Strollers notch up emphatic first win
posted: May 12, 2013

The Strollers eased to their first win of the season last Sunday with a 113 run victory over the London Erratics.  It was a batting pitch at North London and George Brown was quickly out of the blocks before falling to a marginal lbw decision on 22.  That brought Spencer to the crease and began a 200 run partnership with Matt that was ended only when the former had reached his century and reluctantly retired.

If Spencer’s ton had looked effortless from the boundary, doubts were expressed as to whether Matt would follow him to three figures with time running out.  Gav was bowled by James, on loan to the Erratics, for a spirited 14 but Matt struck some hefty blows and was left facing the final over with a fighting chance of reaching the milestone. 

Eventually the equation came down to 3 off the final ball of the innings and after running the first two quickly, Matt turned for the third on an overthrow.  The fielder - with one stump to aim at - hit and Matt was run out by a whisker on 99.  He lay face down in the dirt for some time after his despairing dive but could at least be comforted by providing the most entertaining (and ever so slightly amusing) moment of the game.

With pulses soothed by a hearty tea, the Strollers took to the field to defend a gigantic 332.  The Erratics started well and it wasn’t until the 10th over following the introduction of Holmes, that the Strollers claimed the wicket of Rivington for 26.  Head batted aggressively for his 70 before he also fell to Holmes and after that, wickets fell in regular intervals. 

Holmes claimed two more and Harvey took two in successive balls to leave the outcome beyond doubt.  Berrigan remained defiantly unbeaten on 77 but it was still a comprehensive victory for the Strollers who retired to the bar pleased with a job well done. 

David Couldrey
10.05.13

<< scorecard