Strongroom too hot for Nigerians
Regents Park, 5/24/2009
Strongroom won by 6 wickets
London Nigerians: 127
Strongroom: 131-4 [M.Newkirk 60]
View the Scorecard
Our well grooved opening pair of Paddy and Ujjal kicked off proceedings, and immediately the new ball responded with good amounts of swing and pace off the surface. The first key breakthrough was that of Solomon, who had his stumps scattered by an inswinger delivered by Paddy (from the Zoo end), as he opened himself up for an ambitious drive through the covers. Meanwhile, from the Regents Park Mosque end, Ujjal was conjuring up his usual bag of tricks (8-2-9-2), and bamboozled the batsmen with a blend of swing, seam and changes of pace. Opening bat Mike Gabbay often performs at his best in these encounters, and this game proved no exception. Although only compiling 9 runs, Mike hang around for around 15 overs and showed good technique in testing conditions. His partner Mak slowly eased up through the gears, and succeeded in losing our new ball as he biffed Proctor high over long-on and into deep vegetation surrounding the baboon enclosure. Proctor bowled a good, full length, and was somewhat unfortunate to be selected for punishment, however, David Gower’s off-spin achieved the crucial breakthrough in getting Mak (24) caught behind by keeper Ken Park off an audible tog-edge. Thereupon followed some disciplined and watchful middle-order batting, but LNCC couldn’t up the scoring rate against the relentless stump-attacking Mellor, and tight ‘death’ bowling from Paddy and myself. I should give a mention to some very sharp fielding throughout from Tim Francis (especially as he was suffering from a powerful curry ‘follow-through’ that prevented him from opening the batting), a brilliant and unlikely tumbling catch from Jules at deep square leg (to remove the dangerous Sam), and a sharp catch by Mike A at point to end the innings. LNCC had ended up on 127 all out, though the lively surface meant we wouldn’t be taking this target lightly.
Tea: Decent last-minute sandwiches courtesy of Mike Gabbay.
Martin (60) and Jules (26) set out to chase down the total, and got Strongroom off to a blistering start. After 6 overs we were 57-0, and Jules was first out at 81-1 in the 10th over. Martin continued his great form, and displayed quick hand-speed in dispatching five 6’s in total, and Jules played another positive knock, always looking to get forward to length balls. Openers Solomon and Alex were ruthlessly treated, though some control was regained with the introduction of Mak (1-38) and Gabbay (3-31). However, Martin took on Mak’s short ball to good effect, twice top-edging 6’s, much to their frustration. Finally, Martin was undone by a beauty from Gabbay that swung away and then cut back in to remove his off-bail. But at 97-2 the damage was done, and after a mini-wobble which saw Ujjal and Ken both in and out in succession, it was left to the cool heads of the skipper and Mike Addicott to see us over the line.
This was an important win for us, and I look forward to taking them on again, at their home ground in September. Next week - Jesmond Jaguars!
Written By: J.Gower
|