Sunday 19th August 2018
Friendly
Stoke D’Abernon 223 for 7 dec (43 overs)
Surrey Cryptics 123 for 7 (42 overs)
Match Drawn
In years to come people could look at this scorecard and think ‘bore draw’ but the game went the distance and remained interesting until the last few deliveries.
With the brains committee unsure whether to bat or bowl luckily the decision was taken away from us as the visiting skipper called correctly and, worried about his side’s recent batting form, opted to chase.
Stoke reached 57 for 1 by the end of the 11th over – 25 of them off the 10th and 11th – and apart from a big first over the rest of this period was pretty sedate, Malcolm Dickson’s wicket to a good slip catch being the visitors’ only joy.
Most of the early runs were scored by Moumer Khara. In partnership with late call up Saleem Ghuman, the total moved on to 101 by mid point of the 19th over.
Ghuman adopted a cavalier approach that paid off, one of his fours to the car park saw one of Cryptics’ best bats collapse as his hamstring gave way and he took no further part in what was now a 10-a-side match; Stoke having reached their ten late on Saturday with Moumer going through his contact book and Shawn Dyson offering some much appreciated senior assistance. (On Monday evening seventeen were available!)
A consequence of the aforementioned hamstring saw Carel Ferreira help with a spot of fielding. He made one good stop in the covers, then held on to a low catch to dismiss Khara for a season’s best 60 with eight fours and a nice straight six.
Having made 42 Ghuman tried one attacking shot too many and was bowled; but a 71 run partnership followed between the highly promising Umair Anis, (thanks to Tim Handel for putting him on to us), and Stephen Finch who struck the ball well to various parts of The Rec.
Anis had constructed a nice 23 before missing a quicker ball from sixth bowler Scott; but Finch went on to keep Stoke ahead of the rate.
Three quick wickets fell – Alex Thomson was unlucky to see a nice clip shot nestle in square leg’s hands – prompting Dyson to switch from tracksuit to whites and a watching Jase Earl moving to the scorers’ table.
Finch passed 50 and would ultimately walk off unbeaten on 59 from 66 balls faced; Dyson hit five fours and made 21 not out off 14 to bring forward the declaration after 43 overs on 223.
Thanks to Jo for supplying ingredients to make up a tea. After it was demolished, Will Thomson went on another demolition act of his own. His first ball surprised batsman, keeper Dickson and first slip Dyson before crashing into the fence for four; but by the end of the first over it was 4-2 as Wright was castled and Taylor hit a low return catch. After a Ferreira maiden at the other end Thomson then shattered R.Seeckts’ stumps, and with the opposition a man light some game management was needed.
Other bowlers were introduced and a fourth wicket stand of 44 followed, broken only when Will T took a catch in the deep off his younger brother who bowled nicely after a few looseners.
The next to have his turn, Anis, picked up his first wicket for the Club when he had an lbw appeal hpheld; but frustration followed as further wickets were hard to come by.
After an entertaining 38 Hope-Dunbar skied a delvery from Khara to extra cover where Will T made a nice running catch. The same bowler castled Edwards later in the same over to make it 111 for 7, (effectively 8), but Seeckts Jnr and Stoke Quizmaster Andrew played out the remaining overs to secure the draw.
All seven bowlers did well – Dyson, (10-4-18-0), surprisingly not able to add to his count – and the fielders did well given they were a man light throughout.
The game was played in a good spirit and the opposition made a nice contribution to the bar afterwards; as did a decent crowd who came to watch.
No fixture in the card next Sunday yet but we will source one if we get numbers. Send your availability in ASAP, please, so we can assess our strength.
Scorecard : http://sdacc.play-cricket.com/website/results/3703603