Detail: 19-05-2019 - Shamley Green
Result: L by 3 wkts
Green edge Blues in colour derby
Blues 184-9 (35 overs), Shamley Green 185-7 (27.4 overs)
Shamley Green won by three wickets. (played at Shamley Green 19 May, 2019)
Despite a spirited team effort Blues' first outing of the 2019 season ended in defeat and a reminder that though it is a team game a cricket match can be won by an individual.
Tom Richardson's unbeaten 113 was the difference, the Green skipper scoring his runs while 40 came from the other end. Coming to the wicket after the Mullett had gained an early breakthrough Richardson dealt with seven different bowlers as the Blues' attack ran through seam, swing and spin variations. There were some false shots, but alas, none fell to hand.
Blues had arrived full of enthusiasm though unfortunately not with a full complement as there was no sign of Cormac. There is a probably an unread email in his junk mailbox informing the Falkland Islands returnee of his selection.
Having been put into bat on a very slow wicket with some uneven bounce Blues began well with Das (41) and Harry T (35) building a useful platform in a 74-run opening partnership. This was further strengthened by Youcef (60 not out). However, from 94-1 Blues slumped to 177-7 as the much-vaunted middle-order, looking to accelerate the run rate, failed to fire. With Green catching superbly wickets tumbled as Alistair (7), Alex B (6), Harry J (4), Aqib (1) and Glenn (6) came and went. Alex P (9) gave Youcef some support before sacrificing his wicket and Mullett (2 not out) ensured Blues at least saw out their 35 overs.
On the compact Shamley Green ground the total seemed 50 runs short but had it not been for Richardson Blues would have emerged victorious. After the early blow by Mullet (4-0-16-1) debutant Alex Pike (4-0-27-2), settling down after a firey opening, took two quick wickets. Green were rocking at about 30-3 but Richardson and the nurdling Roberts added a century together despite testing pace from Aqib (7-0-49-2). Switching to spin after Harry T (3-0-39-0) and Alistair (2-0-18-0) had been unable to unsettle Richardson Aqib finally ended the frustrating partnership. With match manager Glenn (6-1-22-2) adding pressure from the other end, and Blues catching and fielding well between the passing cars, it seemed Richardson might run out of partners. However, despite Harry T (1.4-0-5-0) bowling a tight spell Green finally crawled over the finish line.
So, a defeat, but a promising return to action for Blues with the debutants showing potential to be useful long-term recruits. Next up is the Harrys' derby at Wandsworth on Saturday June 8. Harry J will match manage the Blues against Harry T's Harry's Crew (which will perhaps feature some future Blues).
Footnote: Shamley Green are sometimes short of players. Guy Packenham and I agreed that in such cases he'll let me know and if we don't have a fixture I'll circulate it on our WhatsApp group to see if anyone fancies a game. It's a lovely venue and they're a decent bunch with a good tea and excellent pub.
Glenn
[updated 06 06 2019]