Strongroom stumble against new oppo
Highgate Wood, 7/3/2010
Ruislip Orientals won by 30 runs
Ruislip Orientals: 180 [Sree 40, M.Mellor 4-26]
Strongroom: 150 [M.Mellor 42]
View the Scorecard
Strongroom welcomed new opposition Ruislip Orientals to Highgate for the first time. Glorious sunshine continued the trend of the previous weeks resulting in both the pitch and the outfield appearing harder, dryer and quicker than usual. Opposition skipper Sree duly choose to bat first upon winning the toss and the Ruislip openers initially profited from some wayward opening deliveries from both the Oliver's opening the bowling. Strongroom regained composure and built good pressure in the field but it was the once again the introduction of Mellor (4-26) at first change who forged significant inroads into the Orientals batting, complemented by a tidy spell from Matt Scotland at the other end. Strongroom fielded with enthusiasm, created pressure on the batsmen, and as a result took catches and wickets at regular intervals, despite some spirited lower order hitting from the batsmen. Ruislip persevered towards a total of 180 all out from 39.4ovrs, a significant proportion of this courtesy of some stringent umpiring regarding leg side deliveries.
Given the conditions it was felt this represented an even par score, and following a monsterous tea (requiring the recruitment of several spectators to help consume!), Strong room began their innings in steady manner, openers Martin(28) and skipper Oliver(21) progressing the score past a 50 opening partnership, though in sweltering conditions neither was able to stick around as a flurry of wickets fell just before the drinks break. There followed a patient innings from debutant Doug(23), well complemented by Mellor(42) gradually increasing the scoring rate, so that at one point Strongroom were strong favourites at 125-3 with 13ovrs still remaining. However, the frequent rotation of Ruislip bowlers finally began to pay dividends, as all the batsmen who had got in just couldn’t quite go on to make a match-winning contribution, and once these wickets fell, support from the usually wagging Strongroom tail unfortunately rather wilted in the heat as the scoreboard equation became increasingly demanding, as we were eventually bowled out for 150.
In summary though, this match was undoubtedly more closely contested than the result may suggest, and the key turning points in a finely-balanced game were keenly debated by both teams over a post-match beverages. Ruislip Orientals proved to be both talented opposition and enjoyable company, and Strongroom will look forward to the return fixture later in the season.
Written By: O.Moore
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