1xi vs Frimley - Match report by Joey Ewen

HWRCC 1xi vs Frimley (a)
Toss: HWRCC
Frimley 135 all out. Tong 4-32, Raza 3-12
HWRCC 136-3

With the Wick 1xi arriving at Frimely CC before the opposition it seemed the standard of the day was taking shape. However there was a reason for Frimley’s delayed appearance. Why show to a dilapidated clubhouse that was flooded during the winter? If only I had known! Due to the cold spells in January a pipe had burst in the Frimley clubhouse and water leaked throughout their bar for over a week. The result is a concrete bar floor, no ceiling and breeze block walls.

On a wicket that looked hard, grassy and green I only had one option if successful on the toss, bowl first. Elizabeth’s face did not fail and the new ball was taken by the old master Dave Ford and new gun Shri Shinde. Ford settled well and found the length that was to become vital for the rest of the day. Dropping the ball straight and slightly short of a length ensured that the batsman were tested and had to deal with the awkward bounce and seam. The Frimley captain failed to settle against Ford and offered a chance early to Holland which was accepted.

What followed was simple cricket executed well. Frimley dug in deep to defend the good balls and waited for the full ball and put it away with ease. It was becoming evident that searching for swing was not the right option so Ewen and Tong worked together to build pressure and bring the Wick back into the game from 71-1 from 15. The hard work prevailed, Ewen found the edge and then gave their number 4 his first ball of the season, full and straight – LBW, 93-3.

Pressure was starting to build on the remaining Frimley opener. He was proving destructive on the front foot and solid in defence so Ewen then stuck in a short ball which struck him on the head. Water was called for but still no helmet! Tong then produced a very effective bouncer which did bring the lid outand suddenly the opener’s game was gone. He lofted a ball from Tong into the hands of Ford who covered several yards to produce a fine catch.

Tong and Raza then found the perfect length consistently beating the bat and displaying control, patience and quality, increasing the pressure even more. Frimley could not come up with any answers, they were outclassed and were starting to be outplayed. Tong went for 32 runs from his 15 overs, claiming 4 Frimley wickets, a truly outstanding display of bowling with an ageing ball. Raza was tight and destructive. Two loose balls from 48 lead to outstanding figures, 3 for 12 from 8, class and experience. Frimley all out for 135 from 41 overs.

Tea – to the delight of 1st XI mascot Harry Stephens included doughnuts and cakes however he did question where his 5-a-day was going to come from. 6/10, standard.

The in-form Davies and Hibberd went out to face the new ball. Both took a liking to what proved later to be rare wayward deliveries as the bowlers looked to find their line and length. Hibberd fancied the early finish slightly too much and chipped to mid-on for 9. In went Raza and shortly Hibberd returned to be his runner as Raza pulled his groin. This did not deter or hinder Raza - he offered stable support to Davies who went cautiously as the Frimely bowlers were wise to their wicket. They offered tight lines with consistent movement and asked many questions. This movement found the edge of Davies which diverted the ball to gully where a great one handed catch was produced. But he is yet to be out to a Wick bowler...

Imran Rashid entered and faced the somewhat angry and explosive Frimley opening bowler Dominic Lanaway. Lanaway was out to make a name for himself, not for an outstanding cricketing performance (however he did bowl well) but for his outrages of temper and frustration. It was truly unique performance, never did he look to settle or calm down and clearly rated himself and most definitely talked himself up to those willing to listen however Raza and Rashid appeared to be deaf.

They countered him with a prolonged period of patience and waited for the loose ball. An outstanding performance by both led to Raza completing a well rounded, patient and rewarding half century. Lanaway then proved to be the “Genius” as Raza lofted a ball down to third man, 103-3, genius batting fellas, well done. Stephens joined Rashid (24*) and both looked stable and unflustered. Their first partnership together was one of courage, control and true temperament. Ignoring the drone of explicit words exiting Lanaway’s mouth, Rashid stood up to the plate and stated why he showed up for a game creaming Lanaway over the covers to what the Wick members prayed would quieten Lanaway, Unsuccessful! With Stephens (27*) showing form as if he netted all winter 136 appeared. The Wick won by 7 wickets.

A great performance by all, 10 wickets and 4 out of 5 batsman consuming good time at the crease who settled well against some quality new ball bowling.

Regards to Frimley, a good game played with true spirit by most. I wish them all the best for the season and good fortune with the council as they look to renovate the bar damage caused by the leakage.

A special thanks to the stand in volunteers of Greg Unsworth (umpire) and Abi Ewen (scorer). Your efforts were truly appreciated and well done for your sterling work in difficult conditions. Please see Unsworth for more Lanaway quotes.

Runs and wickets