CATFORD CYPHERS IIIrds v HSBC IVths

 

 

Catford Cyphers IIIs 237 for 3 from 43 over

 

HSBC IVs 73 all out

 

The 3rds went into this game in the knowledge that our destiny was in our hands. The weather forecast was good, the two teams behind us were playing each other and we were at home against a weaker team. However, all the last minute doubts creep in to our collective psyche – will it rain? Will we all turn up? Will they play ringers? Will we be reported to the league? Will the opposition umpire not like our teas?

 

A strong team was assembled and poised knowing that we were making a final assault on our summit. At Locksbottom in April it was a distant peak, only mere aspiration, yet slowly, gradually, painstakingly we pitched our camp at different stages or our ascent with only a few moments of doubt

 

The Skipper won the toss (the double headed coin works wonders) and we chose to bat against Orpington who appeared to be fielding a weak team. The opening bowling was stronger than HSBC’s the following week but only accounted for Dave Sharp who can only be described as ‘volunteered out’! 

 

Without appearing blasé it was almost taken for granted that Ramesh would get a big score. He bided his time, played the good ball well and punished the bad delivery and eventually went on to make 121 (caught in the deep). This week he took a shine to the shorter leg side boundary and hit 6 sixes and 14 fours! (Saving On all that expended energy running between the wickets eh?)

 

Since Ro came into the 3rds he has been the perfect anchorman and he has never failed to set up the innings as an opener. His 20s, 30s and 40s are worth double that to the team. On this occasion Ro made 57 and was out when looking in no trouble at all. Ro has the perfect temperament for an opener and it is a joy to play in the same team as him.

 

Yash came into play the perfect cameo when runs were needed quickly and Anil made a rapid one not out! We declared on 43 overs with our job half done.

 

We had not been reported to the league and our teas were just fine. We took 10 minutes on our tea, another 15 minutes spent warming up. Orpington took 30 minutes to emerge from the pavilion.

 

Andy Page opened from his usual end hoping to add to his already league record tally of 57 wickets and Mickey Johnson from the other end. This was not to be Andy’s day despite bowling some real ‘jaffas’ something went on one side of his body and he had to leave the attack.

 

It was perhaps fitting that Mickey could play in such a decisive game and Mickey came through for us on Saturday last, despite a groin strain and a calf strain not to mention a dodgy Achilles. Mickey returned figures of 13 – 7- 19 –7. Replacing Andy at the top end was the team’s Vice Skipper and inspiration Ant Galvin. Ant stepped up to the plate when he was needed and did the business. His three quick wickets wrapped it all up for us and the celebrations began. We are the Champions.

 

I will take this opportunity of thanking every player who represented the 3rds during their league season. Everybody has made a contribution to our success. I will mention Asam, Aatavar Rajakumar (AA), Curtley and Milind as younger players who did their bit when needed and the more mature cricketers such as Richard Coles and Chris Wright who helped us through.

 

The team stalwarts James Golbey, Dave Sharp, Ro, Yash, Anil, Rajavan , Jabba , Iqbal and Guru could always be relied upon and we always looked forward to the cameo appearances of Para, Mickey Johnson, Steven Mason and Andre.

 

We must acknowledge the fantastic achievements of Andy’s 57 wickets and Ramesh’s five centuries, they are out team’s superstars.Antony Benedict wd have been a season long success but gained deserved promotion to the 2s after a while ,we enjoyed his destructive batting and accurate 1st change bowling.

 

Ant Galvin is the embodiment of enthusiasm playing cricket, is there a better fielder in our club? He is an intelligent cricketer with the ideal aggressive spirit required for league cricket. He is a fine spin bowler who never got enough overs in this year.(he may be able to buy some from Mr Page in the close season!). The Skipper of course will taken his customary agents fee Ant has been the ideal vice-skipper

 

I have not forgotten that I inherited my job from Roger Harris who had done so much to establish a 3rd team. Roger was a great support throughout the season and helped enormously with his man of the match contributions and his umpiring.

 

Chaps,you made it an honour and a privilege.

 

Well played C.C.C.C.