Detail: 26-04-2014 - Crossbats
Result: W by 5 wickets
Blues seal first victory of 2014
In the time honoured manner, the Blues arrive at the scheduled time and place with just two players ready to play. However, the match must begin?. Within an hour and a half though, and following frantic phone calls from cover point, trainers/spikes issues sorted, and with a little help from the opposition we get to nine players. (Fascinatingly up to this point around 75 planes would have landed at nearby Heathrow and the air corridor may have moved half a mile to even out the air pollution to the residents of Richmond and Kew ? For further local facts about the surrounding area and pearls of wisdom such as the fact that the Old Deer park doesn?t actually have any deers then speak to Rich Mullet and his new best friend: Kirsty Metson) Fielding first Captain Metson turns to the perfect blend of youth and experience that is Aqib and Zubair. Despite a slippery astro wicket, two early wickets fall with disciplined bowling from both ends. The ever reliable and aforementioned local sage, Rich Mullet, bowled well for his one wicket. However, the game really sparked into life with the introduction of Asad who bowled a fantastic spell to end with figures of 6-16. His first over flattered to deceive but once the Air Pakistan plane overhead saluted him, it was clear he meant business. An awful drop from Corcoran behind the stumps was more than made up for with a stunningly nonchalant catch at slip by Aqib. Crossbats reached 84 all out
After a lovely but unusual tea which included bagels, chorizo and cheese scones (fastest cakes around) and a gluten free chocolate brownie, the Blues began their response in earnest. On debut, Ahad was the only top order batsman to keep his head and once he had gone after an elegant innings, the Blues were struggling with five wickets down. Ellen and Metson managed to steady the ship and steer the Blues serenely to a straightforward victory
[updated 30 04 2014]