Sunday 30 July 2017
Palm Tree v Clapham Nomads - 30/7/17
Nomads' "tour" match at Highgate Woods against Palm Tree was called off after torrential rain across the capital last night. This is a good fixture on a lovely ground but it could have been a bit problematic getting there due to roads being closed for the London Cycle Race. Also, showers were forecast so it was a good call. Hope to play Palm Tree again next year.
Monday 24 July 2017
Northfields v Clapham Nomads - 23/7/17
Nomads won an incredible game by 1 run - our narrowest-ever winning margin, I think - away at Northfields' ground in London W5 yesterday in a 30-overs a side contest.
Actually, the most miraculous thing about this match was that it was played at all. I had to put up a guarantee of a fairly decent sum of money in case there was damage caused by Nomads' players to the properties bordering the ground (presumably from big shots, but - who knows - maybe from other causes as well.) I hasten to add that Nomads have never damaged any property***, despite our many big hitters, but apparently some of Northfields' other opponents have. I would have cancelled the game if it was not for the dread of having to organise another match while working night shift. Then, yesterday morning, I started receiving dire warnings of torrential rain, hail, frogs, tsunamis etc in West London (from the BBC and from the opposition) and some Nomads wanted the game cancelled - I'm very glad that I did not do so. Finally, Emil did brilliantly to take a 13-man squad to Ealing - which most Nomads assume is quite near Cardiff.
Anyway, enough self-indulgent waffle. Nomads batted (? we were inserted) on a very green track with variable bounce and were soon 10 for 3. A half-century stand between Riaz and Hassan ( of which, amazingly, Hassan only scored 4 but played a fine support role) followed. The main act was Riaz who played possibly his finest innings for the club with a devastating 52, including 22 off the last 10 balls from Kent, Northfields' best bowler, who had been unplayable until that point.
Once these two departed, the innings tailed off a bit but some fine hitting from Abbas (16) took us over the 100 at least.
After just a few spots of rain the skies brightened after tea but Nomads looked clear second favourites, especially when the 1st over of the home side's reply (from Abbas) went for 13. Emil claims he then "said something" to Abbas and, whatever it was, it should be patented as Abbas did not concede a single scoring shot in his remaining 5 overs. Sami also bowled very well, going for only 10 off his 6 overs but the best bowling was from Zia who ended with the remarkable figures of 4 for 6 off 6 overs. This was absolutely top-class pace bowling; John said it was the best collective bowling he had seen from a Nomads attack.
The low target, plus some byes conceded by stand-in keeper Mahesh, who otherwise had a good day behind the stumps, meant that the West London outfit were not totally out of the hunt at any stage. Faseeh, Hassan, Javed and KK bowled respectably and only 80 runs were scored in the 28 overs between the end of the first and the start of the last. Northfields needed 12 to win (with 1 or 2 wickets remaining) from the final over, bowled by KK. 6 were needed from the last 3 and then, I'm told by Emil and John, the ball went through to keeper Mahesh who did not take it cleanly but removed the bails in a reflex "stumping action." An umpire decided that this constituted a No Ball and initially wanted to give 2 runs for the no ball (I don't think that has been done on Sunday cricket for 15 years). The official backed down on the 2 issue but insisted that it was a no ball due to Mahesh removing the bails. I wasn't there but it all sounds quite random (rather like stating that a bowler wearing green socks means 4 is given to the batting side) but I'll probably check the rules - sorry, laws - and end up with egg on my face as usual. Anyway, 1 was given for the no ball, the batsmen also ran 1 off this ball and, with the extra delivery, 4 were needed off 3. Thankfully, our fielders, who had been a tad "puzzled" by the decision soon had something to celebrate as only 2 further singles were scored with a run out off the final ball. Nomads had won by the minimum margin. Amazing scenes.
Man of the Match - You would not often take 4 for 6 off 6 overs and not be man of the match but Zia is unlucky to miss out to an incredible display of hitting by Riaz (he even managed to avoid smashing any windows.) His 52 is put into context by the next highest score on either side being 16.
I will do Fielder of the Day and update the scores and report when I get the scorebook back.
Nomads won by 1 run.
