St Lukes ‘A’ v Malden Wanderers 9 June 2007 (League)

Scorecard

Team:

James Somers (Capt),

Dieter Grutzner,

Richard Somers,

Mitsi Patel,

Shoukat Rahman,

Hemant Joneja (w/k),

Evan Huyerman,

Roy Yatali,

Jon Breaden,

Gopi Desai,

Bob Gaddes.

On a sunny if slightly overcast afternoon, Deckers top pitch looked dry and hard and the outfield grassy. This and the short boundaries suggested lots of runs. The skipper promptly lost the toss and was put in – “I probably would have batted first anyway” was the quote. The skipper obviously liked the look of the opposition – mostly made up of colts – and decided to lead from the front and open the batting. He signalled his intent by taking two fours of the first over. Unfortunately, Dieter favoured less well, getting a peach of a delivery that moved in and bowled him of his pads (8-1 in the second over). That brought in Richard and after a nervous start he started to work the ball around. At this point the pitch started to show some unpredictable bounce particularly from the top end. ‘Father and Son’ took the score along at a steady five an over; James moving to his fifty with ease and the stand to 107 (we think a record for the ‘A’ second wicket partnership) when Richard was out (28). Mitsi came and went without bothering the scorer but Shoks played sensibly (for 37) adding another 68 with James and taking the score to 184-4. James completed an excellent century before finally perishing for 127 (another record for the ‘A’s) to much enjoyment and noise from the ‘family’ spectators. Useful runs were added by Evan (20) and Jon (16) – including a six of the last ball – to leave St Lukes at 272-7.

The inexperience of the Malden side showed in the batting and wickets were lost at a regular rate. Bob got the benefit of a ‘marginal’ LBW shout to start the rot, finishing with 10-4 of 7 overs before taking a rest (‘jug avoidance’ it was alleged). Gopi also bowled well getting bounce and turn (8-3). Evan picked up two cheap wickets and Mitsi one to leave the opposition all out at 21 of 16 overs. Some good bowling was backed up by energetic fielding and good catching from Jon, Roy (two) and Mitsi.

Man of the match – The skipper, leading from the front.

Man of the Match: James Somers