Sorry for the delay, I had some problems getting online.
Nomads lost 8 days ago to Addington at Nursery Road. The margin was 9 wickets - in fact we came close to our first ever 10-wicket defeat - but it wasn't quite the thrashing it sounds. It was a reasonably enjoyable day against a pleasant and sporting opposition. FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW,
Clapham Nomads 74 all out from 25.3 overs
M. Bradshaw 2
P. Pattiyil 34
M. Islam 5
M. Vyas 1
G. Poole 4
N. Lefebve not out 4
E. Todorow 1
A. Paz 1
J. Crossland 1
A. West 0
F.O.W. - 4, 16, 48, 53, 61, 64, 66, 70, 74
Addington 1743 - 78 for 1 from 17.2 overs
Nomads bowling;
A. Paz 5-0-26-0
E. Todorow 5-1-20-0
A. West 4-1-12-1
M. Islam 3-0-12-0
G. Poole 0.2-0-5-0
Nomads lost by 9 wickets.
Man of the Match was Prasanth Pattiyil, the one batsman to make much headway against a useful, pacy attack on a slightly trappy pitch. Pick of the bowlers was Andrew West who bowled an accurate spell. Fielder of the Day was debutant Mohammed Islam who took a splendid diving catch when Addington only required 4 to win, to save us from 10-wicket humiliation.
REPORT........ 20th July saw new opponents visit the Nomads at Nursery Road; Addington (1743) who, as indicated by their name, are one of the oldest clubs in the country and have a fascinating history. I wonder how long it will be before we are known as Clapham Nomads (1994). Sometime next century, I guess. How many consecutive appearances will Emil Todorow have made by then?
One piece of trivia that links us is that both clubs have had a Test cricketer play for them in the past 7 years. For more details, google Addington Mohammed Amir.
The start was delayed as several Addington players went to the wrong Nursery Road, SW19. This might have been my fault....sorry, guys! The visiting skipper Frank Gibson eventually won the toss and inserted Nomads on a pitch that looked dodgier than anything Merton Council have produced for a few years, though this could be explained by the weather of the previous few days which had featured 88 degree heat alternating with torrential thunderstorms.
Amsad and Miah took the new ball against a Nomads line-up depleted by Ramadan and the latter bowler struck with the 9th ball of the innings, bowling Mark Bradshaw with a ball that deviated in off the pitch and kept low.
A boundary apiece for Prasanth Pattiyil and debut man Mohammed Islam could not disguise the threat posed by the pacy openers on a track offering plenty of assistance. Miah struck again in his 2nd over, having the former Energy Exiles player Islam smartly caught behind.
Mahesh Vyas joined Prasanth and a lot depended on this stand. These two tend to bat well together but often have a few run out scares as well. The batting below Vyas had a somewhat threadbare look to it.
Prasanth started to play some powerful shots and, with Mahesh providing solid support, the opening spells were seen off. 38 for 2 off 8 overs was a bit more like it.
Reasonable progress was maintained against the change bowlers McDowell and Rehman but on 48 Vyas snicked one leg side a bit unluckily into the keeper's gloves.
Prasanth managed one further 4 but was bowled by Rahman for a fine 34.
George Poole cracked an excellent 4 behind Point but, in doing so, aggravated a shoulder injury and, understandably, failed to get the bat down onto a pearoller from Rehman. 61 for 5.
Nick Lefebve was digging in and, while Poole, Todorow and Paz - who can all play big shots - were around, he was content to hold one end up. Unfortunately, Todorow's wicket was soon snapped up by the lethal Rehman and then Gibson rapped Paz's pads; the ball dropped to the ground, hesitated (if an inanimate object can hesitate) and crawled back onto the base of the stumps with just about enough energy to dislodge a bail. A most unlucky wicket.
Lefebve now had to take the initiative and clipped a few leg-side shots off Gibson but also missed several good opportunities. John Crossland got off the mark nicely but this was the cue for the openers to return and Miah bagged our wicketkeeper to pave the way for the entrance of Mr Andrew West, the type of batsman Addington may not have encountered before, despite their 271-year history.
Miah knocked back West's stumps second ball with a fast full toss which, despite passing West at knee height, was called a No Ball. An understandable call, I suppose, given that West was batting and cricket is all about entertainment. It was only a brief reprieve as a slower ball did for our last man to wrap up the innings on 74.
