After a
horrendous week of selection headaches a new look Waltham
2nd XI took the field against Sulhampstead and after
losing the toss Waltham batted first. An experimental
opening partnership of Javed and debutant Strutt began
the innings in watchful mode, both defending well against
some decent full length bowling from Sulhampstead youngsters
Patrick and Gerrick.
Indeed it was only after 12 overs that the run rate
surpassed 3 but it was at this point that the innings
gained its impetus with Strutt beginning to drive down
the ground with regularity and pulling the short ball
with increasing timing. At the other end Javed was finding
his touch too as he dispached consecutive deliveries
from Hill to the wide long on boundary.
After 17 overs and the score now flying along at 70
for 0 Sulhampstead introduced Small into the attack
and he caused some problems with his cutters but again
the Waltham openers weathered the storm and continued
to make hay as their opening stand passed 100 in spite
of some very reluctant running.
Things were all about to change as Javed was bowled
for an excellent 43 and Chris England joined Strutt
at the wicket. England got off the mark immediately
with a 2 cut behind square and followed up with two
sumptuously timed fours. However England this got caught
a point from a leading edge and Waltham were 2 down.
Colin Parker then strode to the middle fresh from his
knock of 68 last weekend and was immediately into his
stride as he climbed into a half volley first ball.
He then began to give Strutt a work out as he rotated
the strike well and punished the bad ball scoring 19
from 15 balls till he was bowled by Small.
Strutt at the other end passed fifty to the applause
of the Waltham team and Connor joined him in the middle
with the score on 164 from 33 overs. Taking a few balls
to get off the mark Connor began to play some uncharacteristic
shots as he began to take the attack to the bowlers
in search of a declarable target.
With the eye in and Strutt up for the challenge both
batsmen increased the tempo and with some lusty blows
and some smart running maximum batting points were assured
and Walthams domination increased. The final onslaught
led by Connor racked up 45 from 4 overs until the skipper
declared on 241/3 with Strutt unbeaten on 84 and Connor
himself 5 short of 50.
Waltham begun the response with Ghulam and debutant
gujjar who bowled a good line to the openers without
luck. Ghulam was taking some time to settle but Doole
and Gerrick were intent on their job of frustrating
the Waltham opening bowlers as they blocked their way
through the opening overs. Even with the added pace
of Javed the Sulhampstead pair prevailed as they took
the score to 55 from 20 overs till Burge got the breakthrough
with a swinging delivery trapping Doole in front.
Was chopping and changing his bowlers looking for the
Sulhampstead players to play some more shots. Parker
came into the attack and after having a few near misses
had Abbott trapped LBW. At the other end Smith produced
the ball of the match as he got one to turn through
Gerricks gate and Waltham had a sniff.
Sensing a change in the Sulhampstead batting, Connor
brought England back for a second spell but nothing
seemed to be going their way as half chances fell just
short and crucial catches were dropped. Ghulam came
back with renewed purpose and got the two wickets as
he pitched the ball up but as Waltham entered the last
over they needed 5 wickets from 6 balls.
thoughts that the dream could be realised hightened
as Gujjar bowled Graham with the first ball but couldn't
repeat the dose next ball and inspite of getting McDonald
later in the over Waltham had to settle for another
winning draw.
Many thanks to Sulhampstead for the match.
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