NHM sink Strongroom
Battersea Park, 7/25/2012
Natural History Museum won by 4 runs
Natural History Museum: 144-8
Strongroom: 140
View the Scorecard
For their fourth fixture this summer, and the first played in anything close to nice weather, the Archetypes took on Strongroom CC on Wednesday night at Battersea. It was a game highly anticipated as there are strong ties between the teams. Four of the Museum men have played at some time for the 'room and Dave Gower is a seasoned regular. Strongroom won the toss and quickly put the Archetypes in to bat, 'room captain Sumer confident in his side's ability to chase. Museum openers Tom Simpson and Dave Gower were up against an attack of as high a calibre as the Museum has ever faced and runs proved hard to come by, after four overs the museum had only 17 on the board. Dave began to pick up the pace hitting a beautiful straight six over opening bowler Andy Orme's head but was out-thought by the experienced 'room seamer, mistiming a slower ball and being caught at mid-on. Mark Carine looked untroubled when he came to crease but confusion over a quick single with Simpson left the botanist stranded and run out for three. I would like apologise for my part in this, Mark! Richard (surname unknown) hit a nice boundary before being bowled for four and the Archetypes were struggling when Earth Science's Tim Ewin came out to bat. Having not played for quite some time Tim was stepping into the unknown and would have been forgiven had his stay at the crease been a short one. However, Tim batted beautifully and was untroubled by the Strongroom attack, eventually retiring alongside Simpson, both having reached 25. At the half way stage the Museum was still struggling on 46 for three and realising that the run rate needed to be picked up, Ehi Alonge strolled out to inject some pace into the occasion. All three of Ehi's boundaries merit description but the second of his huge sixes was the pick of the bunch – a lost ball still only counts as six but one that leaves Battersea Park (and could have left earth's orbit) was a sight to behold. Jonathan Trout tried to pick up the run rate but was well caught off the bowling of captain Sumer. Riaz batted sensibly (!) and held one end as Chris Willcock and Moose Fenlon attacked from the other and the Archetypes accelerated to a total of 144 for eight. Considering their position after 10 overs, it was a great achievement to set such a competitive total. The Museum opened the bowling with the technical, precision pace of Moose Fenlon contrasting with the erratic and mercurial sling of Jimmy (surname unknown). Despite beating the bat numerous times Strongroom's openers survived Moose's opening spell and it was Jimmy who took the first two wickets, both miss timed shots skied to Tim Ewin who continued his day to remember with two great catches. Jonathan Trout got the next two, bowling the second Strongroom opener before setting up a spectacular catch for Jimmy. It was a diving, low, one handed effort that brought applause from both teams and a definite candidate for catch of the season. Despite some excellent accurate bowling by ChrisWillcock and Jonathan Trout, Strongroom's next batsman Tom Henderson batted with great skill to retire at 25. On came Riaz Ashraf and the man from security bowled a superb spell getting two quick wickets. It was getting very close and Strongroom needed only 23 runs from the last 24 balls. This was a proper match and the tension was heavy in the muggy evening air. Riaz was to hold down one end with the Museum pace men Trout, Willcock and Moose to complete the overs from the other. Trout took another wicket and 20 off 18 turned into 15 from 12.With a smart run out in the penultimate over, the 'room were eight down and needed seven from the last over to win. It was Moose who would close out the innings. His first ball forced Strongroom spinner Joe to hole out to the ever reliable Jimmy in the deep – if the catch had been missed the ball would have gone for four and the match over. Strongroom were down to their last wicket and the retired and potentially dangerous Tom Henderson came back to the crease. The batsmen had crossed and the Strongroom number 11 faced a dot ball before stealing a single to bring Tom on to strike. Three balls left, six to win. Moose's next ball was right up in the block hole – the perfect delivery at the death and Strongroom now needed six off two. It was the last chance for the batting side and Tom swung big, hoping to send the ball flying and win the match with a ball to spare, but Moose's pace was too much, the ball found the edge and rolled away for a single. It was down to the last ball and the Museum was almost there. Strongroom needed five to win. The field spread but the final delivery was quick and full. The batsmen failed to make contact and the game was over. The Museum had won! It was a very enjoyable game – played in a great spirit. Thanks to Strongroom for the match.
Written By: NHM staff
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