Trundlers bundled by Strongroom
Highgate Wood, 9/8/2012
Strongroom won by 49 runs
Strongroom: 170 [D.Proctor 54]
Tetherdown Trundlers: 121
View the Scorecard
Strongroom only managed to raise 8 players for this match against locals Tetherdown Trundlers - our first versus this particular opposition. I lost the toss, and we were put into bat on what looked like one of the best Highgate Wood tracks for a number of years, under a blue sky and supported by a magnificent temperature of 27 degrees.
Will and myself were dismissed cheaply, but David Proctor (54) and Joe Rahman (24) came together to provide the main ballast of the innings, putting on 89 runs together in good time. Proctor’s concentration and shot selection has improved markedly in recent seasons, ably backed up by his considerable power to dismiss any loose bowling. It was no surprise, therefore, when he went on to pass 50 runs for the second time this season. In fact, the main threat to his concentration appeared to be the glut of wides as bowled by the TT support bowlers (37 in all). Joe was able support, and looked in good touch in one of his few middle-order appearances this season. He threw a bit of a wobbly when he was somewhat triggered out lbw for 24. Thereafter, our innings faded away quite rapidly, finishing on a disappointing 170. With a full XI, on this type of surface we would have been thinking a par total was around 220+. However, we had some experienced bowlers in the VIII, so we were still reasonable optimistic of defending our total.
Another superb Muswell Hill Bakery tea was eaten in still lovely conditions (though Will did request a return to the more interesting and individualistic player-constructed teas, which were the norm until relatively recently).
Gabbay (3-10) made two early inroads, continuing his excellent line and length which has characterised his 2012 season. At the other end, Asif Zain bowled tidily, though some looser deliveries in his final over somewhat spoilt his figures. For TT, Frais (20) and Smith (27) batted very well together, and at the 20 overs drinks break their side were a very solid looking 84-3. However, by now Rahman (2-25) was starting to talk with the ball, and I managed to get one to lift off back-of a length to snare dangerman Smith, neatly taken by debutant gloveman Will. Wickets now came at a steady rate, and we also benefited from assistance in the field, in the form of diminutive youngsters Otto Proctor and his friend Finn. Otto took the opportunity to impress us all with a superbly thrown direct-hit from point, though the batsman had made his ground. As the match moved towards a conclusion, it actually ended with two successive, stunning, direct-throw run-out’s - delivered by Proctor and Gabbay. This brought the game to a dramatic finish, and we were very pleased with our efforts. Special notice should also be given to Will for his performance behind the stumps, at his first attempt.
Written By: J.Gower
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