22 September - St Lukes v Putney (Friendly) away

Karl Quinn (Capt), Richard Somers, Saul Charlwood, Jon Breedon, Richard Somers, Mitsi Patel (wk/part), Gopi Desai, Dusty Ahmed, Dave Jones (wk/part), Wasif Zamir, Shoks Rahman

Skipper Karl won the toss and elected to field.  Putney attacked from the outset but as a result lost an early wicket caught by Karl off the bowling of Dusty.  Despite Dusty and Karl bowling well, Putney were continuing to score at 5 an over and it was left to Robin to "buy" a couple of wickets.  The first an awkward looping catch by Richard B behind the stumps, and the second well caught by Dusty in the deep.  Wickets were now beginning to fall regularly.  There was a scrappy run out achieved with the combined efforts of Mitsi and Karl.  Shoks took 2 c&bs (pity he couldn't catch off Robin's bowling), Mitsi dismissed Putney's top-scorer (44) with the help of Gothum's safe hands, and Karl got their last man caught behind in his second spell - they only had 9 players!

The target of 138 in 35 overs looked gettable until St Lukes' innings began.  The first four batsmen were out with only 13 on the board.  This included Richard B being caught by Wasif as St Lukes sportingly lent a player to field for the opposition.  Dusty offered some resistance (12) and Wasif chipped in with 6 but the score was now 32 for 6.  Karl and Mitsi then put on a 7th wicket partnership of 58 scoring quickly and looking comfortable.  Just when thoughts turned to a possible victory, Mitsi played a reckless shot and was bowled for 29.  With Karl still at the crease St Lukes were in with a chance but when he too was bowled (for 34) it left only Robin and Saul looking to score 40 to win at about 3 an over.  The final wicket stand of 3 was not enough and St Lukes lost by 36 runs in a fluctuating and entertaining game.

Man of the Match - Captain Karl.