Match Report - Sunday xi vs Nepotists by Wickman Jr

HWRCC VS NEPOTISTS – SUNDAY MAY 18th Wick – 174/6 off 40 overs (Golby 34, Whinney 27, Hirsch 25)

Defeated

Nepotists – 171/6 (Whinney 2/13 off 8 overs; MJ and Vaider picking up a couple each)

Wick snatch it late to keep 100% record Whinney the hero in 3rd successive win

On these very pages last year, you may remember I asked the question: “What does it mean to be Wick?” It intrigued me at the time because all I’d ever hear from Wickman was – “is he wick?”, when referring to a new player or colt coming through the ranks. Believing I had arrived at an answer, I cited the performance of a young Junaid Iqbal, who put on 30-odd runs to help the 3s score a dramatic come-from-behind win against Long Ditton last year.

From this example, being “Wick” meant having a “never say die” attitude, an ability to fight to the end and to back yourself no matter what the situation. I was convinced that was it. However now, I think the definition can be strengthened. Because after seeing the performance of PE Man Shaun Whinney on Sunday, whose bowling at the death of the match helped pull off a thrilling 3-run victory over the touring Nepotists, I think we can add another descriptive: “love for the game”.

Being Wick means loving cricket. It might sound like a pretty stupid thing to say, but I think we sometimes overlook the fact that, while we’re so hell bent on winning, we also should be having fun doing it. Shaunny epitomizes this as much as anyone else at the club (controversial?). He loves batting, bowling, fielding, even keeping! And isn’t too bad at the sledging either (crucial in a Jimmy C-led team really…..). He eats the game up. That he came back to the UK just to have another season of cricket at the Wick, speaks volumes about the character of the bloke.

But enough of this sycophancy and on to the match.

After spending a big night with Del and Lloydy out in Kingston, Skipper Jimmy C arrived at the Wick eager to build on the first two games of the season. With just a few hours kip under the belt, thanks to the work of a swimming instructor who had never been in a pool, he promptly lost the toss and was sent in to bat on a cold, but beautiful, afternoon. Game on.

Led by Goldy and Nathan, the Wick got off to a solid start. Goldy, who looks to be in better form as each match passes, was free to play his shots against a good opening attack (it must be said). The cut shot was preferred option at all times. Nathan was likewise in fine form. With the timing of a young David Gower (is there talk?), he breezed to 24 runs with some glorious stroke play (reminiscent of the skipper on Saturday night).

However, despite Nath’s solid start, he was back in the hutch after being caught at cover (You were hung-over mate – admit it). And while anyone losing their wicket is a downer, the fact that he made way for new boy (talk him up) Chris Madoc-Jones, was a tantalizing prospect.

Skipper Jimmy C had been told about MJ during the week by first team skipper Matty D. And let me tell you, this kid is good. Very good, in fact. While he may look like a normal kid, when he is out in the middle he looks as though he has already played 100 test matches, notched up a few centuries, and led his country to a few world cup victories (bit excessive….orrrrrrr?). Making a quick fire 20-odd before skying a shot to cover (unlucky), Jimmy C was still impressed. Can you play next week mate?

Despite the losses of Nathan and MJ, the score ticked over at more than 4 runs per over. The arrival of Shaun Whinney, who was timing the ball to perfection, alongside Golby who continued to experiment with the cut shot, helped us to look comfortable. And while Golby eventually went for a valuable 34, the emergence of Joey “Hirchshelle Gibbs” Hirsh to the crease kept the score moving. Clearly motivated by the efforts of Maddoc Jones, Joe Hirsh was sensational. With long drives and timing as good as a young David Gower (there are now two at the club – FACT), the boy put on 25 runs in what was a top knock.

With the support of Whinney and Hirsh, followed by Kennedy and Del Boy, we were able to bring the score to 174-6 after 40. It was a good total Jimmy C thought.

Tea – ats

Heading out to the field, Skipper Jimmy C was thrilled with his bowling and fielding line up. Forget what the Saturday teams will tell you, Sundays provides the best opportunity to see a real team put together – FACT. Opening the bowling with Whinney and Junaid is a captain’s dream (although Joey would be nice to throw in the mix to be fair). And they rarely disappoint.

Whinney bowled so far out of his skin that I swear he could easily have been a young Alan Donald (without any skin). I couldn’t tell. Bowling down the hill, Whinney put every ball on the Putney Bridge to make the oppo’s batsmen look silly (think Nick Nolte’s mug shot after a recent arrest). However, despite these efforts and Junaid’s toil at the other end, the Wick were unable to get the early breakthrough they wanted.

Sensing that this game might go the distance, Jimmy C put himself and Duncan “safe hands” Kennedy into the attack to shake things up a bit. It didn’t really work. Although, Jimmy was pretty much on the spot as usual and Duncan got the ball to “do a bit” from the other end, that first elusive wicket was still to be taken. Meanwhile, the batsmen were putting on the runs.

It was time to reach into the bag and bring out the wild card – MJ. Setting his own field, MJ started to send them down the track to two batsmen gaining in confidence. Following two consecutive sixes off his bowling, Jimmy C was starting to think this might not be his day. And as his next ball was dispatched into the outfield, Jimmy C had his head in his hands. Surely game over. Thankfully, “Safe hands” Duncan was under the ball and took a brilliant catch. He’s got the best pair of hands in the club. Fact. The same thing happened a few overs later. Jimmy started to believe.

Bringing Vaider into the attack (I rate this boy, I really do), the boundaries started to slow up. Putting the ball on the spot, the batsmen became frustrated and began to lash out. The Nepotists now needed 36-odd runs off the last 30 balls. We were still in it with a chance.

Enter Whinney at the death. Bowling yorker after yorker, the batsmen couldn’t get the ball away, and after a few wild shots, two more wickets fell after the stumps were left shattered by Whinney. TALK IT UP MATE. You could feel the drama build.

It went to the last over. They needed 11 off 6. Then 11 off 5; 7 off 4; 7 off 3; 5 off 2 and 5 off 1 (after Kempy put down a sitter).

Heart in mouth time.

Whinney launched in. The bat got a hold of one. Would it go for six? No – you bet it wouldn’t. It went straight to Duncan at deep mid-off. He lobbed the ball back to Whinney at the bowlers end and he took the bails off. We had won by 3 runs. “£!!** YES!!!!” The boys were elated. What a win!

It was a terrific match for anyone that watched (ask Wickman). I never thought being skipper could be this much fun, and I thank Whinney for showing me that on Sunday. Bring on next Sunday I say. And with Joey, Whinney and Matty D all confirmed (I may need to double check that), I can’t bloody wait.

Wickman Junior.

[Here's a handy picture of where MOM Shaun comes from in PE!!!]