To all Nomads past and present.
Just to remind you that Clapham Nomads are still going strong and will be having their Annual Meeting for 2016 (just 11 weeks late) at the Mirch Masala in Upper Tooting Road, SW17 in March. The provisional date is Sunday March 19th at 7.30 pm. All are extremely welcome. In case you have never been, the food is really good there (it was once rated the 37th-best restaurant in Great Britain - well, its Norbury Branch was.)
Hope to see you all soon.
Nick
Friday, 24 February 2017
Sunday, 5 February 2017
The John Crossland Wicketkeepers XI
In honour of our veteran wicketkeeper John Crossland's outstanding season last year, I have selected a Fantasy Wicketkeepers' XI made up of Nomads players past and present, together with a sprinkling of international stars;
Can you imagine the intensity of the on-field verbals with 11 keepers on the pitch, and try to picture the scene in the dressing room as they limbered up, performed imaginary stumpings, made scathing comments about outfielders' throwing ability and just generally behaved as wicketkeepers do? It would actually be quite scary and that is why I have appointed 2 Team Managers to keep order; Emil Todorow, of course, plus a specialist Wicketkeeper/Manager to be revealed later.
Here is the batting order.
1) - Alec Stewart (Surrey and England) - Much too dapper and technically correct - and not eccentric enough - for a Nomads line-up really, but would almost certainly be the best batsman in the side. Also, like the Nomads, he is believed to have played a lot of cricket in Wimbledon (but probably not at Dundonald Road Rec.)
2) - Mahesh Vyas (Croydon Spinners, Caribbean Mix and Clapham Nomads) - A very capable glovesman and stumping specialist who has deputised successfully for Crossland on several occasions. He would form one half of a classic opening batting partnership - The orthodoxy of Stewart and the improvisation of Vyas. One hopes there would not be too many run-out incidents.
3) - Paul Downton ( Middlesex and England) - Arguably the best defensive batsman in the side and a fine keeper who unfortunately suffered a freak injury worthy of Nomads' own Andrew West when a bail became lodged in his eye. He would be an ideal batting foil for Vyas if Stewart was out early.
4) - Farokh Engineer (Lancashire and India) - A dashing and charismatic performer who opened the batting for Lancashire in Sunday cricket and whose natural air of authority could be a calming influence in this dressing room.
5) - Graeme Douglas (Open University, Battersea Ironsides and Clapham Nomads) - Probably the least proficient keeper in the side but a capable Sunday Cricket batsman. Also, how many of the others in this line-up can boast a string of Top 20 hits? (Kursaal Flyers, Eddie and the Hot Rods.) Would be more than capable of participating in the banter which would quite possibly be a feature of this team - he once described an Open University Line-Up, including several Hunters, as being "a bunch of Mamas and Papas."
6) - Adam Gilchrist (Australia) - An automatic selection who was fantastic to watch but who broke English hearts probably more often than any other player. If this team took on, say, Energy Exiles, it would be great to watch him breaking their hearts if he came in at about 25 for 4 and slog-swept Simon Gundry onto the tram tracks by Nursery Road. Was known for his sporting nature and for "walking." Given Nomads umpires' reputation, he might even find himself walking when LBW appeals were rejected.
7) - Alan Knott (Kent and England) - Like many Nomads, this legend of the 70s was known to be a touch eccentric. Unlike many Nomads, he was a noted fitness fanatic. Stunningly acrobatic and agile, he was a "Keepers' Keeper." His discussions about technique with Crossland would be fascinating to listen to. A very successful late-middle-order batsman.
8) - Jack Russell (Gloucestershire and England) - Another automatic selection. The man from Stroud was pure entertainment and his famously patched-up and disintegrating gloves and hat would not be out of place in Emil Todorow's Nomads Kit Bag.
9) - Wasim Bari (Pakistan) - Rated by many as Pakistan's finest glovesman. He had to cope with facing a bowling line-up containing such diverse styles and talents as Imran Khan and Abdul Qadir. Like Crossland, he famously detested allowing the ball to pass him and, in 1978, he went through a whole 3-match Test series against England without conceding a bye.
10) John Crossland (Open University and Clapham Nomads) - (Captain) - A Clapham Nomads legend who has just had his finest season behind the sticks at the age of ?????. An underused but capable batsman who has scored a 50 for the Nomads and, when reminded that he once spanked Kingston Lefthanders all over the park, replied; "Yes, and I made some runs against them as well." Can occasionally be a harsh critic and it would be entertaining if, in this line-up, he berated Gilchrist for slow scoring e.g. "Come on Adam, we're falling behind the rate and there's only really Knott, Russell and Bari to come.
11) - Bob Taylor (Derbyshire and England) - Would be regarded by many as the most technically proficient wicketkeeper in this side but could possibly not hold his own with the other 10 as a batsman. Would be likely to bat in a 10th wicket partnership with Crossland but I'm sure the Nomads man would be able to shield Taylor from the strike.
