Strollers push Bohos in T20 clash
posted: June 23, 2014

There had been a certain amount of confusion preceding the playing of this fixture, largely surrounding the location. Initially, it had been believed – and we had hoped – that it would be played at North Middx. The Strollers get to only play here once or twice a season, generally for T20s, and it is a most superior venue, boasting nice playing conditions, an outfield larger than a tennis court, showers that work, and, most importantly, a large and comfortably appointed pavilion bar with TV screen – which on this occasion would have been most useful for viewing of the Spain v Chile game. So that’s something to look forward to isn’t it, even if the cricket proves an unsatisfactory diversion?

It was not to be. Owing to an administrative oversight, to which we are sadly accustomed, it turned out that the game was to be played at our much known and unloved Ferme Park. None of the above attributes of North Middx apply to Ferme Park.

As is usual for evening games, the Strollers arrived in penny packets and by dribs and drabs. By the time this writer had arrived, Big Gav was already back in the hutch, and thus he is unable to comment on Gav’s innings of five runs, doubtless stylishly accumulated. Dickie was out shortly thereafter for 16, and then Tim managed to hit Kelly right down third man’s throat and the catch was taken, much to the surprise of all viewers and most of all  the catcher himself. This brought Matt, captaining on behalf of Tom, to accompany Davey, and this partnership  proved the fulcrum of the innings. Both played some lovely “proper cricket” (in Boycs accent) shots, David in particular striking the ball very cleanly. One huge six disappeared over the trees and into the tennis courts, while another landed in the tennis courts at the other end.

Dave’s innings was brought to an end as Rob Archdale snapped up his customary wicket or two with non-turning loopy-loopies, while Matt contrived to hit a full toss from Tom Whyte (our favourite Boho, so sporting and friendly is he) high in the air.

It was unfortunate that Kyle was obliged to bat so far down the order as he contributed 19 runs in untroubled and impressive manner while Ron hit 13 before also falling to Rob Archdale’s non-turning loopy-loopies etc (see above). Still 156 was not a bad total and at least defendable.

And for much of the innings it looked very defendable indeed. For the most part the bowling was tight and though runs accumulated more quickly than we would have liked the Bohos never raced ahead of the rate. Then Kyle struck two vital blows in quick succession: Brierley was bowled for 59 and then Tom Whyte, for many years a terrible executioner of Strollers bowling (which must account for his sunny disposition and generosity of spirit) was also bowled by a quicker ball from Kyle who saw him coming down the track. At this point, the runs began to dry up. Singles were scampered but it looked like being a tight finish.

Alas the Strollers were a bit light in the bowling department. A somewhat errant over from Chris Pearce, which contained a liberal sprinkling of wides, released the pressure at the vital moment, leaving the Bohos needing just eight runs off the last two overs. This they attained from the penultimate over, bowled by a returning Boughey, which messed up his figures a bit.

So the Bohemians have the Indian sign over the Strollers at the moment, and just as it looked like we might break the Curse of the Bohos, it jumped up and bit us in the ass again.

Simon Boughey
23.06.14

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