Conventional Morris and Claro defy Bohemianism
Crouch End, 6/11/2006
Strongroom won by 89 runs
Strongroom: 284-5 (J.Claro 68, J.Morris 102*)
Bohemians: 195 all out
View the Scorecard
Strongroom found themselves in deepest Crouch End, illuminated and warmed by some tremendous June sunshine. The Bohemians lost the toss and Strongroom made the obvious decision to bat first.
John Baddeley, in his first game for some time, swished a couple of boundaries before planting a high-full toss straight to point. His opening partner James Claro opted to sensibly play himself in, and duly reaped the rewards as he revaled his wonderful timing and sound shot-selection. Claro (68) and J.Gower (33) added 51 for the 2nd wicket in quick time, with both batsmen revelling in a track which really ‘came on’ and encouraged free strokeplay. Bohemians bowled with good aggression, but this was a powerful Strongroom line-up, which only got stronger when James Morris came to the crease. James went on to smash an outstanding 102*, including twelve 4’s and four 6’s. His perfectly-timed innings featured destructive driving on-the-up, savage cutting and some deft chips to the leg-side. Morris and David Proctor (26) posted a record 111-run stand for the 5th wicket. Luke Evans (22) also joined in the fun, and Strogroom posted a daunting total of 284-5.
A rare sit-down-tea was wolfed down, and provided some welcome respite from the heat. Bohemians would just need to get a couple of batsmen ‘in’ and they could challenge this total, as an even surface and fast outfield certainly flattered the Strongroom score.
Wesley and Bully opened the attack, and Wesley took little time to rattle the timbers as he found good pace and rhythm as he raced in down the slope. Three of the Bohemians established themselves but fell to some sustained pressure from some good bowling and outfielding. At 95-3 off 20 overs they were very much in the game, but the dismissal of the dangerous Bentley created an opening into the middle-order. Brett Shearer (2-24) setteld into his usual tight line and length, as did J.Gower (2-22). Proctor, Bully and Morris all chipped in with a wicket apiece, and the Bohemians eventually accepted defeat in the 33rd over.
This was a keenly-fought affair, played in a competitive spirit, and we look forward to a return fixture in 2007.
Written By: J.Gower
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