Co-Managers;
Emil Todorow (Open University and Clapham Nomads) - It would take a tough manager to control this XI so Todorow would fit the bill. Also, given that Mahesh Vyas is the only recognised front-line bowler in the side. Todorow might be required to sub-field and could be allowed to sneak in a few overs of medium pace if the opposition were sporting.
Rod Marsh (Australia) - Ordinarily, his competitive streak and willingness to engage the opposition in on-pitch conversation would be sorely missed from any playing line-up. However, in this side, competitiveness and verbal dexterity would not be in short supply. He would still be useful in a coaching role, breaking up dressing room fights and possibly organising the tea. 3 Tinnies each for the lads at half-time?
12th Man;
Karl Krikken (Derbyshire) - Emil's favourite wicketkeeper - need I say more?
So that is the line-up, but one burning question remains. Who would actually keep wicket? I think the best solution would be for each man to take 3 overs of the usual Clapham Nomads 35. The last 2 overs could then be allotted to the keeper who had impressed most. This could be decided by calm and democratic discussion within the side.........or maybe not (we are talking about 11 wicketkeepers here.)
Can you imagine the intensity of the on-field verbals with 11 keepers on the pitch, and try to picture the scene in the dressing room as they limbered up, performed imaginary stumpings, made scathing comments about outfielders' throwing ability and just generally behaved as wicketkeepers do? It would actually be quite scary and that is why I have appointed 2 Team Managers to keep order; Emil Todorow, of course, plus a specialist Wicketkeeper/Manager to be revealed later.
Here is the batting order.
1) - Alec Stewart (Surrey and England) - Much too dapper and technically correct - and not eccentric enough - for a Nomads line-up really, but would almost certainly be the best batsman in the side. Also, like the Nomads, he is believed to have played a lot of cricket in Wimbledon (but probably not at Dundonald Road Rec.)
2) - Mahesh Vyas (Croydon Spinners, Caribbean Mix and Clapham Nomads) - A very capable glovesman and stumping specialist who has deputised successfully for Crossland on several occasions. He would form one half of a classic opening batting partnership - The orthodoxy of Stewart and the improvisation of Vyas. One hopes there would not be too many run-out incidents.
3) - Paul Downton ( Middlesex and England) - Arguably the best defensive batsman in the side and a fine keeper who unfortunately suffered a freak injury worthy of Nomads' own Andrew West when a bail became lodged in his eye. He would be an ideal batting foil for Vyas if Stewart was out early.
4) - Farokh Engineer (Lancashire and India) - A dashing and charismatic performer who opened the batting for Lancashire in Sunday cricket and whose natural air of authority could be a calming influence in this dressing room.
5) - Graeme Douglas (Open University, Battersea Ironsides and Clapham Nomads) - Probably the least proficient keeper in the side but a capable Sunday Cricket batsman. Also, how many of the others in this line-up can boast a string of Top 20 hits? (Kursaal Flyers, Eddie and the Hot Rods.) Would be more than capable of participating in the banter which would quite possibly be a feature of this team - he once described an Open University Line-Up, including several Hunters, as being "a bunch of Mamas and Papas."
6) - Adam Gilchrist (Australia) - An automatic selection who was fantastic to watch but who broke English hearts probably more often than any other player. If this team took on, say, Energy Exiles, it would be great to watch him breaking their hearts if he came in at about 25 for 4 and slog-swept Simon Gundry onto the tram tracks by Nursery Road. Was known for his sporting nature and for "walking." Given Nomads umpires' reputation, he might even find himself walking when LBW appeals were rejected.
7) - Alan Knott (Kent and England) - Like many Nomads, this legend of the 70s was known to be a touch eccentric. Unlike many Nomads, he was a noted fitness fanatic. Stunningly acrobatic and agile, he was a "Keepers' Keeper." His discussions about technique with Crossland would be fascinating to listen to. A very successful late-middle-order batsman.
8) - Jack Russell (Gloucestershire and England) - Another automatic selection. The man from Stroud was pure entertainment and his famously patched-up and disintegrating gloves and hat would not be out of place in Emil Todorow's Nomads Kit Bag.
9) - Wasim Bari (Pakistan) - Rated by many as Pakistan's finest glovesman. He had to cope with facing a bowling line-up containing such diverse styles and talents as Imran Khan and Abdul Qadir. Like Crossland, he famously detested allowing the ball to pass him and, in 1978, he went through a whole 3-match Test series against England without conceding a bye.
10) John Crossland (Open University and Clapham Nomads) - (Captain) - A Clapham Nomads legend who has just had his finest season behind the sticks at the age of ?????. An underused but capable batsman who has scored a 50 for the Nomads and, when reminded that he once spanked Kingston Lefthanders all over the park, replied; "Yes, and I made some runs against them as well." Can occasionally be a harsh critic and it would be entertaining if, in this line-up, he berated Gilchrist for slow scoring e.g. "Come on Adam, we're falling behind the rate and there's only really Knott, Russell and Bari to come.