*** The oak tree on Wandsworth Common?
Clapham Nomads 104 all out from 21.5 overs
Mahesh 6
Darwin 1
Javed 0
Hassan 4
Riaz 52
Zia 9
Faseeh 4
KK 3
Abbas 16
Sami 4
Emil not out 0
F.O.W. - 7, 7, 10, 62, 67, 71, 83, 83, 100, 104
Northfields 103 for 9 from 30 overs
Nomads' bowling;
Abbas 6-4-10-1
Sami 6-2-10-0
Zia 6-2-6-4
Hassan 1-0-4-0
Faseeh 5-0-23-1
Javed 3-0-14-0
KK 3-0-16-1
Man of the Match - Riaz
Fielder of the Day - ??
Actually, the most miraculous thing about this match was that it was played at all. I had to put up a guarantee of a fairly decent sum of money in case there was damage caused by Nomads' players to the properties bordering the ground (presumably from big shots, but - who knows - maybe from other causes as well.) I hasten to add that Nomads have never damaged any property***, despite our many big hitters, but apparently some of Northfields' other opponents have. I would have cancelled the game if it was not for the dread of having to organise another match while working night shift. Then, yesterday morning, I started receiving dire warnings of torrential rain, hail, frogs, tsunamis etc in West London (from the BBC and from the opposition) and some Nomads wanted the game cancelled - I'm very glad that I did not do so. Finally, Emil did brilliantly to take a 13-man squad to Ealing - which most Nomads assume is quite near Cardiff.
Anyway, enough self-indulgent waffle. Nomads batted (? we were inserted) on a very green track with variable bounce and were soon 10 for 3. A half-century stand between Riaz and Hassan ( of which, amazingly, Hassan only scored 4 but played a fine support role) followed. The main act was Riaz who played possibly his finest innings for the club with a devastating 52, including 22 off the last 10 balls from Kent, Northfields' best bowler, who had been unplayable until that point.
Once these two departed, the innings tailed off a bit but some fine hitting from Abbas (16) took us over the 100 at least.
After just a few spots of rain the skies brightened after tea but Nomads looked clear second favourites, especially when the 1st over of the home side's reply (from Abbas) went for 13. Emil claims he then "said something" to Abbas and, whatever it was, it should be patented as Abbas did not concede a single scoring shot in his remaining 5 overs. Sami also bowled very well, going for only 10 off his 6 overs but the best bowling was from Zia who ended with the remarkable figures of 4 for 6 off 6 overs. This was absolutely top-class pace bowling; John said it was the best collective bowling he had seen from a Nomads attack.
The low target, plus some byes conceded by stand-in keeper Mahesh, who otherwise had a good day behind the stumps, meant that the West London outfit were not totally out of the hunt at any stage. Faseeh, Hassan, Javed and KK bowled respectably and only 80 runs were scored in the 28 overs between the end of the first and the start of the last. Northfields needed 12 to win (with 1 or 2 wickets remaining) from the final over, bowled by KK. 6 were needed from the last 3 and then, I'm told by Emil and John, the ball went through to keeper Mahesh who did not take it cleanly but removed the bails in a reflex "stumping action." An umpire decided that this constituted a No Ball and initially wanted to give 2 runs for the no ball (I don't think that has been done on Sunday cricket for 15 years). The official backed down on the 2 issue but insisted that it was a no ball due to Mahesh removing the bails. I wasn't there but it all sounds quite random (rather like stating that a bowler wearing green socks means 4 is given to the batting side) but I'll probably check the rules - sorry, laws - and end up with egg on my face as usual. Anyway, 1 was given for the no ball, the batsmen also ran 1 off this ball and, with the extra delivery, 4 were needed off 3. Thankfully, our fielders, who had been a tad "puzzled" by the decision soon had something to celebrate as only 2 further singles were scored with a run out off the final ball. Nomads had won by the minimum margin. Amazing scenes.
Man of the Match - You would not often take 4 for 6 off 6 overs and not be man of the match but Zia is unlucky to miss out to an incredible display of hitting by Riaz (he even managed to avoid smashing any windows.) His 52 is put into context by the next highest score on either side being 16.
