4 August 2007 St Lukes A v Merton A (League) – Home
St Lukes:
James Somers (Capt)
Richard Bent (w/k)
Richard Somers
Gothum Kandavelu
Evan Huyerman
Gopi Desai
Mitsi Patel
Dieter Grutzner
Hemant Joneja
Jo Durnall
Bob Gaddes
Bit of a crunch match for both teams as fourth in the League (St Lukes) entertained third (Merton) knowing that the top two were also playing that weekend. [In the event Old Mid-Whitgiftians (287-5) inflicted a heavy defeat on Battersea Ironsides (70) – St Lukes meet the latter this weekend!!]
On a sunny afternoon St Lukes took to the field in high hopes but Merton – against which St Lukes have had some epic battles in the past – batted with patience and some skill. Richard S had a close run out chance, just missing a direct hit with the opener nowhere. A good opening stand was broken when the skipper took a good low catch, having positioned himself for just that mis-hit drive. Gopi took over from Evan at the bottom end and immediately got some good turn and lift. His final figures (42-3) did not reflect the number of times he beat the bat. Hemant was his usual consistent self (29-2 off 10 overs) but St Lukes were never able to put Merton under any real pressure. Some big hits at the end took Merton to a final score of 180-8 which looked about par on what was a good pitch.
In reply, the skipper led from the front and was keeping the
scoreboard ticking along. After one
trademark lofted drive, Richard B was bowled (“missed the line”) with score on
21. Richard S then joined James and
added another 38 before he was out (7).
It was clear that the batting was relying heavily on James and when he
was next out with score on 77, he had contributed 56.
On the whole a disappointing batting performance after James’ efforts earlier. St Lukes’ could have and should have got closer to the total.
Man of the match – James, led from the front, used his bowlers well and is starting to influence field positioning to great effect.