Played at Hampstead Heath Extension

By Rafe Smallman (Captain and 52 not out)

This turned out to be a game of spin against speed, guile against grunt, and in the end it was the extra pace that won the day.

On a warm, muggy day the Old Fallopians lost the toss and were put out to field. It quickly became aware that it was not going to be a day for our experienced quicks, and after seven overs their work for the day was done.

It was the spinners turn. And how John Shaw took his chance. Bowling a lovely line and length he took three good wickets; this man seems to be improving with every game. Well supported by Chris Curley the run rate was dragged back down and we were back in the game.

Imagine the shock of the fielders when the captain decided to bring himself on to bowl. Then imagine the shock of the batting side as he took 3 wickets for 7 runs. Following drinks and a bit of laughter at the technique of the captains bowling and the plight of the opposing batsmen (In particular the one bowled around his legs!) we went back to our task.

Tight bowling from AK Southey and Pete Rowsen ensured the wickets kept coming and we were able to restrict the opposing team to 159. A very good effort in the field punctuated by moments of classy catching and fielding meant we had a sniff of victory as we sat down to eat some delicious tea, a contest the Old Fallopians won hands down.

And so it was our turn to bat. It soon became apparent that the pitch had become a little livelier as the day had gone on, and the quick bowlers of the opposing team were soon able to exploit this. Short bowling was not the order of the day, nor were cross batted swipes, and one team took heed of this.

Wickets fell at regular intervals in a variety of manners, while one batsman stood firm. A slight rest bite from the clatter of the stumps came as Simon Hemylrick settled down for a long innings, before seemingly getting bored as well as out. At drinks we were 6 down for just over 50, with the captain still in.

Were we even in with a sniff of victory? A few cleanly hit blows after drinks increased the run rate but it was too little too late, even with the re-emergence of Robert Press for a second go. We managed a century of runs, but in the end we were unable to stop the wickets falling.

The captain did wonders for his average, but it was with a sense of disappointment that we headed to the Duke of Hamilton, where we consoled ourselves with the cider left over from the festival the day before.
 

Brave in defeat: (L-R standing) Jo Smallman, Peter Frisby, John Shaw, Rafe Smallman, Simon Hemelryk, Robert Press, AK Southey; (L-R kneeling) Chris Sweet, Peter Rowson, Chris Curley, Tim Castle                             Picture: Carolyn Cohn