Away vs Ashtead 11/09/11

Stand in skipper Roy Gupta lost the toss and was invited to bat first on a damp but drying wicket. A steady opening partnership of 59 between Tuffers and Shogun was broken when Tuffers holed out. He was swiftly followed back into the pavilion by Shogun who was given out LBW to a delivery that would certainly have been overturned by the review system had it been available to a third umpire. The third umpire’s role would no doubt have also been covered by the “professional” umpire who insisted on standing at both ends, with lowly players only entrusted with square leg duties.

Naresh played beautifully for his innings of 84. An array of shots orchestrated on both sides of the wicket, with his bat swishing through the air at times like a conductor’s baton. His timing and footwork had both the watching Nomads and at times the Ashtead fielders applauding his display of virtuosity. Two short-lived partnerships brought the captain to the crease. A typical Sausage innings followed, reminiscent of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture with lusty blows punctuating Naresh’s melodies. Carrying his bat for 53 Not Out, supported latterly by Smartie, Roy led the Nomads to a competitive but by no means unattainable total of 223-5.

The first ball of the Ashtead innings nearly resulted in a wicket when a capped Surrey player was dropped by Tuffers in the gully. The fact that the player was about 10 years old and half his height was little consolation. Luckily Mike produced another jaffa later in the over and had the county player caught by Jack behind the stumps. Early inroads to the Ashtead reply meant that the required run rate crept inexorably higher as the overs passed, not helped by one of the Ashtead batsmen retiring hurt owing to a recently broken wrist. All the Nomads bowlers played their part, with Mike, Smartie, Sat-Nav, Meat, Sausage and Naresh all deserving of equal praise. The return of the previously retired batsman led to an onslaught that at one time threatened to bring Ashtead victory, but a fine fielding performance from all the Nomads, chasing down every ball as if their lives depended on it, finally saw the Nomads home by a winning margin of nine runs. A fine game, played competitively and in good spirit, hopefully leading to a return fixture in years to come.

Honorable mention and thanks should be made to Club President Greg and Horny and Jill Hood for the outstanding effort in making not inconsiderable journeys to support the players. It was hugely appreciated by all those who took the field on the day.

Man Of The Match: Naresh, for yet another so near yet so far innings. The maiden century is sure to come soon…