Ron runs rampant to plunder Ploughmen
posted: July 01, 2024

Last weekend's loss at Theydon thankfully turned out to be nothing more than a glitch in The Matrix as we celebrated a superb away win yesterday in Dulwich over the Ploughmans XI. Having won the toss, Spencer inserted the opposition which looked to be a worrysome tactic as opener McGurn blasted his way to an immense 152 before retiring to make way for his team mates.

Along the way, however, we did manage to make inroads with 'Sturminator' Tim Sturm returning behind the wicket and skilfully clinging onto three catches offered behind. After McGurn's departure Gaurav did a good job of keeping the oppo at bay on his way to collecting 4-25 but this could not prevent the Ploughmen from positing a sizeable 241-9 from their 35 overs, which would take some getting.

Following tea we found ourselves reeling at 49-4 after the first ten overs with our top order falling cheaply... not a promising start. However this brought skipper Spencer to the middle along with Ron who clearly had his Weetabix that morning and was in no mood for defeat. Doubtless inspired by India's never say die tactics to win the T20 World Cup the previous day alongside Jude Bellingham's last ditch heroics over Slovakia simultaneously happening at the Euros, Ron took to the Ploughmen's attack like a man possessed, with Spencer ably supporting.

The skipper had just notched up a fine half century before he found himself trapped LBW by Nair but thankfully Gaurav marched on to pick up the baton. With the game hurtling towards a thrilling climax Ron roared into fifth gear, living up to his nickname clattering a barrage of boundaries and running like a rabbit on speed between the stumps. Thankfully Gaurav was able to keep up and not long after an elated Ron had notched up his long-awaited maiden Strollers hundred – much to the delight of his onlooking team mates – we secured a memorable victory with just 13 deliveries to spare. A spectacular recovery and a rare win south of the river to savour. Well Strolled, Ron and all!

Gavin Richardson
01.07.2024