Old timers see Strongroom to massive win
Highgate Woods, 7/23/2005
Strongroom won by 161 runs
Strongroom: 274-6 (D.Gower 85, M.Mellor 52*)
Chelsea Nomads: 113 all out
View the Scorecard
In an age when the Strongroom squad has been in much fluctuation, when debuts are made almost every week, this fixture harked back to days of yore with some old favourites returning to show the young pups how it used to be. Magnificent Mark Mellor made his first appearance of the season, and Strongroom made a temporary trade-in of their two new Aussies (Ross and Chris) for the old convicts Andy Orme and Omar. Chelsea Nomads were missing 13 of their squad, but the seven who made it to Highgate were supplemented by three Strongroomers – the two Aussies plus Mike Gabbay.
Stand-in skipper Dave G lost the toss but was happy when the opposition chose to take the field. Dave G and Rich chirped along to another half-century opening stand, this one at about six an over. Rich (34) succumbed but the run rate stayed the same as John Baddeley (27) contributed with a frisky innings of cuts and chops before being caught at the wicket. James Claro (4) seemed to find it too easy, and failed to make contact with a straight full one before reaching double figures. Shah (37) joined Dave G for another spirited partnership. The run rate was still at more than 6 an over and Strongroom had plenty in the locker. Mark Mellor’s first three balls faced for Strongroom in about a year went for 4-6-4 and he went on his way to bludgeon and time his way to a typically brutal 52 not out in only 18 balls. At the other end, Dave G fell to a good slip catch for a 75 ball 85 with seven overs remaining. David Franks (5) fell to a seemingly unfortunate lbw decision and Pete (10*) helped Mark see Strongroom to a massively imposing 274-6 in 35 overs. Chelsea Nomads bowlers put in some good wicket-taking deliveries, but had real problems with consistency and could not apply any sustained pressure. Synge was the best of their attack.
John Baddeley supplied an excellent tea (especially the Portuguese custard tarts) but lost valuable points for it all being shop-bought.
Taking the field, Strongroom were in the luxurious position of being able to maintain very attacking fields as Chelsea Nomads sought a daunting 7.86 per over for victory. Bully and Andy Orme formed a decent opening partnership that soon had the visitors in trouble – Bully (3-19) bowling a probing line and length, and Andy (3-29) attacking the stumps with a series of tasty inswinging yorkers. Nomads captain Jeffrey and the hobbling Court settled in against first change bowlers Omar and David Franks and were moving along comfortably, if not spectacularly, until Shah’s mighty direct hit caught Jeffrey off guard at the non-striker’s end. Shah then came on to bowl and Andy Orme came back, and the pair saw off the final few wickets – including top scorer Court (43) caught nicely at second slip by Omar off Shah (2-21). The Nomads were bundled out for 113, having never been in the hunt. Strongroomer Mike Gabbay turned in gritty bowling and batting performances in a losing cause for the opposition.
Strongroom are now on a five-match winning streak, just like the good old days.
Written By: D Gower
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