Shepherds Bush 2nd XI v Ealing CC 2nd XI

On a roasting Saturday afternoon, the E-men travelled to locals Shepherd’s Bush (it always seems to be hot when we play there?).

With half the team applying more sun cream than an albino in the Sahara, Ealing were asked to bowl on a deck that looked as if it would offer a little for both bat and ball. And so it did.

With the fourth new ball pairing this season, Ealing started well. Tendulkar (no, his son), and Rowley (still the world’s angriest Kiwi) bowled tightly and although only one wicket was found (off a legal delivery) it was very much honours even, possibly with the pendulum in Ealing’s favour.

A special mention to Arjun’s first ball, ensuring Connelly and the cordon moved closer towards Virgin Active.

As the scorching Sun beat down on W3, Ealing began to chip away at the Bush line-up. With Tony Fell breaking the partnership between Bush’s 2 and 3, it was time for Cabs and Dewhurst to extract whatever spin may have existed.

Bush began to accelerate, and ‘‘twas therefore time to return to the sizzling pace provided by Arjun. With an ability to hit batsmen in the head for fun, and crush their toes at will, Arjun’s second spell was both terrifying and economical. Supported by Rowley at the other end who finished with a superb 3-fer, Ealing were set 193 to win from 48 overs.

However, the story of Ealing’s batsmen continued, with no one applying themselves on a good batting deck.

The quality of the Bush slip fielders was often tested, mainly by messers Connolly and A. Dewhurst, who both departed cheaply - pulling balls to mid-on and leaving straight ones respectively.

Tattersall, Fairbairn, Tendulkar and Rowley provided some stiff resistance, but a combination of good bowling and poor shot selection (predominantly the latter) ensured Ealing were bowled out, falling an agonising 9 runs short.

The boys look to bounce back from a disappointing run of losses at Corfton Road next week.