Address;
The Paulin Ground, Ford’s Grove, London N21 3DN
Match report
Eggs and bacon at Winchmore Hill – won by 14 runs
Last season our established opponents Judd Street Tigers needed our help as they were 2 players short. The favour was returned as promising young colt Will Biggins played for us as we were one down.
We were lucky enough to play on the main square as the other pitches are now football only. We also had use of the cute Alan (Eggs and) Bacon score box too – Alan Bacon gave his entire estate to Winchmore Hill CC upon his death hence the name – he’s actually laid to rest in the north east corner of the ground!
Skipper Dom won the toss and we batted in the lovely late summer sunshine on the fantastic pitch. Mahender and Ari opened and took the score to 30 before Ari was caught in the slips – Dom in at 3 was soon LBW and Mendis was also out early – 48 for 3 after 9 overs. Mahender had scored 35 of these runs , everyone else only 4!
Niroshan ,in at 5, helped steady the Graces ship taking the attack to our hosts in a 62 run partnership with Mahender before the opener was out for an as always entertaining 61 – 109 for 4 after 17 0vers. Newton looked likely to get a decent score before managing to tread on his stumps for 14.
Scotty in at 7 then helped take the initiative away from the Tigers with a quick fire 31 including a big six over square leg! Niroshan was meanwhile playing really well timing his shots nicely with the Tigers doing a lot of chasing – a century looked a possibility – The overs were running out as he finally made a mistake and was bowled for an outstanding 88 with 2 overs remaining.
Our final total was 233 for 9 – we then headed in for the usual fine tea featuring ice lollies!
Newton and Mamun opened our bowling against Mr Ward & Warren. The score rattled along as Mr Ward showed some lovely timing driving the ball to the boundary. In the 8th over with the score at 42 keeper Scotty caught the other opener who was struggling with his timing.
The Tigers batsmen all showed a very positive attitude as the flat track enabled them to play a range of attacking shots – Mr Ward was finally out for a fine 56. The following Tigers kept the run rate up thankfully without anyone taking advantage of their good start. The next top score was skipper Matt Webster with 26. So they all made a start but didn’t manage to capitalise. Our bowlers performed well taking regular wickets. The hosts were always up with the run rate.
A highlight was Mr Sobers (no relation and very easy on the eye!) in at 4 being barracked by his own team to hit out – Mendis took a great caught and bowled off his skier.
We also only gave away 6 extras against 26 from our hosts.
These runs were to prove crucial as the light started to fade – Graces switched to spin as the run chase narrowly failed with the last wicket falling with 15 needed and 2 overs left. By this point it was really dark – the club house light shining brightly!
So another enjoyable match against very welcoming hosts – we look forward to returning next season
Jonners