Threadbare Strollers struggle against buoyant Bohos
posted: June 16, 2014

A threadbare Strollers side succumbed once more to friendly rivals the Battersea Bohemians at North London on Sunday.  With the Strollers’ ranks numbering just seven, it was only with the generosity of the opposition in allowing the top four to bat twice and lending us fielders that any semblance of a cricket match was actually made possible.

A start which flirted with farce ensued as the top three all managed to score just four runs apiece.  George was unlucky to receive a good one from Tom Whyte but both Couldrey and Brown Jr. were left red-faced after missing straight ones from the tortuously loopy Drew. Dickie fell soon after to a marginal lbw decision and the Strollers had lost more than half their side for not very many.

The task of rebuilding the innings and restoring some pride fell to Captain Harvey who responded with a marvellous knock.  Ably supported by the young Daniel Betts, who was shepherded away from the lion’s share of the bowling, Harvey crunched the ball to the boundary with fierce and brutal regularity.  By drinks, he had completed his maiden Strollers fifty and looked hungry for more.

When play resumed, the onslaught continued with Harvey going increasingly aerial and moving ever closer to a tantalising first century.  By the time Daniel fell, the Strollers were edging towards a reasonable total.  Harvey was caught shortly after for a fine 92 – an innings full of skill, power and the promise of yet greater things to come.

Hamza didn’t take long to get going, getting off the mark with a six and hitting a further four maximums in an innings characterised by flamboyant strokeplay and raw muscle.  He was joined by the Strollers’ “top” order that fared only slightly better than previously in steering the Strollers to a reasonable total of 214, made possible by the heroic contributions of Harvey, Hamza and Extras.

Browns Jr. and Sr. opened the bowling together offering a curious contrast in style and stature and although Brown Jr. generated some serious pace, beating the bat on multiple occasions, it was his wily old man who got the breakthrough wicket of Lancaster.

The Bohemians then then proceeded to go serenely about their work until Hayley edged thinly behind off Hamza’s third over.  Spratt batted well throughout his innings, although he was fortunate to have been dropped twice and, most controversially, to have survived the demolition of his stumps by the excellent Daniel Betts only for it to be harshly/wrongly/belatedly called as a no-ball.

Spratt lost three more partners to Harvey, Couldrey and Brown Jr. respectively but was eventually helped over the line by Tow Whyte and another generous dollop of Extras.  All in all, it was a disappointing day then, and one which was perhaps alleviated only by the fact that so few Strollers were actually there to see it.

David Couldrey
19.06.14

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