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Played at Wandsworth Common
Report by Hassan Khan (captain)

This was an impromptu fixture arranged by Steve after much uncertainty as both teams had players dropping out at short notice. It was also full of humour, controversy and good cricket.

Wenlock won the toss and elected to field. On a hot and humid day thunder was constantly heard - it was the sound of Farhad crashing 4s to all parts. The man can do no wrong this season and once again, thanks to his power and timing, O.F. raced to 87 in 12 overs. This was on a treacherous Wandsworth wicket, where balls either spat up or rolled along the ground. A 3rd hundred for the season beckoned until Farhad was caught at deep mid-on for a brilliant 50. I joined O.F. newbie Hemant and another big partnership ensued, with Hemant playing the perfect anchor innings; but then he ruined it by smashing his stumps after being bowled for 45. Our brisk run-fest continued as Ali, Shamsul & Matt Ng-Wai contributed to a highly competitive 213 from 30 overs, with myself unbeaten on 50.

The Wenlock openers faced high class fast bowling from Matt; cutting an athletic figure, he bowled a hostile 4 over spell, mixing big looping outswingers with deadly bouncers following the batsmen's throats. Opposition opener Dave complained to me about Hemant's constant sledging - I did ask Hemant to tone it down. Peter Frisby, having selflessly fielded 30 overs for Wenlock, provided the perfect complement to Matt. Demonstrating both stamina and skill, Peter bowled with deadly accuracy in 6 consecutive overs of medium pace swing and was duly rewarded with 2 key wickets.

After the 10th over, Wenlock requested a ball change - closer inspection revealed a defective seam and the match ball was changed. Steve promised not to be conned by eBay again! With a rising required run rate, Wenlock were first choked and then suckered by John, as he removed the key wicket of Wenlock opener Dave for a valiant 65. However, skipper Jason R continued the resistance, until he missed an unplayable delivery - credit to the pitch rather than me. Hereafter, their innings folded quickly, with Hemant, Farhad and Shamsul taking a wicket each. The latter after a dislocated spinning finger that was fortunately treated on the pitch (by the O.F. doctor? – TC).

After the match, both teams retired to The County Arms, where John and Peter held court long into the dusky evening ...

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