11) - Bob Taylor (Derbyshire and England) - Would be regarded by many as the most technically proficient wicketkeeper in this side but could possibly not hold his own with the other 10 as a batsman. Would be likely to bat in a 10th wicket partnership with Crossland but I'm sure the Nomads man would be able to shield Taylor from the strike.
Co-Managers;
Emil Todorow (Open University and Clapham Nomads) - It would take a tough manager to control this XI so Todorow would fit the bill. Also, given that Mahesh Vyas is the only recognised front-line bowler in the side. Todorow might be required to sub-field and could be allowed to sneak in a few overs of medium pace if the opposition were sporting.
Rod Marsh (Australia) - Ordinarily, his competitive streak and willingness to engage the opposition in on-pitch conversation would be sorely missed from any playing line-up. However, in this side, competitiveness and verbal dexterity would not be in short supply. He would still be useful in a coaching role, breaking up dressing room fights and possibly organising the tea. 3 Tinnies each for the lads at half-time?
12th Man;
Karl Krikken (Derbyshire) - Emil's favourite wicketkeeper - need I say more?
So that is the line-up, but one burning question remains. Who would actually keep wicket? I think the best solution would be for each man to take 3 overs of the usual Clapham Nomads 35. The last 2 overs could then be allotted to the keeper who had impressed most. This could be decided by calm and democratic discussion within the side.........or maybe not (we are talking about 11 wicketkeepers here.)
Sunday, 11 December 2016
Annual Meeting
Hi all,
Just to let you know we will have Nomads' annual meeting some time in February, probably at the Mirch Masala in Tooting again.
Nominations;
Batsman of the Year; Hassan (best average of any regular player), Javed (Best individual innings), Zia (Top run scorer for the season), Darwin (Just 1 run behind Zia - possibly the most consistent scorer throughout the season.)
Bowler of the Year; KK (20 wickets at a very good average), Abbas (25 wickets - the most by a Nomad for some time - some match-winning performances.)
Fielder of the Year - Can only be John Crossland in my opinion. 15 catches (possibly a club record) - the most Fielder of the Day awards.
Player of the Year - John, KK, Abbas, Hassan
If you want to nominate anyone else, please let me know. (Post a comment on here.)
Nick
Just to let you know we will have Nomads' annual meeting some time in February, probably at the Mirch Masala in Tooting again.
Nominations;
Batsman of the Year; Hassan (best average of any regular player), Javed (Best individual innings), Zia (Top run scorer for the season), Darwin (Just 1 run behind Zia - possibly the most consistent scorer throughout the season.)
Bowler of the Year; KK (20 wickets at a very good average), Abbas (25 wickets - the most by a Nomad for some time - some match-winning performances.)
Fielder of the Year - Can only be John Crossland in my opinion. 15 catches (possibly a club record) - the most Fielder of the Day awards.
Player of the Year - John, KK, Abbas, Hassan
If you want to nominate anyone else, please let me know. (Post a comment on here.)
Nick
Friday, 7 October 2016
Clapham Nomads averages - 2016 season
I have finally updated all the match reports. Sorry if the last few are a bit brief and if I have failed to mention anyone. John will probably do a report soon which is bound to be full of praise. Here are the averages.
Batting (qualification - 3 innings)
Javed Iqbal - 158 runs @ 52.67
Hassan Khan - 248 runs @ 27.56
Patrick - 51 runs @ 25.50
Zia - 252 runs @ 22.91
Prasanth Pattiyil - 134 runs @ 22.33
Abdul Khan - 157 runs @ 19.63
Darwin Gunawardena - 251 runs @ 19.31
Zeeshan - 112 runs @ 18.67
John Crossland - 15 runs @ 15.00* (John was not dismissed in any of his 9 innings.)
Paul Murphy - 43 runs @ 14.33
Mahesh Vyas - 185 runs @ 14.23
Riaz Khan - 129 runs ~@ 10.75
KK Khusro - 115 runs @ 10.45
Nick Lefebve - 51 runs @ 10.20
Abbas Khan - 105 runs @ 9.55
Gul - 44 runs @ 8.80
Safi - 8 runs @ 4.00
Emil Todorow - 25 runs @ 3.57.
Bowling (qualification 10 overs and 3 wickets)
Safi - 5 wickets @ 11.80
KK Khusro - 20 wickets @ 13.30
Abbas Khan - 25 wickets @ 19.00
Zeeshan - 5 wickets @ 20.00
Riaz Khan - 9 wickets @ 26.67
Emil Todorow - 12 wickets @ 27.50
Hassan Khan - 7 wickets @ 28.29
Abdul Khan - 3 wickets @ 32.67
Zia - 12 wickets @ 34.83
Catches
15 - John Crossland (all as wicketkeeper)
4 - Abbas, Zia, Darwin, Mahesh (1 as wkt)
3 - KK
2 - Javed, Hamid
1 - Zeeshan, Emil, Abdul, Gul, Riaz, Zain, Hassan, Safi.
