11 August 2007 St Lukes v Putney (League) – Away

St Lukes:

Tim Blatt (capt),

Tim Craig (wk),

Robin Ford,

Jason Custance,

Andy McArthur,

Karl Quinn,

Jothann Durnall,

Matt Curley ,

Chandra Sekar ,

Sri Narayanan,

Dusty Akram

scorecard

With only 4 regular first-teamers playing, it could be said that this game was there for the losing.  Optimism was high however, but having only 8 players available at start time, increased to 9 when the first ball was bowled was a further handicap to overcome.

Sure enough, Putney A made use of the gaps in the field and raced to 58-0 after 10 overs when the final 2 players took to the field.  Debutant Dusty Ahmed was bowling well and eventually made the breakthrough but this led to a second innings stand of 91 which put Putney on course for 300+.  However, a mix up between the batsmen allowed a good throw from Dusty to achieve a run out, and then wickets started to fall.  With Robin Ford bowling tidily at one end, another new boy, Chandra Sekar, served up a mix of wides and no balls with a smattering of excellent deliveries, taking 4-38 in 6 overs.  With wickets in hand Putney again pulled away to an impressive 236-8 at the close of their innings on a pitch favouring the batsman.

In general the fielding was disappointing.  Ground fielding could have been better and 7 catches were put down, 3 off the Chairman's bowling, although the third debut player, Matt Curley, held on to his chance.  A highlight was a brave (several bruises) performance from wicketkeeper, Tim Craig, who took two sharp stumpings

In reply St Lukes started confidently with a mix of aggression from Karl Quinn (28) and a steady anchor role from Jo Durnall.  Sri Narayanan chipped in with a nice 19 and Andy McArthur took over as anchorman scoring 45 to form the backbone of the innings.  Tim Craig joined Andy for a 5th wicket partnership of 77, scoring a quick 31 to keep St Lukes in with a chance at 166-4.  When Tim was dismissed the tail crept up to maximum batting points (180) before Robin tried to lash out with nothing to lose.  He was caught for 17 and St Lukes were all out 198 only 38 runs short of the target.  Given the circumstances, it was a valiant performance and a very enjoyable game.

Man of the Match - the all round performance from Tim Craig, edging out Andy's solid 45 and Chandra's exciting 4-38.