Match Reports 2014

RTCC v Octopus at North Middlesex

Our tangle with Octopus CC at North Middlesex was our first Sunday encounter after 2 T20s (1-1). We arrived to find a game already under way on the far side. A proper game. With 30 yard circle discs. And a boundary that was two-thirds of the whole sward. In short our pitch was even smaller than Ferme Park.

Chris won the toss and fielded. Octopus set off rapidly. 50 after 6. First change Grant Henderson (on debut) and Dave Seymour took a wicket apiece, but the opener clattered on as did the no. 4 (who eventually perished top edging a slog off Andy R). With 8 overs left I accidentally caught the captain's eye. The opener was nearly caught by Simon first ball and then WAS caught by Simon for 154. The 3rd occasion that we have conceded an individual score of 150+ this season. Grant took his second wicket next over and suddenly bowling became a much easier thing. Numbers 8, 9 and 10 missed straight ones for a bowled, lbw, lbw hat-trick. Then Barrie took the last wicket first ball.

The reply was dealt a blow with the news that Simon had damaged a finger and couldn't bat. The blows kept coming. The outswing bowler removed Barrie and Andy R. Grant and I made cameo 20s before missing straight ones from the inswing bowler. Hugh and Dave S effected repairs before Dave holed out. Andy P clumped his usual way to several boundaries plus a 5 before being sawn off lbw by one that pitched outside leg (Octopus weren't shy when it came to appealing). Joe nicked behind, Stuart lifted a catch. Meanwhile Hugh had made his way to 42, a fact of which the incoming Chris informed him.Simon heroically padded up in case Hugh needed escorting to 50 but alas Hugh chipped a return catch. Chris awarded me the Captain's tankard for the hat-trick.

Dave T