On a lovely warm day, the stage was set for an exciting cricket match. Thanks to the ground’s convenient location, the PH team arrived promptly, geared up and ready to face their opponents.
In a somewhat predictable Sunday twist, PH was slated to field first. Perhaps KP isn’t familiar with starting as the bowler. The surprises didn’t stop there. To everyone’s astonishment, Zack was announced to open the bowling alongside the seasoned Tyler. Even Zack seemed taken aback by this decision – the only one seemingly in on the plan was captain KP.
Tyler showcased a stellar start, while Zack, from the opposite end, delivered some clean off-spin. Tyler’s skillful bowling earned him an edge, which the Gut swallowed effortlessly (Elliot in slips). After his initial four overs, Jeeeeevons took over, consistently delivering seven overs without securing a wicket. Bawny replaced Zack and exhibited some impressive skills, taking down the opponent’s opener and then their 1st team wicket keeper with a remarkable catch. After Jeeavons, KP stepped in, making the batsmen work hard, which led to his capturing three wickets. Tyler returned to the game and secured another wicket. Towards the end, Steve Ainsley Smith pitched in for a couple of overs. Though he allowed some runs, he managed two wickets. By the conclusion of their 35 overs, Merton stood at 131 for 9.
Some members of the PH team felt certain runs might have been prevented on the field. Despite this, the team enjoyed what many considered the best tea of the season, with ample leftovers for post-match consumption.
PH innings started with big man (small throw) Goldsborough fronting up. Well not for long with a platinum duck he was sent back and the words of “silly game” ruminating around the club house could be heard. Elliot joined Symo and they put on a few runs before Symo snicked one and walked. (unlike their number 11 in the oppo’s innings who walloped one to Zack at keeper and defiantly stood his ground saying he was an umpire of some sort and that wasn’t out). Lush joined Els and they briskly smacked a number of boundaries and put the team way ahead of the run rate. Then just like the sun had disappeared so had the luck that PH had graciously accepted for most of this season. Elliot swept one down the throat of the fielder at square leg for 20, and Lush soon followed for 38 after an LBW (some say dubious but it was full on his back leg..). Then stalwart Dafydd Jones got caught following yet another attempted innings at trying to get out off anything but a cricket shot. Zack followed straight after being bowled for a lovely golden duck! Steve was standing at the other end and had made a few singles. The recently demoted opener Jeavons strode confidently to the wicket, faced 3 balls and confidently strode back to the club house after being caught off some shot or another (it’s not in the cricket shot book for sure!). Captain KP now joined Steve who summarily gave a catch and was out for 4, which left Ian Bawn, he of the OG Merton squad from years back, to try and rescue the team. And defiantly with lots of swings and misses and several byes and a couple of fours PH suddenly found themselves at squeaky bum time as the runs slowly amassed as they edged closer and closer to that elusive total.
The tension peaked as Merton had exhausted their top four bowlers. With PH only three runs shy of victory, Merton introduced their secret weapon. Tragically, KP was declared LBW on the very first delivery.
Great game and with a club house having its own facilities and bar we all had a drink and chalked another loss off to.., well too cricket I guess.
Park Hill Cricket Club 