Strongroom’s run chase wilts in the heat
Highgate Woods, 6/18/2005
LBS won by 11 runs
LBS: 223-6
Strongroom: 212 all out
View the Scorecard
LBS won the toss and batted first on a sweltering day at the Woods. Simon Ray and Shah kicked off proceedings with a great opening spell of probing pace which kept the aggressive LBS openers in check. After 10 overs LBS were 22-0, but were showing signs of restlessness, until Reddi, a centurion last year, was ran out for 15 amidst much celebration. J Gower and Proctor replaced the new ball attack, and after some steady overs were then treated to an onslaught of aggression from Sikka and Satya. Strongroom fielded with real focus throughout and again another run out saw the end of Sikka for a rampant 65. Runs were now flowing steadily however, and Ray responded by bringing on his pair of trusty dicks – Boote and Woolhouse. The teasing flight of Richard Boote teased the LBS batsmen, and Satya was soon bowled for 37. Rich Woolhouse dismissed another two, one being well snatched by Boote at deep gully. These breakthroughs brought in Rajesh, who finished well with an aggressive unbeaten 42, and LBS secured a healthy total of 223-6 in 40 overs.
The familiar opening duo of Rich Woolhouse and Dave Gower set out after tea to build a platform for the 224-run target. Both batsmen were soon peppering the boundary, until Rich holed out for a rapid 16, but again this pair had got Strongroom off to a sound start, with 38 off 8 overs. J Gower joined his brother, but Dave was now well set, and cracked some wonderfully timed cover drives, with a quick outfield for once rewarding his orthodoxy. Dave was beaten in the flight by Sood, and lofted to mid-on for a sound 34. J Gower, after a cautious start, now set about the bowling with some belligerent hitting, and was well partnered by James Morris, a Strongroom debutant. However, another catch was offered and J Gower departed for 30. By now, James was batting with real class, until he too was out (29) whilst looking well set, but this was a most promising debut performance. The pressure was now on the Strongroom middle order, but rarely for once they didn’t respond. Simon, Shah and Proctor all fell cheaply, and just as the run chase looked all but over at 162-7, Bully and Guy shared in a brilliant stand of 34 for the 8th wicket. Bully cut and drove with sound timing, whilst Guy again showed how far his batting has come with some exquisite driving, including one enormous six over deep mid-wicket. With 11 still needed, and Pete and Boote at the wicket, we were in with a real chance. However, the return of the hustling pace of Nimit proved too much, and LBS secured a tight victory. LBS bowled with good discipline, and took all their catches. This was a really enjoyable game, played in blistering heat and a good spirit.
Written By: J Gower
|