Victory seemed off the agenda against a sharp-looking Away side but, with the irregular bounce, we were hopeful of taking a few wickets and making it interesting.
Adam Paz had first go and bowled as quickly as he has for Nomads. Emil Todorow featured at the other end. There were chances; a tricky catch went down in the deep and Todorow lost sight of a gentle caught and bowled opportunity in the fierce sun. The batsman cracked on at 5 an over though and any pressure soon dissipated. If I had been captain, I might have brought the change bowlers on earlier. Andrew West is the most accurate of our 4 main bowlers in this match and makes batsmen play - important on this dodgy track, while Mohammed Islam was reputed to be a quality leggie and so he proved; slow and loopy but extracting some sharp turn. These two produced our best bowling but the openers were well set and we looked on course for our first-ever 10-wicket defeat when West caused the batsman to chip one up towards short Mid Off where Mohammed Islam took a superb diving catch.
An injured George Poole bowled his first 2 balls for Nomads as the last rites were administered.
A heavy defeat obviously, but I enjoyed playing against Addington, a nice bunch of guys who play the game the right way; tough but fair and sporting. I hope we'll play them again with a stronger Nomads line-up.
We had a drink in the Prince of Wales with 3 of Addington's elder statesmen who were highly amused as John repeated continuously; "That was a complete waste of my time." I got the impression that John's antics helped to rescue their day from being a waste of time. There was also quite a poignant moment as Andrew West, who has only been a sporadic selection in recent years, suddenly gazed into the distance and said; "I'd love to play every game."
Monday 28 July 2014
Thursday 3 July 2014
Touring Theatres v Clapham Nomads - 29/6/14
Last Sunday's game against our oldest cricketing friends the Theatres, at the Del Ballard Rec in Wimbledon, looked likely to be over before it started as we arrived to find games in full swing on both pitches. Fortunately, a quick phone call from Home skipper Ben Trenchell solved the problem and 2 of the teams trooped off to Raynes Park Sports Ground. This meant that the 2 pitches were occupied by; Touring Theatres, Clapham Nomads, Caribbean Mix and Kings XI. This represents an incredible cross-section of South London Sunday Cricket.
John Crossland was the captain for this one and Emil had done well to put out 10 men starring controversial, outspoken and injury-prone Medium Pacer Andrew West in his first appearance for a year. Nomads batted first in a 35 overs per side contest as angry clouds lowered and drizzle came and went. This hadn't been forecast but was to be expected I suppose on what was the middle Sunday of Wimbledon and also Glastonbury weekend.
Another fine stand between Mark Bradshaw and Prasanth Pattiyil realised over 50 before Prasanth fell caught behind to Blackmore. An even better stand followed between Bradshaw and Darwin, who is hitting it so hard at the moment that any fielder of less than the highest level of athleticism will not stop the ball unless it is hit straight at him.
Bradshaw passed 50 and then plundered 12 off an over from Dirk Fieldhouse to take him into the mid 60s with that intangible aura of a potential centurion starting to surround him. Darwin, who had feasted on the Cover and Mid Off area was unfortunately out 4 short of his maiden Nomads half-century. A quiet spell followed around drinks with Fieldhouse bowling accurately and John Warnaby turning the odd ball - one really sharply from outside off to missing leg.
Mahesh made 12 and Mark began to pick up the pace again, racing through the 80s and 90s accompanied by debutant George Poole (who hit a nice 4) until he reached 99 with Emil Todorow at the other end. A quick single was attempted but Todorow was run out by inches. The now steady rain suddenly turned torrential as it teemed out of a monochrome mid-grey sky. Both teams fled the field and for a minute or so it looked as though Mark would miss out on his first ton for Nomads in the unluckiest of circumstances.
Fortunately the sky turned a paler shade of white and play resumed after 20 minutes, but Adam Paz was quickly out to a catch in the deep. This left Mark still on 99 and on strike with Nick Lefebve, John Crossland and Andrew West (who had only batted 3 times between them so far this summer) to accompany him and around two and a half overs to go. Thankfully he managed to steer one down to the man on the Point boundary and a comfortable single was taken to bring up a fine and well-deserved Century for Mark. John Crossland promptly declared (possibly the first captain ever to do so in a Limited Overs Match.) on 200 for 6.
