Match reports

Old Paulines - Away Sunday July 31st, 2005

Scorecard

Weather: Overcast but bright and humid

On a damp but drying wicket Lloydy won the toss and elected to field.
Brindo was his usual consistent self – getting the ball to do allsorts, but with no luck (again). The Truro Express, brandishing his Base London dancing boots, was quick and on the money from the Heathrow end. He drew first blood; Burton assisting with a good catch at mid off. Handford replaced Penhaligon (sore plates) and, much like Brindo, was unlucky not to take a wicket. Brindo bowled through and finished with none for 18 off his 8 overs – another fine exhibition of opening bowling.

Cavs debutant ‘Heidi’ replaced Brindo – he looks a boy for the future (or other games in SW London at least). Burton and Tant were in the mood for wickets – which they duly took. Along with a good run out by Penhaligan, in Pieterson - under arm from cover fashion - who was denied by the short sighted umpire… Fortunately Tant had him caught two balls later with a good catch from El on the boundary.

OP’s were strong in the batting department with three of their seven all having good knocks (37, 40 and 73). Nevertheless Tant finished with 4 for 31 off his eight overs while Burton took 2 for 43 off his 6 overs. Toothy came on to clean up the tail and was unlucky to come up against some rather good middle order batsmen who went after him at the death. Better luck this Wednesday Toothmeister…

Special mentions to Pogo (for fielding solidly all afternoon but then dropping the Kiwi U19 player, when he was on nought, off Handford’s bowling) and of course to Tanty for taking his 100th Cavs wicket… Well done Fraser.

On a warm afternoon, and maybe a little rusty given last weeks cancelled game, the Cavs fielded pretty well and certainly felt in with a chance at tea.

After another Churchill-ian sermon by Lloyd the boys felt confident they could knock off the OP’s 193. Thorpe and Azza opened up; Terrey, in one of his final knocks of the summer, was in the mood for runs. Alas he was caught at cover for zip. Elbo soon followed when he was bowled for 3. Handford and Brindo steadied the ship and put on a partnership of 90 odd for the 3rd wicket. Handford, scratchy at times, whilst Brindo elegant and fluid throughout. One of these two needed to stay to the death if the Cavs were to prosper… unfortunately Brindo was very well caught when he nailed one through cover for 43. Handford soon followed caught at deep fine leg for 42.

Lloydy, his technique always good, hung around and did his skippers bit whilst Tant, caught for zero could not bludgeon a few - as we all were hoping he would. After Lloyd went for 20 it was left to Heidi and Burton to try and see us home. The run rate had crept up and with 8 overs to go a further 60 or so runs was always going to be a tall order. Both finished unbeaten on 13 and 5 respectively but 44 runs short.

Result: OP’s win by 44 runs (that’s 2 – 2 in matches I believe)
Better luck next week at Bamville.

MOM – Brindo – quality in all ‘cricketing’ departments
Orange cap – Thorpe – very late (going via Poland)