Fielder of the day: Prem Subramanium (2 catches)
The bucolic Warlingham RFC once again was the stage that Hill’s players would grace. Happy memories from previous contests there were notable for a Ransom ton (a good omen ahead of his first outing of the campaign) and the narrowly averted royal rumble vs Croydon Lions. With lots of bowling options at his disposal, Chipperton was not too disheartened at losing the toss (again) and being put into the field.
The opening pair of Subramanium and Mackay toiled away without reward in the early stages; five overs elapsed before a run was scored. Both bowled with good pace and control, experimenting with nagging lines and deliveries that tested the batsmen, but neither were able to make the breakthrough that Hill’s miserly start warranted.
Ferguson was introduced as the first change and he drew first blood, pinning one of the openers at the crease and trapping him LBW. At the other end, the captain struck in his second over as the remaining opener – bludgeoning to all parts after a slow start – was clean bowled going for a maximum. After a dicey start and twice edging Ferguson through the cordon, Chipperton dismissed the new man, with Subramanium taking a sharp catch at gully. The oft-repeated adage of 1 brings 2 materialised as Chipperton caught the next man off his own bowling to claim another prized scalp before drinks.
Following the break, Ransom and Chipperton carried on in tandem and the batsmen lived dangerously at times with the ball dropping in between fielders. The latter claimed his fourth victim as Ploughman’s looked to take the expansive route once again. At the end of the captain’s spell, Jones Snr got the nod ahead of Jones Jnr and provided immediate validation as he picked up a wicket in his first over courtesy of a looping catch at cover from Subramanium. The self professed wide-aphobe shattered the stumps in his next over to leave Ploughman’s 7 down. Ransom’s industry was eventually rewarded as the batsman charged his final delivery and picked out Chipperton at mid off.
With two wickets remaining it was time for the battle of the Jones.With his father 2-0 up, Jones Jnr trundled in and bowled at good pace and at a testing length. This proved too much in the end and he got one through the opposition’s defences to pick up a deserved wicket. The returning Mackay had better luck second time around and pilfered the final wicket with the first ball of his second spell after a painful catch from Ahmed at point.
The prospect of chasing 163 was very much achievable, but would require partnerships throughout the team and not a scorecard that resembled Morse code. The overheard Ploughman’s master plan was to make effective use of the generous offside wide provision, much to the chagrin of Stupples. No doubt fondly reminiscing over his previous visit, Ransom made early inroads and dispatched the ball to all parts whilst Stupples looked to play himself in. Within 9 overs the hosts had used 5 bowlers, demonstrating Hill had very much come out on top in the early stages.
Ransom was particularly enjoying the ball being banged in short, but also punished length comfortably, most notably depositing the ball straight back over the bowler for a six and towards one of the ubiquitous glide planes encircling the Warlingham area. He continued in his role as the aggressor and briskly advanced to 38 before nicking off. With the customary smattering of extras (resembling an early noughties Halifax advert) supplementing the solid opening partnership, the visitors were left with just over 100 to chase when Ahmed replaced Ransom at the crease. Having injured himself taking the catch for the final wicket, he strode out to bat and faced a thorough examination. After patiently waiting for something to attack, he got good purchase on a looser delivery but the man stationed on the drive took a sharp catch at cover to dismiss him.
Live footage of Ransom’s six
Mackay faced more of the same as he and Stupples sought to see out the remaining overs of the danger men. The allure of the big shot eventually crept in and his mistimed slog-sweep looped up and was taken. With 80 now required, Chipperton came in at 5 with a self-imposed time limit on his innings, which meant trying to get a move on from the get go. Inevitably this led to painful viewing as he eschewed his factory settings of probing and dabbing in favour of a more agricultural approach. Whilst the boundaries did not flow, he did scamper through for quick singles and invited Ploughman’s into rash overthrows.
Howard on good form: “Extra(s), extra(s)…. You know you want more!”
His partnership with Stupples was finally broken, but they had moved the total ever closer. Srivastava, looking to carry on from his impressive cameo, was the next cab off the rank. With 43 required for victory in the final 8 overs and wickets in hand, Hill stood more than a fighting chance. Stupples surpassed 50 and really upped the ante, dispatching the ball to the boundary with aplomb, but his partner more than played his role, especially when hitting a huge maximum! In the end, Hill held their nerves and won with 9 balls to spare!
A thoroughly deserved victory where everyone played a role in the team’s success. Once again, the presence of 3 energetic teenagers in the outfield helped to keep the score down. Plaudits will obviously go to Stupples for his fine 72* and Ransom’s tone setting 38, but crucial partnerships meant Hill were good value for the 20 point haul.
Park Hill Cricket Club 