I will do Fielder of the Day and update the scores and report when I get the scorebook back.
Nomads won by 1 run.
*** The oak tree on Wandsworth Common?
Clapham Nomads 104 all out from 21.5 overs
Mahesh 6
Darwin 1
Javed 0
Hassan 4
Riaz 52
Zia 9
Faseeh 4
KK 3
Abbas 16
Sami 4
Emil not out 0
F.O.W. - 7, 7, 10, 62, 67, 71, 83, 83, 100, 104
Northfields 103 for 9 from 30 overs
Nomads' bowling;
Abbas 6-4-10-1
Sami 6-2-10-0
Zia 6-2-6-4
Hassan 1-0-4-0
Faseeh 5-0-23-1
Javed 3-0-14-0
KK 3-0-16-1
Man of the Match - Riaz
Fielder of the Day - ??
Monday 17 July 2017
Long Ditton v Clapham Nomads
Long Ditton 166 for 7 from 35 overs beat Clapham Nomads 141 all out from 27.5 overs by 25 runs.
This fixture had lapsed for some reason but a quick arrangement was made via "The Fixture List" on wednesday when both clubs were looking for a game.
It was an excellent game with some of Nomads' tightest bowling of the season restricting the hosts to what seemed like a gettable total.
We looked to be in the box seat for most of our innings (and several Long Ditton players confirmed that they had shared this feeling) but we kept picking out fielders just a little too often with aerial shots and a dramatic final over in which (?) Neely took our last 3 wickets ended our effort prematurely.
It was played in a very good spirit though with the Surrey side well captained by Tom Bennett, who was also one of their trio of impressive spinners; a useful asset which Nomads lacked on this slow pitch.
Nomads batted very entertainingly.
Just a note on Umpiring decisions; Several Nomads players felt that a shot given as 2 had crossed the line and had gone for 4. It is rare that these calls make a massive difference to the outcome and it did not do so yesterday. Unless the white line is very bright and the umpire can see what has happened, you really have to take the fielder's word for it. This is something that almost all Sunday teams do and accept - not just the Nomads. Rather more significant in the context of the match result were a couple of diving catches that were claimed, and the batsmen were dismissed. These both looked close calls and some of the Nomads felt they should have been challenged. I had a few doubts about the second one myself - KK's wicket. However, it is extremely difficult for the umpires to query it when the fielder says he has caught it legitimately, without causing serious damage to the integrity and atmosphere of the match which again, particularly at Sunday friendly level, no-one wants.
These are two areas where it is accepted that the fielding side has the benefit of the doubt. The batsmen benefit from having the benefit of the doubt on LBW, Caught Behind, Run out and Stumped decisions and the major advantage (massive advantage many Nomads' opponents would claim) of having umpires from their own side.
The atmosphere in this fixture the last time I played in it (in 2015) was not great if I remember correctly and so it was important to have an improvement in this area yesterday, which we did. NL
SCORES AND FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW - SCORES NOW ADDED
(I forgot to bring the scorebook but fortunately John had an old piece of paper in his back pocket - not the sort of paper Emil suggested he keep score on. John has taken this scoresheet on his walking holiday in Staffordshire so I don't have the scores. Mahesh, Javed, Faseeh, Zia and Hassan all made a few runs. I think Sami was the most economical bowler. (UPDATE .....Faseeh was the most economical) John took a full-length diving, one-handed catch.)
Long Ditton 166 for 7 from 35 overs
Nomads bowling;
Sami 6-0-22-1
Faseeh 5-1-12-0
Abbas 7-1-43-0
Emil 3-0-15-1
Zia 6-1-23-2
KK 5-0-18-0
Hassan 2-0-11-3
Riaz 1-0-13-0
Clapham Nomads 141 all out from 27/5 overs
Mahesh 25
Riaz 0
Javed 30
Hassan 5
Faseeh 23
Zia 31
KK 2
Sami 9
Abbas 0
Emil not out 1
John 0
F.O.W. - 5, 56, 70, 86, 105, 117, 140, 140, 141, 141
Man of the Match - Faseeh
Fielder of the Day - John
This fixture had lapsed for some reason but a quick arrangement was made via "The Fixture List" on wednesday when both clubs were looking for a game.
