who have been extremely reliable in the past will continue to be so.
I don't really know what has happened with Woodside Green. Their website is almost no use at all. We did ask around at a few local grounds and it seems they may have a Sunday match against different opposition, so I can only speculate that their Fixtures Secretary must have either forgotten to write down the fixture - and it definitely was arranged because it is rare for Nomads to play a Saturday game so it is something I would remember - or else he was not able to get a pitch for the game and omitted to tell us.
Anyway, very sorry again and if it ever does happen again, and I sincerely hope it won't, it will not be because of a lack of effort on our part. NL
This sort of thing just doesn't normally happen with the Nomads. It's been at least 9 years since there has been a wasted journey for any reason other than weather, but I know that doesn't make it any less annoying for you guys.
Normally I'm very careful to ensure that the opposition are lined up and ready for a match but occasionally, such as today, I have been a bit over-confident and have just taken it on trust that an opposition who have been extremely reliable in the past will continue to be so.
I don't really know what has happened with Woodside Green. Their website is almost no use at all. We did ask around at a few local grounds and it seems they may have a Sunday match against different opposition, so I can only speculate that their Fixtures Secretary must have either forgotten to write down the fixture - and it definitely was arranged because it is rare for Nomads to play a Saturday game so it is something I would remember - or else he was not able to get a pitch for the game and omitted to tell us.
Anyway, very sorry again and if it ever does happen again, and I sincerely hope it won't, it will not be because of a lack of effort on our part. NL
Tuesday 6 July 2010
Caribbean Mix v Clapham Nomads - 4/7/10
It was a much-changed Nomads line-up that took the field for the 10th match between these close rivals. Abdul Khan made a very welcome return, as did Sohail who has played one or two games previously. Most intriguingly there was a debut for Moin, the brother of Rafi, possibly Nomads' finest all-rounder of all time.
Just like last year, Caribbean were unable to secure a pitch and it fell to Nomads to book Joseph Hood Recreation Ground in Raynes Park and, as it turned out, it played excellently.
Emil Todorow lost his first toss in ages and this may have had an unsettling effect on Nomads as Caribbean Mix's opener was dropped in the first over; this set an unfortunate pattern as a minimum of six - and possibly as many as ten - chances were put down.
Nomads remained competitive for a while and with Caribbean on about 100 for 3 after 20 overs we were still in the game. This was probably the highpoint for Nomads, however, and Mix rather raced away in the second half of the innings which featured a series of ground-fielding errors and a lively exchange of tactical views between skipper Todorow and John Crossland. The pick of the change bowlers was Abdul Khan who took two wickets and showed good control for a man who has bowled very few competitive overs in the last year. This strong batting line-up was not overly concerned though, and raced away to a final total of 247 for 7 off their 35 overs.
The opposition redeemed themselves for failing to get a pitch by producing probably the Tea of the Season so far - halal chicken and rice with potato salad - and then Nomads set about their stiff task. There was a bright start from Mark Bradshaw and Ben Fewson with 22 off the first 3 overs before Fewson was bowled for 9. Bradshaw fell for 11 a couple of overs later. Mahesh Vyas also chipped in with 11. Sohail didn't last too long but there were high hopes for Moin. Rafi scored a most destructive century in the first game between the two sides but sadly his brother could not emulate the great man and his demise left Nomads heading for ignominious defeat on about 80 for 5.
Hassan was still there and continued the excellent form he has shown this season. Abdul Khan joined him and produced one of his most careful and sensible innings in support before falling for 25. Riaz Khan inevitably hit an early six, to match the one he thumped over Emil Todorow's head for Caribbean in the corresponding fixture last year, but the opening bowler returned to claim two Khans in one over; Riaz for 20 and Hassan for a fine 75.
The game seemed just about up for Nomads but Gopi produced some very entertaining batting, including a towering six over mid-wicket, and his regular sidekick Emil Todorow stuck around in support though a massive run out appeal was rather controversially turned down. The run rate had been just too steep and Nomads' 35 overs closed at 210 for 8. A decent and enjoyable game; Caribbean Mix's seventh win over Nomads in 10 games but certainly not one of the wider margins. The match was played in good spirit but there was nothing to match Jim Ferguson's exhortations to show "Sex Appeal" from last year. The closest anyone came was the remarkably accurate barking dog impression produced by a Mix fielder whenever a Nomads wicket fell.
