St Lukes v Park Hill –
Saturday 19th August 2006
St Lukes 1st
XI
E.
Hardwicke
J.
Durnall
C.
Hillman
M.
Krishna
H. Joneja
H. Patel
A.
McArthur
M. Heynes
J. Somers
T.
Haslehurst
T. Blatt
The day started with grey clouds hanging over the heads of both South West London’s home of cricket, The Cadbury’s Double Decker Oval, and the St Lukes players credentials to be playing next season in Division2 of the RobinFord(am) Money Laundering League.
The days gloom only started to lift when at 14:30 once the rain had abated and the covers were finally removed. The sun then began to shine with only the second successful coin toss of the season. St Lukes opted to bat first in difficult conditions on a pitch that looked and has a history of deteriorating as games progress.
Captain Ed and Jo “no shots” Durnall strode purposefully out to the wicket, the skipper soon showed his intentions by lashing the opening bowler between gully and point for the first boundary of the day, with that St Lukes were on their way and they never looked back.
Having survived a huge appeal for caught behind that was given “not out” by umpire Darrell Haslehurst No Shots unfortunately perished two balls later chipping one to mid-wicket. This brought C Hillman to the wicket who with Captain Ed added around fifty for the second wicket, through good stroke play and some intelligent running between the wickets. The partnership was brought to a premature end when Hillman was adjudged to have been a caught behind. Several hours later Hillman could still be seen muttering to himself that it didn’t carry. I think we should all spare a thought for the Hillman family who will have no doubt heard about this all weekend!!
Having a solid platform of 72 off 20 overs to work from the St Lukes boys could all free their arms with Michael, Hemant, Heiron and Andy all contributing little cameos to make the final total of 160-6 off the allotted 32 overs. A total St Lukes should always be able to defend even in the 45 over variety of the game.
Des opening from the Garden Shop End wasted no time in finding his rhythm; along with Heiron both bowlers beat the bat with regularity. They were backed up by some fine wicket keeping from Hemant and some electric ground fielding (particularly in the gully region).
The first wicket fell to Des with the score on 10 and from then on the wickets continued to fall regularly as St Lukes kept an iron grip on proceedings. St Lukes dominance was such that only three bowlers were used, thus denying the crowd the chance to witness the exciting new leg spinning talent that we have all heard so much about.
When all was said and done Des had claimed three wickets, Heiron five and Blatty had chipped in with his customary 2 wickets. Special mention must also go to Ed and Andy who both claimed three and two catches respectively.
St Lukes must wish they could bat like this every week, as they wouldn’t lose a game with their bowling attack.
Captain Ed’s six straight down the ground, apparently it was like Pietersen. One of the best he’s ever hit. This writer didn’t see it I would of gone for Des’s 4 down the ground but Ed is stood behind me.
There were no great catches, but some fantastic work in the gully by Tim H and great ground fielding from James in the deep.
After very little deliberation and a unanimous vote Heiron was awarded the man of the match for the second week running, unlucky Ed. How come his bowling has been hidden in the 2nds; something’s wrong there! Great performance again Heiron; well played.
Captain Ed for not coming out for a few beers afterwards.
Thought of the day.
Lets play 32 overs every week!!
The clubs biggest game in its history on the 2nd Sept – Div 2 beckons if we take all 20 points; it’s in our hands. Lets have full availability guys – St Lukes needs you!