A club first ever game at Hornsey CC was rewarded with a lovely day, a nice match, lots of Tavern spectators but not a win. Chris went out to toss. You know the rest. We fielded.
Greg got an early lbw. First change Martin got a caught and bowled. Next ball Gokhal smashed one back to him at ankle height. Martin couldn't cling on. But 5 overs later he caught him off Andy J. Unfortunately in that time Gokhal had amassed a rapid 50 with 3 sixes and several fours.
We then fought back. 4 batsmen obligingly missed straight ones off me for 2 bowled and 2 lbws. Alex and Guy picked up a wicket apiece at the death to leave things delicately poised.
With Simon unable to bat (back injury) Barrie and Matthias opened and dug in. After a stand of 19 Barrie was caught and I joined Matthias. The pace of Kartik posed a few problems but drinks were taken at 70 odd - the requirement about 8 an over. We had added about 80 when Mattias hesitated slightly and was run out. I missed him so much I holed out next over.
Greg and Martin took it to them. Greg scored all round the wicket, Martin focussed on the area behind the bowler. Runs came quickly for a few overs before Martin was bowled. Andy J joined Greg with the requirement 83 from 10. Still in the game. Until about 5 balls later that is, when the newly introduced off spinner had Greg caught before Andy chopped on. The bowler soon had a four wicket haul as Chris and Tom were bowled. 9th and last wicket pair Guy and Alex salvaged some pride before the returning leg spinner bowled Alex.
Thanks to Hornsey for hosting us at very short notice and Brian for preparing the wicket. Thanks also to Sonia and Felix, Hugh and Natalie, Ken, Lino Hillsden (over from Canada for a month), Aymon, Tracy, Seth and Robert and Rosie for turning up at various points to support.
DT
