Strongroom come out on top in muddy run-fest
Wray Crescent, Islington, 10/17/2020
Strongroom won by 58 runs
Strongroom: 308-4 [G.Jones 115, J.Schneider 61*]
Pacific: 250-8 [T.Chasseaud 85, R.Siddiqui 72]
View the Scorecard
This was the deepest into October any of us had played a cricket match in the UK, and predictably we were met by dank, dark and cloudy overheard conditions. We had a decent team, and bolstered by the return of James Schneider.
Winning the toss at Wray Crescent is key, and thankfully this actually happened. We targeted 300, and were pretty chuffed to get to 308-4. Myself (39) and Gwyn Jones (115) made a slow start, getting to 39 off the first 10 overs, but from then on carnage reigned. Our opening stand of 161 surpassed the previous best of 150 by Gower D and Woolhouse R in 2001. Gwyn again reached an excellent ton, featuring some huge mid-wicket sixes, as he tucked into the slow bowlers. Pacific’s bowlers didn’t quite find their areas, except Deighan and Siddiqui. James Schneider (61*) upped the pace brilliantly with some powerful blows, as did Ben (33) and Anis (31), who clonked his first ball for a skimming straight six. Overall we hit 15 sixes. It’s that kind of ground.
The two Pacific openers, like us, made a slow and steady start. Riaz and Arif opened up, and their combination of leg-spin and skiddy, accurate pace made the openers concentrate. Mario bowled well, albeit struggling with muddy run up and that awkward transition from grass/mud to astroturf which we all struggle with. Ben kept wicket brilliantly. Chasseaud (85) batted very well, although we assisted this in dropping him on five occasions - the combination of gloomy skies and a muddy red ball probably didn’t help. Vinay actually bowled really well, but was assaulted by Siddiqui’s six-hitting onslaught. Infact, the hard-hitting Siddiqui and Chasseaud took them within striking distance of our total, and we were just starting to get jittery when the ever-reliable Riaz did his magic and removed these two dangerous batsmen in consecutive balls.
An enjoyable game this, and a positive note to end our season on.
The image below shows Gwyn packing his kit bag after yet another ton, Mario in his beanie and Riaz on his phone.
Written By: J.Gower
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