Stumpings
2 - John Crossland
Man of the Match awards:
3 - Abbas
2 - Abdul, Javed
1 - Chris, Hassan, Patrick, Faruk, Riaz, Zia, Darwin, Prasanth, Zeeshan
Fielder of the Day awards (one award was shared 3 ways);
6 - John Crossland
2 - Zia
1 - Chris, Riaz, Gul, Darwin, Abdul, Abbas
0.33 - Zeeshan, Hassan, Nick
Batting (qualification - 3 innings)
Javed Iqbal - 158 runs @ 52.67
Hassan Khan - 248 runs @ 27.56
Patrick - 51 runs @ 25.50
Zia - 252 runs @ 22.91
Prasanth Pattiyil - 134 runs @ 22.33
Abdul Khan - 157 runs @ 19.63
Darwin Gunawardena - 251 runs @ 19.31
Zeeshan - 112 runs @ 18.67
John Crossland - 15 runs @ 15.00* (John was not dismissed in any of his 9 innings.)
Paul Murphy - 43 runs @ 14.33
Mahesh Vyas - 185 runs @ 14.23
Riaz Khan - 129 runs ~@ 10.75
KK Khusro - 115 runs @ 10.45
Nick Lefebve - 51 runs @ 10.20
Abbas Khan - 105 runs @ 9.55
Gul - 44 runs @ 8.80
Safi - 8 runs @ 4.00
Emil Todorow - 25 runs @ 3.57.
Bowling (qualification 10 overs and 3 wickets)
Safi - 5 wickets @ 11.80
KK Khusro - 20 wickets @ 13.30
Abbas Khan - 25 wickets @ 19.00
Zeeshan - 5 wickets @ 20.00
Riaz Khan - 9 wickets @ 26.67
Emil Todorow - 12 wickets @ 27.50
Hassan Khan - 7 wickets @ 28.29
Abdul Khan - 3 wickets @ 32.67
Zia - 12 wickets @ 34.83
Catches
15 - John Crossland (all as wicketkeeper)
4 - Abbas, Zia, Darwin, Mahesh (1 as wkt)
3 - KK
2 - Javed, Hamid
1 - Zeeshan, Emil, Abdul, Gul, Riaz, Zain, Hassan, Safi.
Stumpings
2 - John Crossland
Man of the Match awards:
3 - Abbas
2 - Abdul, Javed
1 - Chris, Hassan, Patrick, Faruk, Riaz, Zia, Darwin, Prasanth, Zeeshan
Fielder of the Day awards (one award was shared 3 ways);
6 - John Crossland
2 - Zia
1 - Chris, Riaz, Gul, Darwin, Abdul, Abbas
0.33 - Zeeshan, Hassan, Nick
Tuesday, 13 September 2016
Clapham Nomads v Wimbledon United - 11/9/16
Clapham Nomads finished their fine season with an incredible win over local rivals Wimbledon United at Cottenham Park on Sunday.
On the usual batting paradise, the Dons rattled up 231 for 4 with Anand making his first ever 50 and going on to score 112. Pick of the rest was James Flannery with a half-century. The only Nomads bowler to really escape punishment was KK, who opened and went for only 10 off his 7 overs - it would have been 7 runs but for a mis-field in his last over. Abbas was unlucky when he rattled the stumps but there was a late no-ball call (Nomads reciprocated in spectacular fashion later on.) Fielding was not great. 7 or 8 catchable chances went down, with a one-handed diving catch from keeper John Crossland one of the few bright spots. Even without their star batsman Dave Hitchman, United have great depth to their batting, so they would probably have topped 200 even if most of the catches had been taken.
It didn't look good for Nomads who were missing their all-time highest run scorer, Hassan. When asked at tea for his opinion of our chances of victory, John Crossland replied; "Well, we've got no ****ing chance, have we?"
A good start for Abdul and Mahesh saw us put on 48 for the first wicket, but below the required run rate. This was soon to change with the arrival of No.3 Javed Iqbal but not before he had survived with the help of a controversial no ball call. This was a high full toss off a spinner/slow medium bowler which may have hit Javed high on the chest and dropped onto the stumps. It is possible the rules may have been misinterpreted by our umpire - very sorry if that was the case. Anyway, Javed capitalised spectacularly, racing to 50 in around 20 balls which might just have broken our club fastest 50 record (50 off 20 balls by Jim Joyce on the same ground but against much worse bowling than Wimbledon produced on Sunday.) Javed stormed on to 81 and there was massive relief for United when he was brilliantly caught by a diving Peter Brown at Long On.
Nomads' chance looked to have gone, especially when Zia looked in difficulty early on, being hit in his midriff via the inside edge which produced a deafening and baffling appeal for LBW. A ball or two later he was hit on the pad around off stump or possibly just outside and I have to say that the first of the appeals did not increase the chances of the second appeal being successful. It was anything but plumb anyway. I am, of course, giving the unbiased version. Wimbledon United's website www.wucc.org.uk may tell a different story. Anyway, Zia was soon in his stride and just about matched Javed's strike rate with a 40 full of sixes.
