Played at Parliament Hill

By Rafe Smallman

Was this the best Old Fallopians victory in modern history? Probably not, but it felt good to win so comprehensively with only 9 men. How we got to nine men wasn't so glorious, with the captain confusing his Matts and some last minute ducking out ensuring we would have to play very well to come close to winning. And how the team stood uo to the task, playing with skill and control throughout the 5 hours of cricket; the only big mistake being the terrible decision by our umpire to give Will Hopson-Hill out! (It would have hit the stumps ... but, yes, it did pitch on leg! - TC)

So how do you go about winning with only 9 men:

1. A century opening partnership is a good start; Rafe Smallman and Charlie Davis giving the start to the Fallopians innings a sense of calm and swift accumulation, with Rafe again passing the 50 mark.

2. A swift 49 from your debut batsman. Andy hit the ball to all parts as the bowling of Woodstock started to tire, being ably supported throughout by the rest of the batting line-up.

3. A wonderful tea. I think I would be right in saying this was Jo's best tea to date. Can she go even further next week?

4. An accurate hostile opening bowling partnership. Ben Taylor and Peter Frisby rarely gave their batsmen a chance to score a run, taking 2 wickets in the first ten overs at less than three runs an over.

5. Accurate bowling from everyone else! This was also provided, with Tim Castle, Charlie, Will and Angus Dawson never letting the batsmen get any rythym.

6. Excellent fielding. Did the fielders make any mistakes? Very few, and we even had a stumping from Simon Hemelryk, who was tidy throughout behind the stumps.

7. Great catching. Angus snafflled one, Simon caught an edge, but the final word must go to Charlie, whose diving lunge at gully (pictured above) swung the 'Man of the Match' award in his favour.

It was a performance to warm the hearts of Fallopians everywhere, and long may it continue. I've probably overdone this a bit, but I really enjoyed it yesterday and want you all to know!

P.S. At thhis point I was going to have a small rant about people pulling out of playing at the last minute, but since we won, I'll leave it!

 

Nine victors: (standing L-R) Will Hopson-Hill, Ben Taylor, Angus Dawson, Peter Frisby, Tim Castle; (sitting L-R) Charlie Davis, Simon Hemelryk, Andy Huckle, Rafe Smallman. Photo: Adam Castle