A brilliant 72 from Gareth
Johnson and a superb team effort in the field ensured
a truly amazing victory over high flying South East
Reading.
Mid-morning rain delayed the start time but as soon
as the game got underway the sun was shining on Waltham
as they lost opener Connor early leaving number three
batsman Gareth Johnson maximum time to show his limitless
class. Right from the start he looked solid in defence
and merciless on the loose delivery as he and opener
Thomas took the score to 37 until Thomas smashed a rank
long hop to Paracha at mid-wicket.
The next hour was the England - Johnson show as they
tucked into the Reading bowling with voracity. England,
with a pulled hamstring was brutal on anything short
and Johnson at the other end was driving imperiously
in a Vaughanesque manner.
When England was finally out for 40 the score was 131
and WSL were looking at a big score. The fall of this
wicket was the cue for a 20 - 20 like cameo from Johnson
as he peppered the boundary, the road and the clubhouse
with a disdainful assault. He eventually fell for 72
and with a good contribution from Woolford and extras
Waltham took the score past 200 for their allotted 42
overs.
After tea Waltham knew they were going to have to work
hard for victory against a Reading side packed with
flambouyant batsmen. Their quest began well as Ghulam
bowled Piracha for 7 but that was the only early success
as Hussain and Zaffer Ali rebuilt the innings till the
latter gloved Lugthart behind for 25. Quick wickets
followed as SE Reading struggled with Thomas and Johnson
and Waltham took their catches.
However, the key moment was the wicket of skipper Abbas.
Following some sumptuous cover drives and a catalogues
of drops he was run out by Johnson who kept a cool head
following a circus act performance from other WSL fielders.
Waltham were on the brink and Connor brought back Ghulam
and Lugthart who with the help of some good catches
from Jones took Waltham to one wicket away from victory.
Ghulam bounded in from the Pavillion end and Ali skied
to mid off. Catch it!!!, was the cry from mid wicket
and Woolford duly obliged to send Waltham's team into
raptures.
This surely must rank as one of the best victories in
recent years. Many thanks to South East Reading for
an excellent match played in terrific spirits. |