Darwin also played really sensibly for 28 and when both he and Zia were dismissed in quick succession, we only needed 5 or 6 but the momentum was with the home side. Brown bowled a maiden and we still needed 2 to win with 11 balls to go. A potential Eric situation. With KK and Safi at the crease though, the dot balls could not continue indefinitely. KK smacked it to Long On which looked to have levelled the scores and the ball was then misfielded; the resulting boundary giving Nomads a famous victory; our highest-ever successful run chase, I believe.
So Nomads finished the season with 9 wins and 7 defeats.... Sorry, 8 defeats including the 2nd game on 20-20 semi-finals day (the 12-over-a-side match.) The last 7 weeks have been one of the best spells in the club's history with 6 wins and just 1 loss.
I'll put the scores and more detail on here when I finally get the scorebook back from John. He is on a walking holiday in Germany at the moment - obviously in training for next season already.
MORE........
I had predicted in the previous report that Wimbledon's likeable and prolific captain, Dave Hitchman, would score a century in this game, and I'm sure - given the benign nature of the pitch - that he would have done so if he hadn't suffered a freak foot injury caused by a rusty piece of sharp metal in some woodland. Despite Nomads discussing this at length before the game, wicketkeeper John Crossland repeatedly encouraged and congratulated United's James Flannery throughout his innings of 80 with "Well played, Dave", "Shot, Dave" and "You're going well, Dave." At least he didn't ask James; "When's James coming in, Dave?" Crossland did laugh off his error when it was revealed at tea and both Flannery and Hitchman did acknowledge that they are gradually morphing into one another, in terms of looks and batting ability.
YET MORE........ I am not sure if Javed's fantastic innings equalled the club record fastest 50 (20 balls by Jim Joyce) but it must have come mighty close. My hunch is that it might have fallen a ball or 2 short as Javed did play two or possibly even three defensive shots in his innings. The only way to find out will be to look in United's scorebook next season. I hope we do play them next season - we can promise to use different umpires if necessary.
Wimbledon United 231 for 4 from 35 overs
Nomads' bowling;
E. Todorow 6-1-37-0
KK Khusro 7-3-10-2
Abbas Khan 7-0-54-0
Safi 5-0-34-0
Zia 5-0-52-1
R. Khan 4-0-23-1
Abdul Khan 1-0-15-0
Clapham Nomads 234 for 6 from 33.2 overs (Javed Iqbal 81)
M. Vyas 23
Abdul Khan 31
J. Iqbal 81
R. Khan 0
Zia 40
D. Gunawardena 28
KK Khusro not out 5
Safi not out 0
Did not bat; - Abbas Khan, E. Todorow (capt), J. Crossland (wkt)
Clapham Nomads won by 4 wickets.
Man of the Match - Javed Iqbal
Fielder of the Day - John Crossland
On the usual batting paradise, the Dons rattled up 231 for 4 with Anand making his first ever 50 and going on to score 112. Pick of the rest was James Flannery with a half-century. The only Nomads bowler to really escape punishment was KK, who opened and went for only 10 off his 7 overs - it would have been 7 runs but for a mis-field in his last over. Abbas was unlucky when he rattled the stumps but there was a late no-ball call (Nomads reciprocated in spectacular fashion later on.) Fielding was not great. 7 or 8 catchable chances went down, with a one-handed diving catch from keeper John Crossland one of the few bright spots. Even without their star batsman Dave Hitchman, United have great depth to their batting, so they would probably have topped 200 even if most of the catches had been taken.
It didn't look good for Nomads who were missing their all-time highest run scorer, Hassan. When asked at tea for his opinion of our chances of victory, John Crossland replied; "Well, we've got no ****ing chance, have we?"
A good start for Abdul and Mahesh saw us put on 48 for the first wicket, but below the required run rate. This was soon to change with the arrival of No.3 Javed Iqbal but not before he had survived with the help of a controversial no ball call. This was a high full toss off a spinner/slow medium bowler which may have hit Javed high on the chest and dropped onto the stumps. It is possible the rules may have been misinterpreted by our umpire - very sorry if that was the case. Anyway, Javed capitalised spectacularly, racing to 50 in around 20 balls which might just have broken our club fastest 50 record (50 off 20 balls by Jim Joyce on the same ground but against much worse bowling than Wimbledon produced on Sunday.) Javed stormed on to 81 and there was massive relief for United when he was brilliantly caught by a diving Peter Brown at Long On.
Nomads' chance looked to have gone, especially when Zia looked in difficulty early on, being hit in his midriff via the inside edge which produced a deafening and baffling appeal for LBW. A ball or two later he was hit on the pad around off stump or possibly just outside and I have to say that the first of the appeals did not increase the chances of the second appeal being successful. It was anything but plumb anyway. I am, of course, giving the unbiased version. Wimbledon United's website www.wucc.org.uk may tell a different story. Anyway, Zia was soon in his stride and just about matched Javed's strike rate with a 40 full of sixes.
