St Lukes v Morden A– Saturday 10^th June 2006

St Lukes 1^st XI

Charles Hillman

Mick Packer

Fawad Omer

Richard Bent

Tim Blatt

Syed Abdul Majid

Karl Quinn

Salman Saif

Robin Ford

Ahmed Hassan

Matthew Cobb

The Match:

Another very warm sunny summers day at Dekkers for our fifth outing of the season, and it was a rather depleted St Lukes side that met local rivals Morden A.

In the absence of Ed the side was lead by Charles Hillman and there were St Lukes debuts for Salman Saif and Syed Abdul Majid, both friends of Fawad’s. There was also the first Ist XI outings of the season for veterans Richard Bent, Mick Packer and Robin Ford.

After an inauspicious start when he lost the toss to the Hook & Southborough skipper (who were playings the 2nds) Charles located the correct Morden skipper and duly won the toss second time around, electing to bat in stifling conditions and with the England / Paraquay game on in the bar.

After the early loss of Matthew, Mick and Fawad shared a second wicket partnership of 93 in 19 overs with solid shots all around the wicket from both players. Fawad was adjudged lbw (correctly) for 43 while Mick had to retire hurt (thus protecting his average) for 67 with a pulled hamstring. After a couple of cameo knocks from Charles and Adnan, the stage was set for a final onslaught from Richard Bent who made a very welcome return to form scoring 47 not out. 80 runs were added in the last 10 overs including 42 in a 4 over unbeaten partnership between Richard and Carl. This enabled St Lukes to post a commanding total of 225 for 4 wkts on a good batting wicket,

In hot conditions St Lukes produced a disciplined bowling and fielding display and after Morden lost three early wickets the result was not really in doubt. Carl bowled 11 tight overs taking 2 wickets for 19 while Robin and Fawad both chipped in with two wickets apiece. Majid and Salman also showed promise in their spells. Morden closed on 178 for 9 giving St Lukes a victory margin of 47 runs.

Champagne Moment

Robin’s 500^th club wicket – a catch at point by Tim B – the first St Lukes player to achieve this feat. Congratulations Robin.

Shots of the day:

Fawad– flick off his legs over square leg and onto Dekkers roof.

Richard – drive over long on which cleared the scorebox and landed near the railway line.

Catch of the day:

Charles – a sharp chance out of the sun at deep mid on

Female Icon of the day:

Mick Packer – pulled a hamstring (requiring a runner – our third in 5 games) and then broke a nail attempting a slip catch.

Man of the Match

Mick Packer – a solid 67 (retired hurt) that built the foundations for the late onslaught that produced a match winning total.

Lessons Learnt:

Perhaps just a couple of points:

1) For the second week on the trot the critical runs were scored in the last 10 overs of the first innings when the fielding side were getting tired on a hot day and concentration was flagging.

2) To avoid further misunderstandings before ‘tossing up’ the skipper should ask his opposite number which team they are.