Sub-par total costs us as Bohos beat Strollers
posted: September 18, 2016

For the third match in a row we were unfortunately unable to defend a modest total in today's late season clash with the Battersea Bohemians at North London CC. Having been put in on a spongy green-top wicket we were frustrated as several of our batsmen made good starts but were unable to capitalise — the order of the day seemingly requiring catches to be regularly served up to the oppo waiting in the deep, who happily took what was offered. Only Tom looked likely to score heavily although he too sadly succumbed on 33 to Rob's stock loopy arm ball. In the end we were dismissed for 170 which, even considering the heavy outfield, felt a tad meagre.

Nevertheless, after a surprisingly good tea which included the very welcome return of fruit scones to the trolley (take note, Si — Ed), our hopes were raised with the early run out of Ball, thanks to the first of several lightning returns from Toby who menacingly prowled at midwicket. However those hopes were promptly dashed as Viral was unlucky to shell the chance of a sharp return catch from the dangerous looking Monson, who subsequently marched on to record a measured fifty. However our bowlers stuck to their task well and Jonny, brought on to take over from Abhik, eventually took the prize wicket of young Tom who swung, missed and was promptly stumped by Davey.

With the Bohos requiring a further sixty-odd, we still felt there was still something of a chance and Toby, when brought on from the pavilion end, caused the oppo's batsmen all kinds of headaches with his late inswingers. However Leece and Spratt hung in and, taking advantage of some looser stuff from the other end, managed to march on, the latter notiching up a fifty himself as the Bohos eased to their target in the thirtieth over. However it was far from an abject display and we reflected afterwards that even just one decent knock from one of our batsmen might have made given the Bohos a challenge in chasing us down. And from several Strollers, that big knock feels just around the corner ...just a shame that we now may have to wait until next season to see it!

Gavin Richardson
18.09.16

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