Darwin also played really sensibly for 28 and when both he and Zia were dismissed in quick succession, we only needed 5 or 6 but the momentum was with the home side. Brown bowled a maiden and we still needed 2 to win with 11 balls to go. A potential Eric situation. With KK and Safi at the crease though, the dot balls could not continue indefinitely. KK smacked it to Long On which looked to have levelled the scores and the ball was then misfielded; the resulting boundary giving Nomads a famous victory; our highest-ever successful run chase, I believe.
So Nomads finished the season with 9 wins and 7 defeats.... Sorry, 8 defeats including the 2nd game on 20-20 semi-finals day (the 12-over-a-side match.) The last 7 weeks have been one of the best spells in the club's history with 6 wins and just 1 loss.
I'll put the scores and more detail on here when I finally get the scorebook back from John. He is on a walking holiday in Germany at the moment - obviously in training for next season already.
MORE........
I had predicted in the previous report that Wimbledon's likeable and prolific captain, Dave Hitchman, would score a century in this game, and I'm sure - given the benign nature of the pitch - that he would have done so if he hadn't suffered a freak foot injury caused by a rusty piece of sharp metal in some woodland. Despite Nomads discussing this at length before the game, wicketkeeper John Crossland repeatedly encouraged and congratulated United's James Flannery throughout his innings of 80 with "Well played, Dave", "Shot, Dave" and "You're going well, Dave." At least he didn't ask James; "When's James coming in, Dave?" Crossland did laugh off his error when it was revealed at tea and both Flannery and Hitchman did acknowledge that they are gradually morphing into one another, in terms of looks and batting ability.
YET MORE........ I am not sure if Javed's fantastic innings equalled the club record fastest 50 (20 balls by Jim Joyce) but it must have come mighty close. My hunch is that it might have fallen a ball or 2 short as Javed did play two or possibly even three defensive shots in his innings. The only way to find out will be to look in United's scorebook next season. I hope we do play them next season - we can promise to use different umpires if necessary.
Wimbledon United 231 for 4 from 35 overs
Nomads' bowling;
E. Todorow 6-1-37-0
KK Khusro 7-3-10-2
Abbas Khan 7-0-54-0
Safi 5-0-34-0
Zia 5-0-52-1
R. Khan 4-0-23-1
Abdul Khan 1-0-15-0
Clapham Nomads 234 for 6 from 33.2 overs (Javed Iqbal 81)
M. Vyas 23
Abdul Khan 31
J. Iqbal 81
R. Khan 0
Zia 40
D. Gunawardena 28
KK Khusro not out 5
Safi not out 0
Did not bat; - Abbas Khan, E. Todorow (capt), J. Crossland (wkt)
Clapham Nomads won by 4 wickets.
Man of the Match - Javed Iqbal
Fielder of the Day - John Crossland
Wednesday, 7 September 2016
Old Leagonians v Clapham Nomads - 4/9/16
This was due to be 20-20 Finals Day but 2 of the teams dropped out, leaving Nomads to play the hosts, Old Leagonians, in a 35-overs-a-side contest; presumably still for the championship.
Nomads batted first by agreement on the excellent pitch at Epsom cc.
Abdul survived one of the best balls we have faced this season in the first over, from one of the Bradford brothers - a fast yorker that swung from leg, hit him on the pad in front of middle and might (just conceivably) have been sliding past off. With the umpire's finger remaining in his pocket, Abdul celebrated his return from injury with a cracking 48.
At one stage, with Abdul receiving good support from Mahesh and Hassan, Nomads were on 87 for 2 with plenty of overs left and looked set for a possible 200. However, some cavalier shots from the middle order, together with some great catching and groundfielding, and a five-fer for another Bradford (Lewis), found the Clapham boys in some difficulty at 134 for 9.
John Crossland then joined Emil Todorow and the veteran pair played a classic partnership. John produced a feather-light leg glance worthy of Ranjitsinghi, while Emil smacked a resounding cut in front of point for 4 - reminiscent of Mark Bradshaw. Inevitably there was controversy though and when Emil produced a sumptuous Cover Drive, he disregarded the fact that it had gone straight to Leagonians' best fielder. The result; our 2 heroes were able to shake hands in mid-pitch as the bails were removed. However, the pair had put on 17 valuable runs and there was a feeling that our 151 might just be enough.
So it proved. Hassan struck with an early wicket - and we were told later that his victim was the Epsom side's best batsman. The 2nd wicket pair put on quite a few but three quick dismissals reduced OLCC to 51 for 4 at the 17-over drinks break. I had to leave at this point but I'm told by Emil that there were a few tense moments, with Leagonians' youngest player notching 30 or so, before tight bowling by Zia and Riaz at the death left the Home side needing 16 off the last over and we duly ran out winners by 11 runs, allowing Nomads skipper Emil Todorow to (figuratively speaking) lift the trophy.
Thanks to Richard and the Leagonians for hosting a fixture that we always enjoy. They are definitely an improving side who will be even tougher opponents next season.
