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