Match report 1st July 2023 home v South Loughton – What a crazy match!
A perfect summer’s day saw the return of our great allies South Loughton to Broxbourne.
We’ve had some eventful games against them – this was to prove yet another one , perhaps the best yet.
A big shout out first to our loyal supporters Cliff , Jim and Ralph – always there for us!
Skipper Matt had kindly brought Dan and Henry down from Barton Seagrave – not quite sure who won the toss but the outcome was we were batting first on the fine Broxbourne main square.
Bizarrely we have always lost at home to SL but always beaten them away – could we change things today?
Unfortunately opener Matt was bowled second ball so not a good start in this quest. Youngster Henry then joined Michael and got things back on track taking the score to 41 in the 10th over. Henry was then bowled (17) bringing Mahender in at 3 who hit a quick cameo 14 before being caught – 64 for 3.
Leo in at 5 then took the attack to SL with Micheal in our best partnership of 77 in rapid time – Michael fell LBW in the 25th over for a nice 38. Leo continued with his usual entertaining aggressive drives before falling caught behind for a rapid 64.
Some tight bowling followed from SL and we were not able to keep up the run rate – we eventually finished on 187 for 9 off our 40 overs – 20 more would have been nice but it was defendable.
After the usual BYO tea – will we ever have one provided again! – Chris Sherwood and Dan (Barton S guest) opened with pace.
SL openers Ali and Vasanthanan were not hanging around reaching 48 in the ninth over before Vasa was caught by yours truly. Pavey at 3 played more of a supporting role as Ali showed good technique and the score mounted. Dan caught Pavey in the deep , 110 for 2 in the 19th over. Another wicket quickly followed – 115 for 3 in the 20th over. Ali was however continuing his cuts and drives adding to his mounting total.
We picked up another wicket as we persevered – 156 for 4 in only the 25th over – and still lots of overs left for SL. It looked done and dusted though as the 30th over arrived with Ali on 96 and only 5 runs needed to win with 5 wickets left..
Matt then turned to our secret weapon Mendis junior who induced Ali’s probably one and only crap shot – looking for a 4 that would bring up his century his wild swing failed to connect and he was bowled 4 short of a century!
He fell to his knees in disbelief as we mobbed Mendis J!
SL were now 182 for 5 in the 30th over – needing only 6 to win , 5 wickets left with overs to spare – surely still game over.
The dismissal of Ali had however sowed the seeds of doubt in SL and these then proceeded to bloom as Chris S bowled Soomro (number 6) with 4 runs added in the following over. Matt had added to the pressure by setting a very attacking field.
So 186 for 6 – only 2 needed
Mendis J then bowled 2 SL batters in the next over conceding one run – 187 for 8
Chris followed this up with a wicket maiden – 187 for 9! Graces were cock a hoop
So one run needed to win , one wicket to tie – the game had turned completely on its head in only 5 overs.
Matt carefully placed his field – 3 dot balls from Mendis J then a leg bye somehow slipped through and SL had won a totally bonkers match by the narrowest of margins!
Some great bowling figures , Dan 2 for 41 , Chris 2 for 44 but Mendis J 2.5 overs 3 wickets for 1 run!
We had experienced all the emotions and after congratulating our opponents deconstructed the match over drinks – cricket is always full of surprises!