Played at Hilly Fields
Report by Hassan Khan
On a humid and cloudy Sunday, overnight rain had reduced the
Hilly Fields wicket in deepest Brockley to a cauldron of mud, patchy
grass and simmering seam, swing and spin.
Predictably,
opposition captain Niz opted to use their tried and tested formula
against us. High class fast bowlers Jackson and Manning did not
disappoint, scything through the OF batting with ruthless
efficiency. Opener Turner was castled by an unplayable cutter from
Jackson in the opening over, and with McGee falling to a suicidal
run out, our top batsman Azaz joined skipper Khan. By now, the
wicket was truly behaving irrationally, with unpredictable bounce,
turn and swing.
Nevertheless, the Nomads exploited conditions
expertly with "corridor-of-uncertainty" line and length. Our batsmen
lacked both technique and, perhaps more importantly, patience,
folding to 72 all out with at least 10 overs remaining.
Defending a paltry total, OF slinger Syed turned the match on its
head. His left arm round boomerang swing was unplayable by the
Nomads openers. He bowled two batsmen and was well supported by
Khan, Khalil and Junaid.
So near and yet so far. Consistent
pressure by OF's pace attack could not stop Nomads chasing 73 to
win. Arguably, they were assisted by much improved weather as the
sun broke through the clouds and hence a relatively faster outfield.
We were left to rue not making another 30 runs, as the Nomads limped
to their target for the loss of five wickets.
 |
| Sticky wicket: Hassan faces down another
Hobgoblin delivery
Photo: Jack Turner |
 |
| Summertime blues: Frisby at the crease
swings as the sun starts to shine
Photo by Tim Castle |
Back to top of page
|