It was an excellent game with some of Nomads' tightest bowling of the season restricting the hosts to what seemed like a gettable total.
We looked to be in the box seat for most of our innings (and several Long Ditton players confirmed that they had shared this feeling) but we kept picking out fielders just a little too often with aerial shots and a dramatic final over in which (?) Neely took our last 3 wickets ended our effort prematurely.
It was played in a very good spirit though with the Surrey side well captained by Tom Bennett, who was also one of their trio of impressive spinners; a useful asset which Nomads lacked on this slow pitch.
Nomads batted very entertainingly.
Just a note on Umpiring decisions; Several Nomads players felt that a shot given as 2 had crossed the line and had gone for 4. It is rare that these calls make a massive difference to the outcome and it did not do so yesterday. Unless the white line is very bright and the umpire can see what has happened, you really have to take the fielder's word for it. This is something that almost all Sunday teams do and accept - not just the Nomads. Rather more significant in the context of the match result were a couple of diving catches that were claimed, and the batsmen were dismissed. These both looked close calls and some of the Nomads felt they should have been challenged. I had a few doubts about the second one myself - KK's wicket. However, it is extremely difficult for the umpires to query it when the fielder says he has caught it legitimately, without causing serious damage to the integrity and atmosphere of the match which again, particularly at Sunday friendly level, no-one wants.
These are two areas where it is accepted that the fielding side has the benefit of the doubt. The batsmen benefit from having the benefit of the doubt on LBW, Caught Behind, Run out and Stumped decisions and the major advantage (massive advantage many Nomads' opponents would claim) of having umpires from their own side.
The atmosphere in this fixture the last time I played in it (in 2015) was not great if I remember correctly and so it was important to have an improvement in this area yesterday, which we did. NL
SCORES AND FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW - SCORES NOW ADDED
(I forgot to bring the scorebook but fortunately John had an old piece of paper in his back pocket - not the sort of paper Emil suggested he keep score on. John has taken this scoresheet on his walking holiday in Staffordshire so I don't have the scores. Mahesh, Javed, Faseeh, Zia and Hassan all made a few runs. I think Sami was the most economical bowler. (UPDATE .....Faseeh was the most economical) John took a full-length diving, one-handed catch.)
Long Ditton 166 for 7 from 35 overs
Nomads bowling;
Sami 6-0-22-1
Faseeh 5-1-12-0
Abbas 7-1-43-0
Emil 3-0-15-1
Zia 6-1-23-2
KK 5-0-18-0
Hassan 2-0-11-3
Riaz 1-0-13-0
Clapham Nomads 141 all out from 27/5 overs
Mahesh 25
Riaz 0
Javed 30
Hassan 5
Faseeh 23
Zia 31
KK 2
Sami 9
Abbas 0
Emil not out 1
John 0
F.O.W. - 5, 56, 70, 86, 105, 117, 140, 140, 141, 141
Man of the Match - Faseeh
Fielder of the Day - John
Wednesday 12 July 2017
Dulwich v Clapham Nomads - 9/7/17
Nomads beat Dulwich's talented development XI by 3 wickets on Sunday. In each innings, Dulwich had the better of it early on before Nomads recovered; the home side reaching 120 for 1 before Clapham regrouped with the declaration coming on 186 for 5 off 37. In our reply, we were 4 for 2 and 44 for 4 but brilliant batting from Hassan (65 not out) well supported by Sami and Abbas saw us home in the penultimate over.
Dulwich 186 for 7 from 37 overs
Nomads' bowling
Sami 7-0-32-0
Emil 6-0-34-0
Faseeh 6-0-36-0
Abbas 8-1-30-3
Hassan 6-1-24-3
KK 4-0-22-0
Clapham Nomads 187 for 7 from 30.3 overs
Mahesh 0
Javed 0
Darwin 30
KK 13
Faseeh 23
Zaman 5
Hassan 65 not out
Sami 11
Abbas 23 not out
Did not bat; Emil(capt), John (wkt)
F.O.W. - 0, 4, 30, 44, 58, 86, 156
Man of the match - Hassan
Fielder of the day - Sami
FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW SOON
I'll do this report soon but, in the meantime some further highlights before I forget. Hassan's batting was absolutely excellent but I must also mention the very solid support Sami gave him in a vital partnership of 70 for the 7th wicket. Also, some great hitting from Abbas who blasted us home with 23 in next to no time out of an unbroken 8th wicket stand with Hassan at a time when another wicket could have put us in trouble. Finally, some particularly impressive batting from one of Dulwich's youngsters, Shaw, who only made about 20 but scored this with excellent style and power.
