Strongroom dismantled by Nigerian swing and seam
Raynes Park, 5/20/2007
London Nigerians won by 4 wickets
Strongroom: 116 (J.Claro 40)
London Nigerians: 120-6
View the Scorecard
A hugely disappointing performance by a powerful Strongroom XI provided London Nigerians a 3-0 scoreline in this now regular fixture. The chaotic assemblage of the Strongroom team meant they batted first by arrangement with opposing skipper Kevin Allanso, as they had too few fielders to bowl first. Opening bowlers Tade and Legbe both swung and seamed the new ball alarmingly off a green-top surface, and it was the probing line and length of this pair that saw Strongroom fatally capitulate to 34-7. There were some excellent deliveries which accounted for a number of these victims, yet only James Claro (40) showed the requisite judgement and application in such testing conditions. With his trademark big forwards stride, complemented by playing late with ‘soft hands’, Claro battled on, and whilst he remained Strongrooms’ hopes hung by a thread, bolstered by a strong batting line-up on paper. Oliver Moore (15) showed good composure, but the damage had already been done, and Strongroom were shunted aside for 116 in 27.4 overs.
Tea Report: The traditional Nigerian chicken, rice and plantain was finger-lickin’ good, and both teams took their time in enjoying the food, as there was plenty of time to spare!
A few quick wickets and Strongroom felt they could fight to defend their meagre total, and skipper David Proctor manoeuvred his two big guns (Ray and Woolhouse) into position for the opening salvos. Simon Ray (1-13) worked up some serious pace from down the hill, and was ably supported by a motivated and accurate Rich Woolhouse (2-8) from the other end. The Nigerians swished repeatedly, and as such it was clear their batting order had been re-shuffled for this low run-chase. Oliver Moore (2-23) again troubled the batsmen with his bendy in-swing, and James Claro shared one of his victims behind the stumps in what was overall a smart keeping display. Proctor rearranged his field, rotated his bowlers and constantly encouraged his team mates, but the big breakthrough never quite materialised. A few catches were spilled along the way, and the Nigerians brazen strokeplay proved intimidating to compete against. The final rites were delivered by highly-pumped Mike Gabbay, as he rudely slapped Jon Gower for three consecutive boundaries.
Strongrooms’ recent good form was ruthlessly exposed by some accurate swing and seam bowling. The next few games will prove whether they have learnt anything from this defeat.
The Strongroom collective joined the Nigerians for a pint in the nearby tavern, and the good spirits between these two teams ensured this was a fixture both teams want to continue.
Written By: Jon Gower
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