Man of the Match was Hassan Khan whose 75 was by far the largest innings, though Abdul Khan's bowling and batting made him a close runner-up. I asked Emil Todorow who he thought was Fielder of the Day. "None of them," he replied with a thick frown. Ben Fewson has subsquently been selected as his fielding was less error-strewn than most.
Caribbean Mix 247 for 7 from 35 overs
H. Khan 7-0-41-1
E. Todorow 7-0-46-1
G. Pala 6-0-33-1
R. Khan 7-0-46-1
M. Chand 3-0-26-0
A. Khan 3-0-18-2
Sohail 2-0-22-0
Clapham Nomads 210 for 8 from 35 overs
M. Bradshaw 11
B. Fewson 9
M. Vyas 11
H. Khan 75
Sohail 4
M. Chand 0
A. Khan 26
R. Khan 19
G. Pala 26 not out
E. Todorow 2 not out
Did not bat; J. Crossland
F.O.W. - 22, 23, 39, 69, 69, 131, 177, 177
Clapham Nomads lost by 37 runs
Just like last year, Caribbean were unable to secure a pitch and it fell to Nomads to book Joseph Hood Recreation Ground in Raynes Park and, as it turned out, it played excellently.
Emil Todorow lost his first toss in ages and this may have had an unsettling effect on Nomads as Caribbean Mix's opener was dropped in the first over; this set an unfortunate pattern as a minimum of six - and possibly as many as ten - chances were put down.
Nomads remained competitive for a while and with Caribbean on about 100 for 3 after 20 overs we were still in the game. This was probably the highpoint for Nomads, however, and Mix rather raced away in the second half of the innings which featured a series of ground-fielding errors and a lively exchange of tactical views between skipper Todorow and John Crossland. The pick of the change bowlers was Abdul Khan who took two wickets and showed good control for a man who has bowled very few competitive overs in the last year. This strong batting line-up was not overly concerned though, and raced away to a final total of 247 for 7 off their 35 overs.
The opposition redeemed themselves for failing to get a pitch by producing probably the Tea of the Season so far - halal chicken and rice with potato salad - and then Nomads set about their stiff task. There was a bright start from Mark Bradshaw and Ben Fewson with 22 off the first 3 overs before Fewson was bowled for 9. Bradshaw fell for 11 a couple of overs later. Mahesh Vyas also chipped in with 11. Sohail didn't last too long but there were high hopes for Moin. Rafi scored a most destructive century in the first game between the two sides but sadly his brother could not emulate the great man and his demise left Nomads heading for ignominious defeat on about 80 for 5.
Hassan was still there and continued the excellent form he has shown this season. Abdul Khan joined him and produced one of his most careful and sensible innings in support before falling for 25. Riaz Khan inevitably hit an early six, to match the one he thumped over Emil Todorow's head for Caribbean in the corresponding fixture last year, but the opening bowler returned to claim two Khans in one over; Riaz for 20 and Hassan for a fine 75.
The game seemed just about up for Nomads but Gopi produced some very entertaining batting, including a towering six over mid-wicket, and his regular sidekick Emil Todorow stuck around in support though a massive run out appeal was rather controversially turned down. The run rate had been just too steep and Nomads' 35 overs closed at 210 for 8. A decent and enjoyable game; Caribbean Mix's seventh win over Nomads in 10 games but certainly not one of the wider margins. The match was played in good spirit but there was nothing to match Jim Ferguson's exhortations to show "Sex Appeal" from last year. The closest anyone came was the remarkably accurate barking dog impression produced by a Mix fielder whenever a Nomads wicket fell.
Man of the Match was Hassan Khan whose 75 was by far the largest innings, though Abdul Khan's bowling and batting made him a close runner-up. I asked Emil Todorow who he thought was Fielder of the Day. "None of them," he replied with a thick frown. Ben Fewson has subsquently been selected as his fielding was less error-strewn than most.
Caribbean Mix 247 for 7 from 35 overs
H. Khan 7-0-41-1
E. Todorow 7-0-46-1
G. Pala 6-0-33-1
R. Khan 7-0-46-1
M. Chand 3-0-26-0
A. Khan 3-0-18-2
Sohail 2-0-22-0
Clapham Nomads 210 for 8 from 35 overs
M. Bradshaw 11
B. Fewson 9
M. Vyas 11
H. Khan 75
Sohail 4
M. Chand 0
A. Khan 26
R. Khan 19
G. Pala 26 not out
E. Todorow 2 not out
Did not bat; J. Crossland
F.O.W. - 22, 23, 39, 69, 69, 131, 177, 177
Clapham Nomads lost by 37 runs
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