Almost but not quite
 
The Strollers fell eight runs short chasing a total of 183 set by Stumps at the Lyttleton Gardens ground, Hampstead Garden Suburb on Sunday. This was despite a stunning a 114 not out from Eddy (I'm a Kiwi not an Aussie) made in fading light on a slow pitch.
 
Earlier in the afternoon the Strollers opening bowlers Simon B and Jeremy M subdued the Stumps top order batsmen to such an extent that Stumps could only manage 60 off the first 20 overs. Despite some excellent bowling from the Strollers' "back-up/reserve" bowlers - Bruce, Simon P, Andy and Gav - and despite only having nine men in the field - seven Strollers and two borrowed from the opposition - the Strollers contained Stumps to 183 for 5 off 35 overs.
 
After an excellent tea, the Strollers started slowly losing Andy and Gav in the first few overs. Eddy steadied the innings with support from Jeremy M (18) and Simon P(21), but when two previously unaccounted for overs were found (a scoring error) the relatively gettable 6 or 7 an over went up to 10 or 11. With light fading and the return of Stumps' opening bowlers the 183 target proved unattainable.
 
Special thanks to Hugh and Richard who turned up after tea to booster the batting line-up but were not needed.
 
Quote of the day came from the Stumps wicketkeeper - "you would have won if you had had two more fielders".
 
Eight played, eight lost - bring on Chippenham. (No game this Sunday but one on the following Sunday, then Chippenham on the following Saturday.)
 
Simon Poole
03.08.05

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