So with 1 game to play, Nomads have won 8 and lost 7 and, if there was a League Table, would be in the top half.
Clapham Nomads 151 all out from 32.2 overs
M. Vyas 7
Abdul Khan 48
J. Iqbal 6
H. Khan 16
R. Khan 15
Zia 5
KK Khusro 0
Safi 3
Abbas Khan 7
E. Todorow (capt) 6
J. Crossland (wkt) not out 5
F.O.W. - 32, 52, 87, 96, 120, 120, 120, 131, 134, 151
Old Leagonians 140 for 8 from 35 overs
Nomads' bowling
H. Khan 5-0-17-1
Safi 7-1-22-1
KK Khusro 7-1-15-3
Abbas Khan 6-0-31-1
Zia 6-0-26-1
R. Khan 4-0-24-0
Clapham Nomads won by 11 runs
Man of the Match - Abdul Khan
Fielder of the Day - Sorry, I've forgotten parts of this game and I missed some of our fielding anyway (so, not awarded.) -- NL 7/10/16.
Nomads batted first by agreement on the excellent pitch at Epsom cc.
Abdul survived one of the best balls we have faced this season in the first over, from one of the Bradford brothers - a fast yorker that swung from leg, hit him on the pad in front of middle and might (just conceivably) have been sliding past off. With the umpire's finger remaining in his pocket, Abdul celebrated his return from injury with a cracking 48.
At one stage, with Abdul receiving good support from Mahesh and Hassan, Nomads were on 87 for 2 with plenty of overs left and looked set for a possible 200. However, some cavalier shots from the middle order, together with some great catching and groundfielding, and a five-fer for another Bradford (Lewis), found the Clapham boys in some difficulty at 134 for 9.
John Crossland then joined Emil Todorow and the veteran pair played a classic partnership. John produced a feather-light leg glance worthy of Ranjitsinghi, while Emil smacked a resounding cut in front of point for 4 - reminiscent of Mark Bradshaw. Inevitably there was controversy though and when Emil produced a sumptuous Cover Drive, he disregarded the fact that it had gone straight to Leagonians' best fielder. The result; our 2 heroes were able to shake hands in mid-pitch as the bails were removed. However, the pair had put on 17 valuable runs and there was a feeling that our 151 might just be enough.
So it proved. Hassan struck with an early wicket - and we were told later that his victim was the Epsom side's best batsman. The 2nd wicket pair put on quite a few but three quick dismissals reduced OLCC to 51 for 4 at the 17-over drinks break. I had to leave at this point but I'm told by Emil that there were a few tense moments, with Leagonians' youngest player notching 30 or so, before tight bowling by Zia and Riaz at the death left the Home side needing 16 off the last over and we duly ran out winners by 11 runs, allowing Nomads skipper Emil Todorow to (figuratively speaking) lift the trophy.
Thanks to Richard and the Leagonians for hosting a fixture that we always enjoy. They are definitely an improving side who will be even tougher opponents next season.
So with 1 game to play, Nomads have won 8 and lost 7 and, if there was a League Table, would be in the top half.
Clapham Nomads 151 all out from 32.2 overs
M. Vyas 7
Abdul Khan 48
J. Iqbal 6
H. Khan 16
R. Khan 15
Zia 5
KK Khusro 0
Safi 3
Abbas Khan 7
E. Todorow (capt) 6
J. Crossland (wkt) not out 5
F.O.W. - 32, 52, 87, 96, 120, 120, 120, 131, 134, 151
Old Leagonians 140 for 8 from 35 overs
Nomads' bowling
H. Khan 5-0-17-1
Safi 7-1-22-1
KK Khusro 7-1-15-3
Abbas Khan 6-0-31-1
Zia 6-0-26-1
R. Khan 4-0-24-0
Clapham Nomads won by 11 runs
Man of the Match - Abdul Khan
Fielder of the Day - Sorry, I've forgotten parts of this game and I missed some of our fielding anyway (so, not awarded.) -- NL 7/10/16.
Wednesday, 31 August 2016
Dulwich v Clapham Nomads - 28/8/16
Nomads made the short trip to Giant Arches Road, the home of Dulwich cc, probably South London's finest club, to play their young but talented Development XI, well-managed as ever by John Lawrence.
Mr Lawrence is a Dulwich institution. There is a scorecard on the wall of Dulwich's bar describing a match he played in for the club in 1966. He is a primarily a coach/manager now but he still took an excellent slip catch on Sunday to dismiss Nomads' finest batsman - Hassan.
Anyway, after a slight delay due to rain, the Home side batted. As expected, their technique was good, but some of them did struggle a bit against the pace of Zia and especially Abbas, who continued his excellent run of form with 4 for 16 in a rapid 7-over spell of pace bowling, Hassan, Safi and KK also bowled well but the other Nomads bowler that the youngsters had particular difficulty with was Emil, who got through 5 overs and conceded only 5 runs. Presumably it was not Emil's pace they had trouble with but just the mystique of the man. Facing Emil is not something that can be taught or coached, it is just a life skill that the lucky few can acquire (if they are not bowled slogging first.)
