Played at Crouch End CC ground, Highgate
Report by Steve Hamilton
Once again for the third week in succession our original fixture
was cancelled, which actually turned out to be a blessing in
disguise. After working my contacts I managed to get a wonderful
fixture against Crouch End.
We played on their main pitch in
the cricketing oasis of Shepherds Cot between Highgate and Crouch
End. The pitch was a massive contrast from the wicket we played on
the previous week! A well-groomed outfield and a turf wicket that
had everything for batsman and bowlers.
We had three OF
originals on display with a combined age of nearly 180 years,
bringing a wealth of cricketing experience to the side.
Crouch End captain Mark Sandler won the toss and elected to bat. Our
opening bowlers Umair Shahzad and Anas Muhammad didn't disappoint.
They both bowled tidy spells and we restricted the opposition to 27
off 10 overs (2.7 per over), no wickets falling.
Next up was
our leading wicket taker Talal Ali who always delivers and it didn't
take him very long. He took two quick wickets, both clean bowled.
The first was opener Rob for 15 with the fourth ball of his first
over. Then he removed Ronak for three in his third over. He finished
with top-notch figures of 5-2-18-2.
Crouch End went from 45
to 137 for two with a solid third wicket partnership of 92. Things
were starting to look ominous as Dilan and Darren survived 15.1
overs or 91 balls to be precise! That was until I came on to bowl
with a masterplan and set our fielders in the right places.
It took me little time to cause the vital breakthrough. It actually
happened with the second ball of my first over. I floated a ball
above the batter’s eyeline and aimed at fourth stump. Darren went
for a big hit towards cow corner where Jakaria Ahmed took a
breath-taking skier comfortably and Darren was out for 52.
Peter Frisby bowled a tight line and was unfortunate not to take a
wicket. He finished with marvellous figures of 5-1-22-0.
Tim
Castle played his first weekend fixture since July 2019 and often
had the batsman (and wicketkeeper Junaid) in two or even three minds
at times because of the uncertainty of where the next ball was going
to be delivered. With his trademark windmill action in full flow
Castle was soon rewarded with the wicket of opener Dilan for 62 who
was outsmarted with a well-pitched ball outside off stump that
shouldn't have been taken for liberties! The batsman failed to
connect cleanly and hit the ball to deep cover point where Umair
took a first-rate catch.
Panic set in and a succession of
wickets started to tumble as Crouch End needed to boost their run
rate. Talal displayed a great piece of fielding from deep
mid-wicket, picking up the ball rapidly and throwing it to Junaid
behind the stumps. Junaid had all the time in the world to remove
the bails as both batsman were stranded at the non-striker’s end
after some confusion and Alom was run out for 13.
Azaz Kahlil
came on to bowl later than usual, the 34th over. He took two
wickets, first Sonny bowled for two and then Ren lbw for 11. He
finished with superb figures of 4-0-19-2.
A special mention
to Jonathan Stebbins whi as per usual showed 100 percent commitment
in the field despite an injured shoulder, stopping numerous runs
with his speed and agility.
By the end of the 40 overs, we
had restricted Crouch End to 179 for 7, which was surely well below
par!
Now teas again! We were treated to a delightful banquet
fit for kings! Delicious Asian cuisine, chicken curry, saag paneer,
chickpea curry, samosas, breads, washed down with watermelon and
strong tea which definitely completed a satisfying end to the feast.
A target of 180 for victory required a rate of 4.5 an over,
which didn't cause us much difficulty. All six batsmen made double
figures. We reached 40 before we lost our first wicket, Asad for 18.
Jakaria looked in great nick hitting six fours until he was caught
by Darren in the deep for 26, getting his revenge for Jakaria
catching him in the first innings.
At 56 for 2 off 14 overs
and with two new batsman in we had to start over again. Junaid and
Azaz put 34 on in five overs. Junaid was done by a great piece of
bowling that managed to turn and nick the edge of his bat straight
into the keeper’s hands for a scintillating 29 which included five
fours.
Azaz took full advantage of the ground’s batting
paradise. He had already scored two half centuries this season and
looked on course for a third when all of a sudden he misread a
straight one by Ren and was bowled for 34. Azaz’s innings included
seven fours and contributed massively towards a match-winning
fourth-wicket partnership of 56 with Umair.
At 146 for 4 off
27 overs, we were on course for victory. I decided to enjoy the
comforts of the clubhouse bar and have couple of beers or three!
The sunshine was breaking through the clouds as I enjoyed the
luxury of putting up my feet on the boundary and watching Umair go
through his exhibition of strokes. Umair put on a masterclass in
batting he finished unbeaten on 56 with eight fours and one six.
Talal played an important cameo role and contributed to a
fifth-wicket partnership of 37 to take us over the winning line.
Myself and The Three Stooges, I meant OF Legends, stayed for few
beverages after the game with the opposition. Hopefully, we will be
invited back next season. The ground was perfect, the food scored
10/10, and their hospitality was first class.
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Batting paradise: Jakaria Ahmed and Asad
Mushtaq face the first over of the Crouch End bowling
Photo: Tim Castle |
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