St Lukes v Selsdon A – Saturday 13^th May 2006

St Lukes 1^st XI

Ed Hardwicke

Joe Durnall

Fawad Omer

Hemant Joneja

Tim Blatt

Tim Haslehurst

Karl Quinn

Charlie Hillman

Michael Krishna

Ahmed Hassan

Andy McArthur

The Match:

The toss was successfully lost once again and St Lukes were asked to field; meaning no FA cup watching for us. This decision was further compound by the fact Fawad and Hemant had yet to arrive. Therefore Tim Haslehurst’s dreams of becoming a leg spinning revelation had to be put on hold again, with Tim opening up the bowling with Karl. We soon got the wicket that was required and from there on in wickets started to fall steadily through out the Selsdon innings, with both their danger men going cheaply to fine catches. They were finally dismissed for 106. However this was probably 20 more than they should have been allowed to get with St Lukes becoming rather flat in the field – a more ruthless streak being required.

So it was with confidence that we went into tea, knowing that only a small target was needed. However it didn’t take long for our optimism to wane; a David Gower (?!) waft outside off stump brought about Ed’s fall without troubling the scorers. After a promising start Fawad drove on the up to present Selsdon with their second wicket. And then Joe and Charlie gave the rather annoying music teacher looking left armer further reason for celebration. It was not long before we were then 5 down for 40 odd. The lure of the bright lights from his ensuing birthday party then proved too great for Karl. He felt the need to start dancing, dancing down the track! The result of his mistimed dance was the leg stump hitting the ‘floor’! So it was left to Tim Haselhurst and Ahmed to set about re-building our confidence and the possibility of reaching the finishing line. And the mixture of youth and experience undertaking the task proved to be enjoyable viewing. With the Old showing an impeccable defence and Ahmed playing a number of flowing shots. And there they remained; unmovable and so providing use with the win we deserved against a weak Selsdon side.

Shot of the day:

Ahmed – straight six over the top of the bowlers head.

Catch of the day:

Tim – a once in a lifetime (truly we’ll never see him do that again) effort from this ‘athlete’. One hander at full stretch while falling backwards!

Female Icon of the day:

Hemant – so busy watching Dirty Dancing, Grease and Trinny and Susanne on DVD at home he forgot to turn up! Hemant has managed to win this despite Joe’s attempts to dethrone him with a pair and doing so by getting out LBW to the worst leave decision since Simon Katich’s leave against Flintoff at Old Trafford last year!

Man of the Match (and the lush prizes it brings):

Ahmed – a great 40odd not out, digging us out of a hole. Also a mention to needs to go to Tim for a providing the solid support needed throughout Ahmed’s innings and also for both Fawad and TB’s bowling displays.

Lessons Learnt:

1) Get to the ground 30 mins minimum before the start – causes such a headache if you don’t.

2) Batting – same subject as last week. All I need to say is follow Tim Haslehurst example of perfect defence. Big stride forward on these pitches and then pick them off.

AOB

An interest has been shown by a number of people in having a weekly evening net. I would certainly be keen to part take once I’m back in London. Watch this space.