Strollers just shy of cheesing off Ploughmans for a second time
posted: September 1, 2025

After our heroic run chase to secure victory over the Ploughmans XI in Dulwich a fortnight ago, we came agonisingly close to repeating the trick yesterday at Ferme Park in the return fixture, bowled out just 8 runs shy of what would have been a remarkable win.

Having sent the oppo in on a blustery late summer afternoon, the Ploughmen had raced to 140-1 by drinks and we feared they would blast their way beyond our reach. However, we mounted an impressive effort in the field to restrict the flow of runs – Connor starring behind the stumps alongside Kash and Harry who each collected a valuable threefer and the oppo were dismissed with two balls to spare for 252 …still an impressive score by any measure which would take some getting.

Despite the early loss of George, Abhik and Bobby regrouped to build an impressive platform putting on 64 for the second wicket before falling in quick succession. Matt and Vinay could only add a few but, again, Kash and Harry stepped up and wrested control of the game back our way as the score tantilisingly topped 150 with more than 10 overs to go.

Kash notched up a much-deserved fifty but, sadly, neither he nor the skipper could hang around much longer as they both chipped up catches to the well placed field – crucial wickets in the final reckoning. Despite a gallant rearguard effort from Connor, with 14 needed from the final over, he had no option but to throw caution to the wind and was tragically bowled with two deliveries remaining.

So near and yet so far… but a great game nonetheless as we head into the final act of the season.

Gavin Richardson
01.09.2025