Ealing CC 2nd XI vs Teddington CC 2nd XI

With the British summer finally arriving, it was an absolute swelter at Corfton Road.

With stand-in captain Holt winning the toss, Ealing elected to bat on a hard, flat surface. Beast and Goody got the boys off to a flier, smoking a couple of quick boundaries, capitalising on some poor bowling from Teddington’s openers. Both however, nicked off cheaply, leaving a fear of previous week’s batting woes in the minds of the home team.

Henri (32) and Holt (51) steadied the ship, and with excellent contributions from Ashok (29) Simpson (38) and Tendulkar (30), as well as an explosive 16* from Rowley, Ealing declared after 50, setting their opponents 237 to win. A competitive total.

Competitive was not the adjective to describe Teddington’s batting order. Lacklustre and brainless would be more apt.

With new-in-town handyman Trent Growler bowling a tight spell up the hill, the Mumbai Terminator charged in down the slope, removing 3 of the top 4, Growler picking the fourth out of his tool box.

At 25-4, Teddington showed no signs of looking to secure a point. Continued aggression led to the regular fall of wickets. Fell picking up two caught behinds, Sloman 3 on his 2nd XI debut and Arjun returning to claim his 4th (to some moron attempting a reverse scoop) ensured the game was wrapped up with 13 overs to spare.

A fantastic win, set up by a rejuvenated middle order and finished off by a very impressive bowling display.

The E-men travel to Osterley next week looking to return to the summit of Div 1.