Mendis and Newton show us how it's done!
Match report – home V Hobgoblin Nomads CC 6th July 2014
Grace’s arrived very early at Greenford and were practising fielding when Hobgoblins rolled up. This was our first time hosting them and after winning the toss they elected to bat.
Their batsman were soon in trouble as Cambage drove straight to Manish in the covers who took a sharp catch – the other opener , White , followed shortly as Newton beat him for pace sending his middle stump cart wheeling in a very satisfying manner! Hobgoblins were now 16 for 2. Salsbury, in at number 4, took a liking to Mahender’s first delivery only to sky it to Newton who took the catch. Wickets fell regularly – Leo taking a lovely slip catch was a highlight – with only the number 3, AJ Raneweera, offering resistance with some well timed shots for 35. Accurate bowling saw Mendis pick up 3 wickets for 2 runs and Newton getting 4 for 14 leaving Hobgoblins 98 all out after 28 overs.
Following the tea break Stuart and Jonners opening the Grace’s innings but both found themselves back in the pavilion after some determined bowling from the visitors. After Leo, Naroshan and Scott were also out Grace’s were in big trouble at 24 for 5. The Hobgoblin opening bowlers (including AJ Ranweera again!) were fired up and bowled very well, scenting more blood! – Newton and Mendis were the 6th wicket partners and had to show real concentration to keep the bowlers out. Newton took 17 balls to patiently get off the mark. Their patience was rewarded as the later bowlers were unable to replicate the opening bowler’s accuracy and runs started to flow as both batsmen began to play their shots – Newton hitting consecutive sixes!
The visitors’ started to lose hope as Newton raced to 37 not out and Mendis 27 ,also not out, to bring up victory in the 21st over. So another victory but Hobgoblins showed great spirit in their bowling and quickly knocked any complacency out of Grace’s batsman who were looking for an easy win!
Congratulations to Mendis and Newton who bowled really well and then showed the batsmen how to do it!