Strongroom grasp victory, but out it slips!
Burlington Danes Academy, White City, 9/21/2008
LNCC won by 2 runs
London Nigerians: 170-7 [S.Asielue 72]
Strongroom: 168 [O.Moore 60]
View the Scorecard
It was one of those games which when viewed in hindsight threw up a number of “if only” events that could have swung it in favour of either Strongroom or LNCC. As it was, the introduction of Mak for the final ‘death’ overs proved decisive in snatching victory from Strongroom, who really should have kept their grip around the throat of this game and seen it home.
This fixture was played at LNCC’s new home ground in White City, a curious, expansive open space hemmed in by large hospital buildings and the noisy whirring of air-cooling systems. Another interesting feature was the positioning of a netted football goal just behind square-leg. The weather was set fair, the boundaries were long in all directions, and sunset was set for around 7pm. Game on.
I won the toss and inserted LNCC on a green, firm and weedy surface. The LNCC innings was very much a story of two halves, with Strongroom struggling to control the run rate in the first half, but coming back strongly in the final 15 overs. Openers Sam Asieule [72] and Ojomo [22] got off to a flying start, with Sam in particular launching into expansive and flambuoyant aerial drives at anything over-pitched or wide. Moore and Knighty both beat the bat on occasion, but the left-right hand combination was proving difficult to counter. The LNCC openers were aided by several dropped catches [me included], and the introduction of Ujjal didn’t bring the expected breakthrough. Eventually, the pair were separated via a mix-up leading to a run out, and danger-man Sam started the long walk back to the changing rooms. David Gower [2-33] and Rich Woolhouse [1-21 finally provided the effective combination Strongroom were seeking. Rich was simply on good form, running in with gusto and pomp, whereas David G found his rhythm immediately and perplexed the LNCC big guns with wily changes of pace. Joe Rafman [1-10] also bowled a tidy spell of left-arm chinaman, and bowled through to the end partnered with paceman Simon Ray [2-14]. Our tight bowling meant the destructive hitting of Big Mak and Solomon never materialised, and a final score of 170 off 35 overs was probably about right, although a number of dropped catches did make one wonder what could have been.
Tea Report: Another fantastic display of Nigerian fare, it was all there – chicken, Jolloffi rice, plantain and a tasty chilli-beef concoction.
Rich [21] and Oliver Moore [60] got us off to a good start, with Rich plundering 18 off Solomon’s first over. Sadly it did not last, as he was bowled by Ademole Tade, trying to force a straight one. Jolyon was short of time in the middle, and also came and went. It was now 35-2 and LNCC were bowling the tight lines we expect of them, giving very little width to feed our batsmen. Gabbay and Adioso were brought into the attack, and again both bowled miserly spells, with the Gabster in particular proving difficult to work off the square. Myself and Simon Ray were tied down and fell victim to our own frustration, but Oliver found a willing partner in David Gower [20] who completed a good all-round performance with some spirited middle-order batting that has recently become his hallmark. This pair took us nearer the 171 target. 63 were required off 9 overs, then 50 off 7…it was inevitable this would go to the final over! However, Oliver and David were out in quick time, and tension levels were raised another notch in both camps. Oliver had produced his first Strongroom half-century, and had shown admirable patience and timing throughout. The Strongroom lower order and tail all put bat to ball, but wickets continued to fall, and before you knew it 4 were needed from the final over. However, Mak [3-7] was proving hard to handle, and he delivered a snorter of a delivery to uproot Knighty’s stumps and LNCC erupted into delirious celebrations. 2 runs was the margin of victory.
Strongroom had somehow collapsed in the final 4 overs, but LNCC deserved their victory. Although we lost, there were smiles all around. It had simply been a great game to be involved with. Much post-match analysis took place in the North Pole pub afterwards, where LNCC kindly put on a mighty platter of even more food!
Written By: JG
|