Over tea, Crossland explained his rationale; with further rain breaks likely, he figured that bowling the full 35 would be unlikely but he wanted to to maximise the amount of daylight in which he could knock over all 8 wickets of a 9-man Theatres side rather than having to claim a spurious faster ran rate or - God forbid - a Duckworth Lewis Method victory. This seemed sensible and who could doubt the genius of the man.
Crossland gave Emil Todorow the first over but all eyes were on Andrew West at the Leather Bottle End. The big man did not disappoint, producing an excellent 7-over spell in which he removed all 3 of Theatres' best batsmen on the day; Ben Martin, Ben Trenchell and Sujeesh. With his unerring accuracy and use of the drying pitch, he was inevitably compared by fielders to "Deadly" Derek Underwood of Kent and England. One thought back, misty-eyed, to Underwood taking the field after a large Canterbury tea, strolling past the lime tree and immediately finding the spot. Yes, the West of his era, though Underwood did not swear quite as much and got hit in the bollocks rather less. He also, like West, had a telepathic understanding with his wicketkeeper, Alan Knott, who with his hyperactivity and acrobatic keeping was a bit of a Crossland clone.
Anyway, enough utter drivel. Emil Todorow also bowled pretty well for few runs but no reward. Adam Paz replaced Todorow downhill and bowled even better. His figures were dented by a few highly debatable wides but he did take the wicket of our own Chris Kennedy, who plays for both sides these days.
Prasanth Pattiyil had not bowled for a while and had a tough task in replacing West but he did a splendid job and took 3 quick wickets for next to nothing to wipe out the Theatres late-middle order. I had to leave for work at this point (7 down for around 41) but in fact it turned out to be all over as the last man didn't bat. This was not really a surprise as I saw him getting out of his car some way away near the tram stop, dressed in his civvies. He may have had arm ache after his umpiring stint.
A good win after a day that started badly. Mark Bradshaw was obviously Man of the Match and becomes only the 8th player to score a ton for the Nomads. Plenty of very good players have not managed to score one for us. Other excellent performances from Prasanth, Darwin and Andrew. Adam and Emil bowled well. John had a good day as skipper; my only criticism is that he didn't give George Poole a bowl. I hope it didn't put you off, George. You'll definitely get a bowl next time. Fielder of the Day is tough as there wasn't that much fielding to do. Adam Paz and John Crossland took a catch apiece. Nick Lefebve was sound, and quite busy, despite a back injury, but I will give to Andrew West who managed to make several good stops, using various parts of his body, without injuring himself.
Clapham Nomads 200 for 6 declared from 33.3 overs
M. Bradshaw not out 100
P. Pattiyil 24
D. Gunawardene 46
M. Vyas 10
G. Poole 4
E. Todorow 3
A. Paz 3
N. Lefebve not out 0
Did not bat; J.Crossland (capt/wkt), A.West
F.O.W. - 60, 157, 170, 176, 186, 199
Touring Theatres 41 for 7 (All out) from 17.2 overs
Nomads bowling;
E. Todorow 7-0-13-0
A. West 7-2-20-3
A. Paz 2-1-4-1
P. Pattiyil 1.2-0-3-3
Clapham Nomads won by 159 runs
Next Match should be 20th July.
John Crossland was the captain for this one and Emil had done well to put out 10 men starring controversial, outspoken and injury-prone Medium Pacer Andrew West in his first appearance for a year. Nomads batted first in a 35 overs per side contest as angry clouds lowered and drizzle came and went. This hadn't been forecast but was to be expected I suppose on what was the middle Sunday of Wimbledon and also Glastonbury weekend.
Another fine stand between Mark Bradshaw and Prasanth Pattiyil realised over 50 before Prasanth fell caught behind to Blackmore. An even better stand followed between Bradshaw and Darwin, who is hitting it so hard at the moment that any fielder of less than the highest level of athleticism will not stop the ball unless it is hit straight at him.
Bradshaw passed 50 and then plundered 12 off an over from Dirk Fieldhouse to take him into the mid 60s with that intangible aura of a potential centurion starting to surround him. Darwin, who had feasted on the Cover and Mid Off area was unfortunately out 4 short of his maiden Nomads half-century. A quiet spell followed around drinks with Fieldhouse bowling accurately and John Warnaby turning the odd ball - one really sharply from outside off to missing leg.
