ORPINGTON 4th X1 v CATFORD CYPHERS 3rd X1
Orpington won toss and put Catford Cyphers in.
Catford Cyphers 250 for 3 declared after 46 overs (DeSilva 103, Benedict
92 not out)
Orpintgon 61 all out (Page 7 – 11)
May I begin by complimenting both Chris and Jasper on their respective
selections prior to Saturday. In my view both Jasper’s promotion picks form the
3rds to the 2nds were approppriate and
I look forward this week to receiving Dr Pratap’s input re the same, Chris as
ever did his normal juggling tricks !!!!. I am only too happy to see 3rds
players promoted and when a player leaves the seconds they have the ‘peace of
mind’ to know that they are welcomed into another competitive league side with
a good spirit and attitude .equally so, I as skipper know that who ever the
player he will do a good job for us [I am assuming he!].
The Orpington skipper Russell welcomed us and we tossed up
on a poor cricketing strip. We lost the toss and Russ asked us to bat on a
surprisingly sunny afternoon. The opposition bowling looked dangerous on a
pitch where the ball kept low and we were 28 for 2 off 15 overs. The stage was
now set for Ramesh and Anthony as we looked shaky. The skipper (who umpired 35
overs) need not have worried. A mildly surprising decision was taken by the
opposition skipper to change the bowling and our best batting performance of
the season ensued. Ramesh (who will soon put his running between the wickets
‘out to tender’) did not play a false shot. There is a phrase ‘class is
permanent’ – this description is surely apt. Anthony and Ramesh complimented
each other beautifully. Ramesh was very correct, Anthony’s innings (he was
dropped early on) was Violence personified. Some excellent batting from both. My apologies to Anthony
who was left on 92 not out when I declared on 46 overs.And compliments to our
team,particularly rajavan who supporrted our batters vociferously from the
boundary
Clayton entered the fray with 2 overs to go but was
avoided by most players for the rest of the game due to an unexpected visit
from a low flying seagull. !!!
We took tea knowing that our day was only half done and
that we must not show the opposition any leeway despite their lowly position.
Andy Page and Guru opened the bowling. Andy Page choosing to bowl from the
bottom end. The pitch was ‘exposed’ in its true light by two bowlers with the
ability to put in on the spot and wickets soon fell. Guru bowled with good pace
and took the first wicket. Andy found his rhythm and put the ball ‘in good
areas’ (I knew I’d squeeze it in one day Ant!) and his best ever career figures
followed. Andy has twice surpassed his ‘best ever’ in the space of 4 weeks.
Andy is one of the longest serving players in the Club and has probably bowled
more overs for C.C.C.C. than any other current player. He is a model cricketer,
a credit to himself and our Club. He is probably fitter now than when he was at
21! And when he is taking wickets can bowl for ever. The opposition skipper
provided some resistance so the skipper put himself on and dismissed his opposite number with one of his many mystery
deliveries (they are a mystery to him too!).pireba also bowled and took another
wicket towards the end.
So, may I conclude by thanking the team for another good
performance. James Golbey is an unsung hero, a solid opener, nothing gets by
him at cover and offers the welcome bit of advice as does David Sharp, geeing
up our bowlers when it matters. Pireba is always alert in the field as is Guru
‘G’. May I also give special thanks to Milind who fielded superbly at short leg
and nearly took a ‘blinder’ (although that would have given Andy 8 wickets!)
The reader should conclude that we are a happy team with a
good team spirit but we can also play a bit. We play as a team even those
little jobs, umpiring (Rajavan, the Skip, James Golbey and Dave Sharp, scoring
(Guru G and Pireva) and writing up the book (James Golbey) matter and help us
to form a unit and will help us through when the occasion demands it.
Well played Catford & Cyphers!!