Dulwich 186 for 7 from 37 overs
Nomads' bowling
Sami 7-0-32-0
Emil 6-0-34-0
Faseeh 6-0-36-0
Abbas 8-1-30-3
Hassan 6-1-24-3
KK 4-0-22-0
Clapham Nomads 187 for 7 from 30.3 overs
Mahesh 0
Javed 0
Darwin 30
KK 13
Faseeh 23
Zaman 5
Hassan 65 not out
Sami 11
Abbas 23 not out
Did not bat; Emil(capt), John (wkt)
F.O.W. - 0, 4, 30, 44, 58, 86, 156
Man of the match - Hassan
Fielder of the day - Sami
FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW SOON
I'll do this report soon but, in the meantime some further highlights before I forget. Hassan's batting was absolutely excellent but I must also mention the very solid support Sami gave him in a vital partnership of 70 for the 7th wicket. Also, some great hitting from Abbas who blasted us home with 23 in next to no time out of an unbroken 8th wicket stand with Hassan at a time when another wicket could have put us in trouble. Finally, some particularly impressive batting from one of Dulwich's youngsters, Shaw, who only made about 20 but scored this with excellent style and power.
Tuesday 4 July 2017
John's back
It was great to see John Crossland take the gloves for Nomads following his 5-match spell with Energy Exiles. He enjoyed his time with our fierce but friendly rivals and there will be an account of his adventures on this blog soon.
He is an excellent cricketer - one of the best wicketkeepers at this level and an underestimated batsman.
He is an excellent cricketer - one of the best wicketkeepers at this level and an underestimated batsman.
Barnes Occasionals v Clapham Nomads - 2/7/17
Nomads made a decent return from our Ramadan and Eid break with a good performance to get slightly the better of a draw against our oldest cricketing friends the Barnes Occasionals.
It is good to see the Occasionals have returned to their traditional tribal home at Rocks Lane. The facilities have been upgraded. I didn't play in this one myself but John and Emil were impressed.
Barnes won the toss and skipper Tom Hooker inserted Clapham, knowing that this pretty much guaranteed the Home side a draw at least, given their experienced batting line-up.
Nomads made a slightly shaky start with Javed, happily recovered from his illness in the previous game, run out in the first over. Mahesh continued his fine form with 24 but 3 early wickets had us in a little difficulty. Happily, the middle order was consistent with just about everybody chipping in with runs, led by Zia who hit a magnificent 67. It was good to see our popular swing bowler Sami make a return. Nomads reached 221 for 7 at tea which made a defeat, at least, seem unlikely.
Led by classy strokemaker Roger Price, Barnes started impressively and were in the hunt for victory at one stage with Price making 71 and number 3 Solanke hitting 49. Steady Nomads bowling and a few wickets tipped the balance back towards the Away side, Sami's cousin Faseeh, was possibly the pick of the bowlers. Barnes called off the chase and finished on 154 for 6 for a comfortable draw. There was some discussion as to whether skipper Emil Todorow should have declared but, with capable defensive players such as D.M Webster, Keith Seed and Ollie Hogg to come, we would have needed at the very least another 10 overs to have had any chance of dismissing Occasionals and declaring 10 overs earlier would have left us with only around 165 runs on the board which would not have been a safe total.
Anyway, apparently it was an enjoyable afternoon and we look forward to the return fixture in September.