Mahesh made 12 and Mark began to pick up the pace again, racing through the 80s and 90s accompanied by debutant George Poole (who hit a nice 4) until he reached 99 with Emil Todorow at the other end. A quick single was attempted but Todorow was run out by inches. The now steady rain suddenly turned torrential as it teemed out of a monochrome mid-grey sky. Both teams fled the field and for a minute or so it looked as though Mark would miss out on his first ton for Nomads in the unluckiest of circumstances.
Fortunately the sky turned a paler shade of white and play resumed after 20 minutes, but Adam Paz was quickly out to a catch in the deep. This left Mark still on 99 and on strike with Nick Lefebve, John Crossland and Andrew West (who had only batted 3 times between them so far this summer) to accompany him and around two and a half overs to go. Thankfully he managed to steer one down to the man on the Point boundary and a comfortable single was taken to bring up a fine and well-deserved Century for Mark. John Crossland promptly declared (possibly the first captain ever to do so in a Limited Overs Match.) on 200 for 6.
Over tea, Crossland explained his rationale; with further rain breaks likely, he figured that bowling the full 35 would be unlikely but he wanted to to maximise the amount of daylight in which he could knock over all 8 wickets of a 9-man Theatres side rather than having to claim a spurious faster ran rate or - God forbid - a Duckworth Lewis Method victory. This seemed sensible and who could doubt the genius of the man.
Crossland gave Emil Todorow the first over but all eyes were on Andrew West at the Leather Bottle End. The big man did not disappoint, producing an excellent 7-over spell in which he removed all 3 of Theatres' best batsmen on the day; Ben Martin, Ben Trenchell and Sujeesh. With his unerring accuracy and use of the drying pitch, he was inevitably compared by fielders to "Deadly" Derek Underwood of Kent and England. One thought back, misty-eyed, to Underwood taking the field after a large Canterbury tea, strolling past the lime tree and immediately finding the spot. Yes, the West of his era, though Underwood did not swear quite as much and got hit in the bollocks rather less. He also, like West, had a telepathic understanding with his wicketkeeper, Alan Knott, who with his hyperactivity and acrobatic keeping was a bit of a Crossland clone.
Anyway, enough utter drivel. Emil Todorow also bowled pretty well for few runs but no reward. Adam Paz replaced Todorow downhill and bowled even better. His figures were dented by a few highly debatable wides but he did take the wicket of our own Chris Kennedy, who plays for both sides these days.
Prasanth Pattiyil had not bowled for a while and had a tough task in replacing West but he did a splendid job and took 3 quick wickets for next to nothing to wipe out the Theatres late-middle order. I had to leave for work at this point (7 down for around 41) but in fact it turned out to be all over as the last man didn't bat. This was not really a surprise as I saw him getting out of his car some way away near the tram stop, dressed in his civvies. He may have had arm ache after his umpiring stint.
A good win after a day that started badly. Mark Bradshaw was obviously Man of the Match and becomes only the 8th player to score a ton for the Nomads. Plenty of very good players have not managed to score one for us. Other excellent performances from Prasanth, Darwin and Andrew. Adam and Emil bowled well. John had a good day as skipper; my only criticism is that he didn't give George Poole a bowl. I hope it didn't put you off, George. You'll definitely get a bowl next time. Fielder of the Day is tough as there wasn't that much fielding to do. Adam Paz and John Crossland took a catch apiece. Nick Lefebve was sound, and quite busy, despite a back injury, but I will give to Andrew West who managed to make several good stops, using various parts of his body, without injuring himself.
Clapham Nomads 200 for 6 declared from 33.3 overs
M. Bradshaw not out 100
P. Pattiyil 24
D. Gunawardene 46
M. Vyas 10
G. Poole 4
E. Todorow 3
A. Paz 3
N. Lefebve not out 0
Did not bat; J.Crossland (capt/wkt), A.West
F.O.W. - 60, 157, 170, 176, 186, 199
Touring Theatres 41 for 7 (All out) from 17.2 overs
Nomads bowling;
E. Todorow 7-0-13-0
A. West 7-2-20-3
A. Paz 2-1-4-1
P. Pattiyil 1.2-0-3-3
Clapham Nomads won by 159 runs
Next Match should be 20th July.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)