Nigerians too powerful for Strongroom
Hawker Centre, Kingston, 5/15/2005
London Nigerians won by 5 wickets
Strongroom: 151-7 (S.Ray 56)
London Nigerians: 152-5
View the Scorecard
Skipper Simon Ray opted to bat first on a fine, sunny day, but the vagaries of the crumbly wicket soon accounted for Rich Woolhouse, snared at gully swatting at a lifter. J Gower got his head down, but was soon involved in a mix-up which saw Arif return without troubling the scorers. Simon joined Jon at the wicket and these two started to play with increasing confidence against an accurate attack, until another run out saw the end of Gower for 26. Kunal (on loan from India for 3 weeks) and Simon then put on 59 runs for the fourth wicket, with both batsmen getting to grips with the fickle surface. Simon went on to score another beautifully crafted half-century with trademark flicks to square leg and sumptious cover-drives. Proctor again battered some quick-fire middle order runs, and Guy and Jolyon saw Strongroom through to a respectful total of 151-7 off 35 overs.
A tasty Nigerian lunch of Chicken and Jolloff Rice sat heavily on the Strongroom bowlers, and sure enough the opening overs produced some equally stodgy fare. Simon and Arif both struggled to find the right line, as the London Nigerian openers feasted on some wayward bowling. Arif went on to claim the opener with a good off-cutter, but J Gower, Jolyon and Kunal all failed to strike another blow. Simon then returned for a fiery second spell, in tandem with an equally cranked-up Rich Woolhouse. Simon really hit the straps, bowling with impressive pace, and Rich bowled with good shape. No.3 batsman, M.Omoigui (Nigeria's National Captain!) scored a stylish 67, finally having his stumps scattered by S Ray. Three wickets fell in quick succession, but it was too little too late, as LN reached 152 with the loss of 5 wickets.
This was a really enjoyable game, played in a good spirit, and we look forward to taking on the London Nigerians again (but next time we'll lay off the rice and chicken!).
Written By: J Gower
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