Wons Waltz to Win in Wintry Wind and Wain

Match Report by Matty D

Away vs Shepperton CC Ali, Davies, Rashid, Raza, Tong, Whinney, Crowther, High, Ewen, Holland, Tughral, Nicholls (ump), Whitcher (Sco)

Actually, it wasn't that windy, nor did it wain (ahem) rain much, but it was certainly wintry and we did win handsomely in the end.

The track had been covered so wasn't too wet, although it was grassy. The outfield was lush and green, although with some surface water adding some glint. The new clubhouse was gleaming like a Swiss Ski Lodge (unfortunately no bunnies). The changing room was cold, tight and hummed of bloke. The sightscreens were adorned with fresh white paint, hiding the 24 hour old Nazi graffiti. The scorer was surprisingly spring-stepped. The umpire was surprisingly on time. The team showed a few changes with Crowther and High returning. The toss was won. Shepperton would bat.

Wick started well again, although with no swing there was minimal playing and missing - rather lots of late tentative prods as Ewen and Whinny probed effectively. Whinny saw one difficult chance almost carry to slip, whilst Ewen was as ever difficult to get away. Whinny did get the breakthrough with pace forcing a mistimed flat batted shot to mid on.

Tong's introduction immediately brought a wicket first ball, but like the rest of this spell he was unable to find a rhythm and gifted too many runs. Tughral in contrast was on the money straight away and showed excellent control in difficult conditions. Ali's aggression probably got him a few wickets, although the extra zip probably had something to do with it.

In general we bowled too short, and with the exception of Ewen at the end and Tughral throughout gifted too many 4 balls. Against stronger teams such wayward bowling will be punished further, as whilst Shepperton scored at a healthy rate, wickets kept falling. At 120-5 Shepperton looked set for a competitive total, but Ewen rallied with Tughral and shot out the final few wickets leaving Shep 148 all out. In the field standards generally improved with a few notable exceptions, the most blatant being Davies (ahem) who grounded a lollipop at cover. Embarrassing to say the least... if that's what happens when your eyes go I can see why people retire (*Note my eyes have not gone*).

Teas 7/10. The bread was the softest I've had in a while, even if the fillings were basic. There were some standard, if plentiful side dishes too, including some outrageous rice crispie cakes - chewier than Chewbacca chewing on some chewitts. I like chewy.

For the third straight time the Wick would be chasing 150 to win and were confident that with an aggressive opening stand, we would put Shep on the back foot. Davies and Ali did not disappoint, posting 50 in what must surely be a record time of 5 overs - and with not a hint of a slog (I think I played and missed at one - twas a jaffa). Davies was caught at deep fine leg, with the fielder taking an outstanding steepler diving on the boundary running round to square leg.

Fears that Ali may go into his shell at the loss of his more talented, experienced, and quite frankly better looking opening partner were obliterated as he continued serenely, joined by a watchful Rashid who careful played his way back into nick, playing many balls later than Jools Holland. They put on an unbroken 100 partnership in no time and the Wick won in 24 overs without breaking sweat. To be fair it was too cold to sweat properly, but you get my drift. Ali played some delightful shots all around the wicket, and Rashid was perfect the foil with some clever manoeuvring and rotation of the strike.

The bowling was below par, with a few exceptions. The fielding had improved, with one or two howlers. The batting was again dominant and clinical.

Another good win from the team, as the plaudits are again shared out, this week going to Ewen, Tughral and Ali

MOM - Ali: 88* & 2 wickets. Pratt of Match - Davies: ridiculous dropped catch.