Energy Exiles v Clapham Nomads - 1/9/19

Nomads played Exiles last Sunday for an unprecedented 4th time this season. I think there is some stalking going on here.  Here is John Crossland's report which he actually wrote for the Energy Exiles' website but it is so good that I am going to risk infringing copyright laws by putting it on here as well.

"On winning the toss, Clapham Nomads decided to bat first which they don’t do very often, normally preferring to bowl.  Mahesh Vyas and Abdul got the innings off to a good start, putting on 62. Abdul made a quickfire 39 with 6 fours and 2 sixes, a lot of his runs coming off the bowling of Jamshed who did however get him out LBW.  Darwin, who has really been struggling for runs this season, came in and he finally found some form hitting exactly 50 in a partnership of 101 with Hasan, who was still captaining the side while Emil Todorow is in Bulgaria. Hasan retired on 56. I think this might be the first time a Nomads player has retired, at least in a proper game.  The rest of the batsmen lost their wickets going for quick runs towards the end of the innings but a total of 222 was probably going to be enough on a slightly dodgy wicket.

Energy Exiles were handicapped in their bowling as Andrew Wingfield had an injury and could only bowl at a reduced pace. Bernard Leuvennink bowled reasonably well taking 3 for 42. Phil Ling, who opened the bowling, did not bowl badly either although he did not take a wicket.

In reply the Exiles lost both openers cheaply and were soon 4 wickets down for not many. The impressive Bilal and Leuvennink repaired some of the damage with a decent partnership for the 5^th wicket. Zia came into the attack and bowled really well dismissing the dangerous Bilal for 56 and also Leuvennink for 32. He finished with 4 for 7 from 5 overs.  Abbas had earlier taken 3 for 43. Until Bilal was out the Exiles were still in with a chance. They were eventually all out for 111.

This season the Nomads and Exiles have played each other 4 times. The score is 2 each. If possible it would be good to have a 5^th and deciding game before the season ends."

John Crossland.

So the amazing possibility has been suggested. A 5th test decider. Just to let you know that The Oval costs about 25,000 to book for a match - so only just over a grand a player. But would it be big enough?

Clapham Nomads 222 from 35 overs

Mahesh  14

Abdul  39

Darwin  50

Hasan (capt)  retired 56

Zia  13

KK  13

Hayan  2

Abbas  0

Zaman 5

John (wkt)  not out 1

F.O.W. - 62, 69, 170, 183, 212, 212, 215, 222

Energy Exiles  111 from 23.1 overs

Nomads' bowling;

Abbas  7-0-34-3

Zaman  5-0-35-1

KK  5-0-29-0

Zia  5-2-7-4

Abdul  1.1-0-3-2

Nomads won by 111 runs

Man of the Match - Zia

Fielder of the Day - To be decided.

I just noticed. 222 beat 111. A triple Nelson. Someone is trying to tell us something.