Clapham Nomads - 221 for 7 from 32 overs
M.Vyas b Edwards 24
J. Iqbal run out 0
R. Khan b Hooker 12
H. Khan ct -------- b Hogg 12
Zia ct Price b Chandra 67
D. Gunawardena b Chandra
Faseeh not out 41
KK Khusro b Hogg 4
Sami not out 11
Did not bat; E.Todorow (Capt), J. Crossland (Wkt)
F.O.W. - 0, 17, 35, 151, 152, 165, 186
Barnes Occasionals - 154 for 6 from 36 overs
R. Price c H.Khan b R.Khan 71
A. Metcalfe c Zia b Hassan 6
R. Solanke c Vyas b KK Khusro 49
G. Chandra c Faseeh b Zia
JP Mauro b Faseeh 0
P. Carey b R.Khan 9
T. Edwards not out 6
T. Hooker not out 1
Did not bat; DM Webster, O. Hogg, K. Seed
F.O.W - 29, 118, 123, 124, 136, 148
Match Drawn
I will update this report when I get the scorebook back.
Man of the Match - Zia.
Fielder of the Day - I think we took 4 catches but I heard there were quite a few drops as well. I will ask John Crossland who he thought the best fielder was........and then stand well back. UPDATE - Catches were taken by Zia, Mahesh, Faseeh and Hassan. Mahesh has just informed me that his was a diving catch so that automatically gives him Fielder of the Day.
FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW
It is good to see the Occasionals have returned to their traditional tribal home at Rocks Lane. The facilities have been upgraded. I didn't play in this one myself but John and Emil were impressed.
Barnes won the toss and skipper Tom Hooker inserted Clapham, knowing that this pretty much guaranteed the Home side a draw at least, given their experienced batting line-up.
Nomads made a slightly shaky start with Javed, happily recovered from his illness in the previous game, run out in the first over. Mahesh continued his fine form with 24 but 3 early wickets had us in a little difficulty. Happily, the middle order was consistent with just about everybody chipping in with runs, led by Zia who hit a magnificent 67. It was good to see our popular swing bowler Sami make a return. Nomads reached 221 for 7 at tea which made a defeat, at least, seem unlikely.
Led by classy strokemaker Roger Price, Barnes started impressively and were in the hunt for victory at one stage with Price making 71 and number 3 Solanke hitting 49. Steady Nomads bowling and a few wickets tipped the balance back towards the Away side, Sami's cousin Faseeh, was possibly the pick of the bowlers. Barnes called off the chase and finished on 154 for 6 for a comfortable draw. There was some discussion as to whether skipper Emil Todorow should have declared but, with capable defensive players such as D.M Webster, Keith Seed and Ollie Hogg to come, we would have needed at the very least another 10 overs to have had any chance of dismissing Occasionals and declaring 10 overs earlier would have left us with only around 165 runs on the board which would not have been a safe total.
Anyway, apparently it was an enjoyable afternoon and we look forward to the return fixture in September.
Clapham Nomads - 221 for 7 from 32 overs
M.Vyas b Edwards 24
J. Iqbal run out 0
R. Khan b Hooker 12
H. Khan ct -------- b Hogg 12
Zia ct Price b Chandra 67
D. Gunawardena b Chandra
Faseeh not out 41
KK Khusro b Hogg 4
Sami not out 11
Did not bat; E.Todorow (Capt), J. Crossland (Wkt)
F.O.W. - 0, 17, 35, 151, 152, 165, 186
Barnes Occasionals - 154 for 6 from 36 overs
R. Price c H.Khan b R.Khan 71
A. Metcalfe c Zia b Hassan 6
R. Solanke c Vyas b KK Khusro 49
G. Chandra c Faseeh b Zia
JP Mauro b Faseeh 0
P. Carey b R.Khan 9
T. Edwards not out 6
T. Hooker not out 1
Did not bat; DM Webster, O. Hogg, K. Seed
F.O.W - 29, 118, 123, 124, 136, 148
Match Drawn
I will update this report when I get the scorebook back.
Man of the Match - Zia.
Fielder of the Day - I think we took 4 catches but I heard there were quite a few drops as well. I will ask John Crossland who he thought the best fielder was........and then stand well back. UPDATE - Catches were taken by Zia, Mahesh, Faseeh and Hassan. Mahesh has just informed me that his was a diving catch so that automatically gives him Fielder of the Day.
FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW
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