Energy Exiles v Clapham Nomads - 13/5/18

Nomads made it 2 out of 2 with a professional performance to close out a win against our dearest rivals the Energy Exiles. Exiles had several new faces but it was pleasing to record a second win in a row against Energy - for I think the first time in about 7 years.
Skipper Emil Todorow guessed correctly and inserted  the Home side at a damp but drying Abbey Rec - a good toss to win.
Exiles started cautiously - which they often do to great effect - but a sensational diving slip catch by Mahesh "The Gazelle" Vyas broke the opening stand. Exiles' skipper Chris Plume carved out a fine half-century but - despite a period when singles were being taken almost at will - Nomads kept our shape and, despite late acceleration, restricted Energy to 160 for 8 off the full 35.
I don't have the scorebook and I missed the game due to family illness (about the first time I have missed one of these fascinating clashes for a non work-related reason) but Emil and John told me that KK, Zia (with 3), Hasan and Abbas shared the wickets and that Sami also bowled well. Emil also bowled but did not tell me - Mr Modesty that he is - whether he bowled well; however he only went for about 20 off 5 overs and John did not criticise him so he must have been fairly good.
It was all rather similar to last week; local rivals, a tight bowling performance, a target in the 160s - and the similarities continued in our innings with a cautious but important opening stand (Mahesh returning to his rightful spot this week to accompany Darwin, replacing last week's opener Emil.)
This was followed - as last week - by a cameo burst of acceleration from Javed, sensible batting from Hasan and aggressive shot-making from Riaz and Zia. We lost 5 wickets this week and Sami came in at 7 to secure the victory with Zia.
Next game is not until 24th June so, in the meantime, best wishes to all those who observe Ramadan and Eid.

SCORES AND FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW.

Man of the Match - Hasan.
Fielder of the Day - Mahesh

Nomads' team - Mahesh, Darwin, Javed, Hasan, Riaz, Zia, Sami, KK, Abbas, Emil (Capt), John (Wkt)

Energy Exiles 160 for 8 from 35 overs

Nomads' bowling;

Hasan 4-3-1-1
Sami  7-0-36-0
Emil  5-0-16-0
Abbas  7-1-38-1
KK 6-0-25-2
Zia  5-0-24-3
Riaz  1-0-10-1

Clapham Nomads 161 for 5 from 32.2 overs

Mahesh  16
Darwin  21
Javed  11
Hasan  40
Riaz  10
Zia  40 not out
Sami  7 not out

Did not bat - KK, Abbas, Emil (capt), John (wkt)

F.O.W - 33, 53, 58, 78, 142

Clapham Nomads won by 5 wickets

Wimbledon United v Clapham Nomads - 6/5/18

FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW.

Wimbledon United 166 all out from approx. 38 overs

Nomads top bowler was KK with 4 for 20something

Clapham Nomads passed the total for the loss of 4 wickets with about 8 overs remaining

Top scorer was Hasan with 40 not out.  Responsible and elegant batting

Riaz made approx. 38. Several big hits.

Zia was not out for something in the 30s - he hit some enormous sixes. He almost hit it over the trees; the ball just clipped the top branch on its way out of the ground.

Emil not only opened the batting and made 8 out of an opening stand of 41 with Darwin, but also took an incredible one-handed catch as Square Leg.  I compared this to Andrew's one-handed catch from 2000 and John said; "Yeah, well they've both got big fleshy palms."

Zia engineered a magical run out at a crucial stage by knocking out the only stump he could see - from 20 yards back.

A great win for Nomads by 6 wickets.

Nomads' team - Darwin, Emil (capt), Javed, Hasan, Riaz, Zia, KK, Sami, Abbas, Nick, John (wkt)

Man of the Match - Zia
Fielder of the Day - Emil

MORE TO FOLLOW SOON...

Wimbledon United 166 from 39.4 overs

Nomads' bowling;

Sami  8-2-22-0
Hasan  7.4-0-27-2
Abbas  8-0-36-2
Zia  8-0-41-1
KK 8-0-29-4

Clapham Nomads 168 for 4 from 30.5 overs

Darwin  28
Emil (capt)  8
Javed  10
Hasan  40 not out
Riaz  38
Zia  31 not out

Did not bat - KK, Sami, Abbas, Nick, John (wkt)

F.O.W - 41, 52, 52, 129

Clapham Nomads won by 6 wickets