With the exception of the No. 6 - name to follow -(G. Davies)- who made 31, no-one could really turn a start into big runs, and a steady stream of wickets resulted in Dulwich being dismissed for 96.
The same No. 6, G. Davies, opened the bowling and took 2 quick wickets - including the valuable one of Darwin - to rock the visitors back on their heels. Nomads were scoring at 7 an over though and, once the wickets dried up, we soon began to look comfortable with Mahesh - who has had a great August - and Hassan dominating. The useful leg-spinner / slow-medium leg-cutter bowler Alex had Hassan well caught by John Lawrence in the slips but Zia kept up the momentum and then struck 2 large sixes to have the match won before half past 5. Zia just overtook Mahesh with these late sixes to finish top-scorer with 25 not out. A very creditable unbeaten 24 for Mahesh.
So an enjoyable day out at an excellent ground against opposition who are always interesting and are a very pleasant and polite bunch - a credit to their club.
Nomads now stand at 7 wins and 7 defeats with just Old Leagonians (against whom we could be pre-match favourites) and Wimbledon United (for whom Dave Hitchman will score his usual century) to play. We would have a chance of finishing in the top half of the table (if there was a table, that is.)
Man of the Match was Abbas for another deadly spell of green tea-fuelled fast bowling. Fielder of the Day was John Crossland who took 2 catches behind the stumps on his return from injury.
Dulwich 96 all out from 28 overs
Nomads' bowling;
H. Khan 5-2-11-0
E. Todorow 5-1-5-0
Abbas Khan 7-0-16-4
Zia 7-0-33-2
Safi 4-1-3-2
KK Khusro 4-0-17-2
Clapham Nomads 98 for 3 from 15.5 overs
M. Vyas not out 24
D. Gunawardena 4
Naeem 5
H. Khan 19
Zia not out 25
Did not bat; - J. Iqbal, Safi, KK Khusro, Abbas Khan, E. Todorow (capt), J. Crossland (wkt)
F.O.W. - 5, 13, 43
Clapham Nomads won by 7 wickets.
Mr Lawrence is a Dulwich institution. There is a scorecard on the wall of Dulwich's bar describing a match he played in for the club in 1966. He is a primarily a coach/manager now but he still took an excellent slip catch on Sunday to dismiss Nomads' finest batsman - Hassan.
Anyway, after a slight delay due to rain, the Home side batted. As expected, their technique was good, but some of them did struggle a bit against the pace of Zia and especially Abbas, who continued his excellent run of form with 4 for 16 in a rapid 7-over spell of pace bowling, Hassan, Safi and KK also bowled well but the other Nomads bowler that the youngsters had particular difficulty with was Emil, who got through 5 overs and conceded only 5 runs. Presumably it was not Emil's pace they had trouble with but just the mystique of the man. Facing Emil is not something that can be taught or coached, it is just a life skill that the lucky few can acquire (if they are not bowled slogging first.)
With the exception of the No. 6 - name to follow -(G. Davies)- who made 31, no-one could really turn a start into big runs, and a steady stream of wickets resulted in Dulwich being dismissed for 96.
The same No. 6, G. Davies, opened the bowling and took 2 quick wickets - including the valuable one of Darwin - to rock the visitors back on their heels. Nomads were scoring at 7 an over though and, once the wickets dried up, we soon began to look comfortable with Mahesh - who has had a great August - and Hassan dominating. The useful leg-spinner / slow-medium leg-cutter bowler Alex had Hassan well caught by John Lawrence in the slips but Zia kept up the momentum and then struck 2 large sixes to have the match won before half past 5. Zia just overtook Mahesh with these late sixes to finish top-scorer with 25 not out. A very creditable unbeaten 24 for Mahesh.
So an enjoyable day out at an excellent ground against opposition who are always interesting and are a very pleasant and polite bunch - a credit to their club.
Nomads now stand at 7 wins and 7 defeats with just Old Leagonians (against whom we could be pre-match favourites) and Wimbledon United (for whom Dave Hitchman will score his usual century) to play. We would have a chance of finishing in the top half of the table (if there was a table, that is.)
Man of the Match was Abbas for another deadly spell of green tea-fuelled fast bowling. Fielder of the Day was John Crossland who took 2 catches behind the stumps on his return from injury.
Dulwich 96 all out from 28 overs
Nomads' bowling;
H. Khan 5-2-11-0
E. Todorow 5-1-5-0
Abbas Khan 7-0-16-4
Zia 7-0-33-2
Safi 4-1-3-2
KK Khusro 4-0-17-2
Clapham Nomads 98 for 3 from 15.5 overs
M. Vyas not out 24
D. Gunawardena 4
Naeem 5
H. Khan 19
Zia not out 25
Did not bat; - J. Iqbal, Safi, KK Khusro, Abbas Khan, E. Todorow (capt), J. Crossland (wkt)
F.O.W. - 5, 13, 43
Clapham Nomads won by 7 wickets.
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