Cavaliers vs Centymca

CENTYMCA 133 All Out (42.1overs)

CAVALIERS 136-7 (34.4overs)

I am pleased to report a third successive win in what was probably our most satisfactory performance. Ths is because it is the first game we have won where we bowled out the opposition rather than won after a declaration or on an overs format.

Having again loss the toss on a warm afternoon and with only 4 regular bowlers the Captain ensured we took advantage of a pitch devoid of bounce by using the tactic of a slow bowler and a fast bowler in tandem throughout. Richard Coles 0-28 from 10 and Siva 4-41 (from 13.1 overs spread over 2 spells), kept a tight grip so that after 10 overs we had bowled 5 maidens and the score was less than 30. The Siva then broke through with the aid of an excellent diving catch by Steve Mason playing and keeping for the first time this season.

The introduction of Bal Bajaj bought 4 more wickets for 33 to Bal from 8 overs whilst Chris Wright bowled steadily at the other end replacing the unlucky Coles. When Bal tired, Siva returned to clean up the tail with Chris Wright taking 2-31 off 11overs at the other end. Throughout we fielded tightly with 10 men and a spare fielder borrowed from the opposition who had only played 4 games in his life (all the wrong side of 35). Siva took 2 good catches at cover and no chances were missed.

After tea, the pitch deteriorated further and the bowlers bowled tightly with the Centyma side bowling their two openers for the first 30 overs and one bowling unchanged throughout swinging the ball away accurately and late. After being 0 for 1 we got to 37 without further loss, before Riley 16 and Stevens 10 fell in consecutive overs. Steve Mason then rebuilt the innings with support in successive partnerships of 18 with Dwobeng, 38 with Siva and 25 with the Captain before a final flourish from Chris Wright 10NO took us to 132-7 with 2 balls remaining and 2 runs needed.

Off the fifth ball of the final over Steve Mason struck a four to clinch victory and finish 37Not Out. Despite using a long stop the opposition still conceded 48 extras.

Having only 10 batsmen, this was a real all round team performance where we ground out victory. This was batting to orders because it was exactly what the Captain told the team was required to succeed before they batted. Any batsman hitting across the line on this pitch in pursuit of quick runs was not going to succeed. The bounce was so low that next year we need to equip the batsmen with shovels not cricket bats before they visit Grove Park. The game was played in good humour throughout but both sides were as intent on victory as if this was a League game.

As I am not available to play the next two games I would like to briefly reflect on our last 5 games in which we have won 3 close matches after forcing 2 losing draws. It may not be League Cricket but the opposition all had some able cricketers doing their best to win. We are making good use of the players not required for the League teams. Our 3 victories have been particularly good experience for our younger players to learn what is needed to win a close game which is part of their cricket education. I hope the good spirit we have had in the last 5 games can be maintained and that we are able to keep a mix of youth and experience in the side.

Chris Atkinson (Cavaliers Captain)
16th June 2003