Match Report – Wick 4s vs. Staines July 8th 2017
Loss to Staines
The somewhat fragile nature of the IV’s batting was once again exposed as they failed to score the required 190 in 55 overs against Staines, eventually falling some 42 runs short. That we got as close as we did was almost entirely due to a fine 75 from Abdur Rehman, which, combined with two good catches – one of them very good – and a smart bit of fielding for a run out, made him clear front runner for the man of the match award.
Things started brightly enough on another warm sunny afternoon at Kingsfield. Simon Boughey induced a false shot from opener Bonnick Jr in the first over and the catch was taken by Rehman at point. In the next over he trapped Bonnick Sr in front and Staines were two down for only nine runs.
Charlie Higgins opened the bowling from the bottom end and was a little more wayward but things were still entirely manageable. In the ninth over Das was LBW to Boughey and Staines were three down for 45, but it was at this point that matters began to run away from the Wick. Padi began hitting out, and was helped by some short bowling which, on the slow, baked pitch, fast outfield and short boundaries, was suicidal. A catastrophic last over from Boughey yielded 18 runs, nicely spoiling his figures, while Farhan’s two overs went for 29. A couple of half chances went begging too.
The onslaught was temporarily interrupted when Padi was run out, thanks to some smart fielding from Abdur and young Joe Hennessey behind the stumps. Nonetheless, the fifth wicket put on another 50 runs to take to total to 126. A superb diving catch at square leg from Abdur off Farhan’s bowling removed the dangerous Dasgupta for 41 and then a very tidy spell from Hayoush put a halt to the free scoring. He introduced an element of control which has been missing from the IV’s bowling this season.
A very useful, and lively, second spell from Jacob was rewarded by two wickets as the impetus of the Staines innings diminished. Still, there were some lusty blows struck down the order from Satya, before he was nicely caught in the covers by Hayoush. Charlie Higgins came back for a second spell and picked up two late order wickets by bowling straight and full.
But the 190 Staines ended up with after only 34 overs looked a little of a tall order for a IVs side that has struggled to get more than 170 this season, even if we had over 50 overs to do it. Phil and Ben got off to a watchful start against accurate opening bowling before Phil was caught at short backward point off Singh for one run.
Ben began to time the ball better than he has done all season and, with Hayoush at the other end, the score began to climb. But, in quick succession, Ben was adjudged LBW though he looked, from the boundary, quite a long way down the wicket while Hayoosh was bowled by Satya.
This bought Abdur and Farhan to the crease, and once again our hopes began to rise as Abdur was striking the ball well, and Farhan, though he was impeded by a groin strain and could not run quick singles – or even slow ones – found the middle of the bat.
However, when Farhan was out for 13 and the score was 113 for five wickets, the next 80 runs needed looked a very tall order. Ben, Rob, Jacob and Charlie all went cheaply and the score was only 121 for nine when Simon joined Abdur. He did what he did best and blocked resolutely, while Abdur continued to play some sumptuous shots, and, for a brief while, the frail candle of optimism flickered again.
We got to 130, 140, 145…There was still plenty of time left and if Abdur could continue to hit a four an over while Simon showed unworried phlegm and a straight bat, we could still get there, couldn’t we? Alas, it was not to be. Abdur, upon whom too much pressure rested, lifted the ball over the bowler’s head and was out to fine running catch.
Several highlights from the game
- First wickets in adult cricket for Jacob Povah
- First game in adult cricket for Ben Longhurst
- Best bowling of return of season for Simon Boughey
- Rob Ritchie captaining team for first time this season
