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Played at Highgate
Report by Steve Hamilton (captain)

On a mild September day with sunny intervals and the odd speck of rain in the air it looked best to put the opposition into bat as we didn't have have our regular team. They were in south London (Greenwich) and I had to managed best with our second-string eleven.

From the start we were in total control, with precision accuracy and a superb display of pace from fire fighter Najeeb bowling a burning sensation of unplayable deliveries. He was soon rewarded with two wickets and he certainly deserved more. His first wicket was an outside edge to the ice-cool Turner behind the stumps. His second came from a rocket too quick for the batsman, who was already through his stroke, and was sliced high and hard to 'bucket-hands' Will Hopson Hill diving to his left at short cover.

Najeeb was well supported by Nayeem, who took a wicket in his second over after Bohmemians' Whyte cut the ball to deep square leg and Jamshaid took a spectacular catch close to boundary rope. Jamshaid also clean-bowled Stoop for 11.

At 48 for 4, I assumed we were going to skittle them out for a small total! That was definitely not the case as Bohemians then put on around 130 for the fifth wicket. But a catch from Sharma off Mansha's bowling changed the match: it was taken just inside the boundary rope to dismiss the Bohemian's Kiwi dangerman Macaskill for 91. A few balls later 'golden arm' Mansha struck again, clean bowling Botterill for a duck.

Perera also bowled very tidy spell!

Sharma 'the master' also bowled an exceptional variation of leg spin and was rewarded with a wicket towards the end of the Bohemians innings.

At tea Bohemians reached 216 for 7 off 35 overs.

After an long time coming. the elegant figure of Will Hopson-Hill finally graced us with his presence! Turner and Hopson-Hill put down a solid foundation in our reply for the first wicket. They complemented each other perfectly and with an understanding which was beyond expectation as it was the first time they had batted together.

Turner was caught on the boundary ropes for 52 after blunting the opening attack and making the most of the first change bowlers with two sixes and eight fours. He was finally caught by the towering Macaskill at deep square leg - had it been any other fielder it would been a six!

After a solid start of 90 for 1 we had a minor collapse with the loss of Sharma and Walker's wickets, to leave us at 140 for 3. But Hopson-Hill was still at the crease and this was his show from now on. He took centre stage and dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground with elegant straight drives and pulls. He completely ground the opposition into submission and finished undefeated on 114 not out, including seven sixes and 12 fours!

Mansha was at the other end and provided excellent support. That was what we needed at the time with his cool, calm temperament and patience. He took us home with an elegant cover drive for four! A very important cameo at the end!

Special mentions to Bismillah and Walker who fielded magnificently at the boundary, both preventing a lot a runs.

A return fixture is definitely on the cards for next season.

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