Match Report - 1xi vs Old Tiffinians (h)

In 2007 the 1XI won 3 games and finished a commendable 8th. In 2008, they have already won 2 out of 2, and a 100% record thus far speaks volumes about the ability and team ethic that has emerged in the squad. Everyone really wants to be involved and contribute, and with different people taking leading roles each week, this could turn into a season to remember.

Sat 17th May, Home v Old Tiffs.

Before we start, it must be pointed out that the opposition started the game with 6 players, and when the rest arrived their total was still 2 shy of a full quota. Read what you like into that.

Old Tiffs won the toss and chose to bat - the main reason being their low numbers. MattyD would have probably batted as well, but the fact he had been debating it with most of the team for half an hour mean't it could go either way. A good toss to lose. The deck was green, but it was hard and pretty zippy as well. The odd ball misbehaved a bit, but nothing particularly unusual. Joey started where he left off last week, again picking up a wicket in the first over. In came the number 3. Well, he bated at 3, although I wouldn't like to compare him in any way to our number 3 (Boney). Joey was wasted on him as he continually missed not only the ball but also his mummy. However, Joey couldn't hit the stumps, so he and the other opener moved the scores along to 40 off 12 overs, with Fordy off colour at the other end.

The innings turned howver when Tughral entered, post exams, and flighted his way to 6wickets. with little turn available, he used his flight and guile to guide his way to each wicket, picking up the dangerous 4 and 5 before they had a chance to show their full array of talents. Kam chipped in at the other end with a dubious lbw, but his bowling is slowly returning to 2007's standards.

OT finished on 121-8 (all out) off 35 overs.

A quick turnaround meant Davies and Cole were keen to hit the ground running. Davies, deciding to abandon the 'leave' proceeded to progress at a run a ball, playing some decent strokes alongside a few typical golby like dabs past gully. Davies fell on 49 just before tea.

Tea - ats. 5.

With only 50-odd needed, O'Mahoney came to the crease and showed how to bat properly at that position, falling on 25 when only peanuts were needed to kill off the game. Cole remained unbeaten on 20 at the other end, despite his Friday exploits corporate style at Lords.

In conclusion, the team should be pleased that tey have dominated two teams in the field, and that the batting is coming together. However, there is still lots of room for improvement. The odd catch was dropped, the odd lazy fumble in the field etc etc. Having said that things are bubbling nicely.