Graces finish on top
Winchmore Hill has been a tricky venue for Graces for quite a few seasons having finished second best for at least 5 years. The hosts surprisingly invited Graces to bat on a glorious afternoon taking the field with only 9 players due to late injuries. A rotating 10th fielder was provided by Dom in the spirit of the game.
Mahender and Dom opened our innings putting on 45 for the first wicket when Mahender was caught off a slower ball for a rapid 36 off 38 deliveries. Leo came in at 3 but was soon bowled for 6 bringing Mendis at 4 – after some nice drives he was caught behind for 13 – the score was now 95 for 3 in the 18th over with Dean and Dom at the crease.
Dom was soon caught behind for a well paced 32 leaving Dean to hold the innings together as no one was able to stay with him for any length of time. He carried on his fine early season form finishing on 59 not out off the same number of balls. Two run outs featured at the end of the innings with one of them ending with Manish and Dean at the same end! Louder calls are needed.
Our innings finished on 214 for 9 off 40 overs – the hosts bowling was consistent with Wright having the best figures of 3 for 31 off his 8 overs.
After a nice tea Newton and Mamun opened the bowling with accuracy keeping the scoring rate down. Mamun bowled both the openers (24 for 2) – Wickets fell regularly with only the 6th wicket partnership of 62 causing Graces concern with Wright showing his all round ability top scoring for the Tigers with an entertaining 41 – after punishing Dean in one over Dean had the last laugh making him play on. The hosts finished with 143 in the 31st over – if they had had 11 players it may have been a tighter match – Mahender followed his knock with 4 wickets for 28 runs so had a great match.
So Graces winning run continues – next week sees a visit to the ever hospitable Alleyns Adhoc in Herne Hill