Kew CC vs Ealing CC

(Match Report by Dhar Solanki)

15 ECC boys had signed-up for this game and we were fortunate enough that Kew CC (KCC) invited 12, this meant leaving out 3 boys was inevitable. I hate dropping boys that are keen to play even after training sessions are complete! I was pleased to see all our players in the nets warming up. Parents were mingling around the pavilion supping their coffees and the opposition were warming up on the pitch itself. I met KCC’s manager and he told me we were supposed to start at 9am as their senior team had a scheduled match at noon! We didn’t have any more time to warm-up unfortunately …

Our game was played under the following rules:

12 players per side
Score starts at 200
Lose 5 runs for each wicket
Lose 2 runs for each no-ball and wide, neither being replayed
Each pair bats for 4 overs
Ball: Incrediball

Wicket Keepers: Tom/Jamie/Freddie/Lucas/Zach
Scorer – Dave Smith
Supporters: all the parents and siblings

Tayyab was privileged to be the captain and having won the toss elected to bowl. We didn’t have much time however Tayyab gathered his team and provided some leadership, tactics and much needed encouragement. KCC had used flat markers to gauge wide’s, however I hadn’t noticed these were not in line and very forgiving one end compared to the other. Jamie and Freddie opened the bowling and with the markers closer than normal, 16 runs were unfortunately given away, however between them they also picked up 3 prized wickets. It was good to see catches taken from ECC and this continued throughout the game. Indie and Tanush were up next and Indie was able to twice clean bowl the opposition. Conleth and Lucas next and though no wickets were taken, KCC’s were starting to find some form and built a respectable 257 at the half way mark. Up stepped Zach and Alex and with some excellent bowling supported by superb fielding and catching, Alex managed to pick up 4 wickets and Zach 2. Tom and Aidan followed and Aidan picked up another couple of wickets, however both bowled exceptionally and managed 3 maiden overs between them. KCC were now in trouble and were staring at 237/13. Our last 2 bowlers in Paul and Tayyab tried hard to build on the good work of the earlier bowlers, however KCC were able to find some excellent form and finish on very respectable 273

After a very short break and with 24 overs still to get through, the second half was quickly restarted

The sun was starting to make an appearance and the parents were not complaining! Batting commenced with both Jamie and Freddie taking strike and KCC were able to start with an impressive maiden over, however, both Jamie and Freddie started to find some form and supported each other well. A few 4’s and quick running between wickets helped ECC to put down a strong marker. Tanush and Indie were next, however both had little movement in their feet and were either bowled or caught three times between them. Lucas and Conleth next and it was wonderful to see Lucas pinging the ball around the pitch, but it was even better watching Conleth all the while supporting solidly by looking for a single at every opportunity! Zach and Alex in and since a couple of KCC’s boys had to leave earlier than expected (ECC did provide coverage in Esa/Indie), they were allowed to use their stronger bowlers more than normal. KCC used this to their advantage and managed to contain the ECC total and another 3 wickets fell in succession as we tried to hit the ball out of the park instead of protecting it, our score quickly reflected this. However up stepped Aidan and Tom and were able to score some delightful 4’s and at least a single off every other ball. With the score at 272 and our last pairing in Paul and Tayyab, I was hoping they could wrap up the game early, however KCC had other ideas and had a very tidy and contained couple of overs. Tayyab was playing a very sensible innings, defending well and protecting his wicket at all times, Paul continued to support and between them didn’t lose a wicket. ECC followed through and eventually reached the required runs to see off KCC.

KCC finished on 273/13 vs. 288/8 after 24 overs

All in all, I was very pleased with the boys efforts, especially with our first 3 maiden overs and they did Ealing CC proud yet again, boys continue to build on the training as well as through all the matches we they have played.