Detail: 21-07-2019 - Isleworth 1
Result: L by two wickets
Gallant Blues Fall agonisingly short (35 over game) Blues 197-8 Isleworth Wanderers 198 -8 off 30 overs
After a winning toss by Fitz, the unlikely pairing of Metson and Mullet took to the middle and made a similarly unusual start for a Blues opening pair by making a solid opening partnership of 59. Mullet gamely played through the pain barrier of his 'tweaked groin' with a couple of expansive strokes through the covers and so the Blues had set a solid platform. Aqib made a solid 21 with the Blues reaching the giddy heights of 131 -1 after 22 overs. A period of accurate bowling by the Isleworth attack slowed the run rate, and they snaffled a few key wickets for the Blues to end on a respectable 197-8 off 35 overs. Despite Metson trying his best to get out in the nervous nineties (ignorance is bliss) and riding his luck through a number of drops, he made it to his ton -largely relying on agricultural shots and topspin cover drives..
After a fantastic tea of Samosas, crisps and bananas (a culinary combination a Blues team has never before experienced) we took to the field. A number of debutants: Simon, Oliver, Angus/Hamish, and Rennie acquitted themselves admirably and relished in the honour of wearing the 'baggy blue'. An opening spell by James and Mullet proved fruitful with James clean bowling their opening batsmen. Hal and Will kept the pressure on however the Isleworth batsmen were keen to get a move on (evening work commitments I'm told) and always stayed well ahead of the required run rate. An excellent spell of accurate spin bowling full of 'flight and guile' by Hamish/Angus/Shane pegged Isleworth back. A number of excellent catches (forget about the drops) including a pair of world class takes by James circling in the deep whilst managing to avoid the boundary cones!! and a sprawling dive by Hamish/Angus/Shane meant Blues were always in with a chance. Despite some great death bowling by Rennie, Aqib and a tidy over from young Oliver, ultimately the Blues fell short despite an intense end to the game. Mullet finished with a 'four-fer' and mercifully we avoided a 'super over'. The clement weather made some post match drinks all the more enjoyable and the combination of Pork scratchings, Mullet's lesson in Chinese Business etiquette and discussion about the origins of the Blues, rounded off an excellent day. The search for the elusive 'W' goes on....
[updated 01 08 2019]