Chudley Ales CC in ball-losing controversy
The London/New Zealand based Chudley Ales CC were embroiled in a "ball-losing" controversy at the Wandsworth Park Ground yesterday as they sought to gain advantage over the valiant Pimlico Strollers. On a wicket that the Strollers had clearly demonstrated favoured the team bowling first, the Chudleys sought to use a new ball when the Strollers started their innings after a much enjoyed long tea break. The match ball had mysteriously been "lost". The Strollers were shocked by such behaviour - did the Chudleys really need to stoop to such tactics to prevent the Strollers from making 241 off 34 overs ????
 
NO, the new ball was exchanged for an old ball that looked exactly like a ball that had been used for 34 overs previously in the afternoon and the Strollers came an honourable second scoring 190 for seven.
 
Earlier in the day purposeful seam bowling from Masters, Boughey and S**** took good advantage of a mud-based, sun-baked track as the Chudley batsmen failed to move their feet to straight full-length deliveries. However, as the ball softened, and the Strollers' occasional bowlers were called into action the Chudleys profitted from a 120 plus seventh wicket stand that took them to 241 for six. S**** put his back in (and put it out) to get 3 for 37 and Masters 2 for 37. (Extras was the Chudley's third top scorer with 46 runs)
 
The "ball losing" controversy did not not unduly put-off the Strollers' seasoned (experienced not salted that is) opener Jolyon Fallon. His stoic 73 - almost carrying his bat - gave the Strollers a backbone on which to chase the Chudley's total. Unfortunately "backbone" was missing from his colleagues. In particular S**** had to retire hurt on 11 because of back pain resulting from his seven over medium pace bowling stint earlier in the day. A  partnership between Fallon and Poole (31) gave the "home team" some hope, but the captain wearily played over the top of a straight one. Wickets continued to fall whilst the Strollers were unable to dominate some tight Chudleys bowling. A late flourish of elegant reverse sweeping (Masters 22) saw the Strollers home to their highest score of the season.

Simon Poole
16.05.05