[Attached: Rizzo in happier times on the set of Greece....look, i typed in Rizzo into google images. This was the first hit.]
Hampton Wick 3rd XI - 220 odd for 8 (Rizzo - 58, Zohaak 40-odd)
Defeated
Pyrford - 202 all out (Jimmy C, Tommy R, and Eddie picking up main wickets)
The 3rd XI is starting to BELIEVE after its third successive win on the bounce. After an inconsistent start, where games were thrown away as easily as a used prophylactic after a decent "session", the side is finally putting together some decent cricket, and may be (keep it on the down low) considering a better life in a higher division (Surrey Champ, Div 3, 1st XI - often described by those playing there as the land of milk and honey. Imagine those teas.....). Either way things are starting to happen. Even A.Risman agrees.
The game on saturday had everything. It started with the news that Pyrford had only seven players for the first 30 mins of the match. Jimmy C was assured the remaining three players (they could only get 10 out) would turn up at some stage. Despite winning the toss, Pyrford decided to bowl. An interesting choice perhaps given said shortage of players, but nonetheless an opportunity was afforded to get off to a good start with the bat.
Despite the numbers advantage early doors, the runs didn't flow that freely. Fair play to Pyrford, their opening bowlers bowled tidy lines and a bloody annyoung length, making it difficult to get away. Perhaps in retrospect, players with better footwork may have capitalised on the more "senior" of the two bowlers, who seemed to shotput the ball down the track. Neverthless, 60-odd for no loss off a handfull of overs wasn't a bad start.
The extra players on the field clearly created a stir, as Rizzo and Lloydy left the Kingsfield stage. From memory i believe they were both caught. Nathan and Zohaak then came to the crease. Nathan looked strong for a few overs before playing around one to see his stumps removed, while Zo and Copeland got together to form a decent partnership. Zo, in particular, batted with a maturity which skipper Jimmy C had been looking for finally. Nurdling and bottom handing where appropriate, and belting the bejeezus out of the ball when needed. One shot in particular saw Zo lift a no-ball beamer over the keeper's head for 4 runs. Eoin Morgan would have nodded in admiration.
Once Harry and Zo left the hallowed turf of Kingsfield (Harry was very harshly bowled with a ball that didn't bounce), Harmy, Jimmy and Tommy R helped the side reach a competitive 220 odd after 51 overs. Declaration.
Teas were again subilme.
The bowling defense started slowly it had to be said. Eddie Charlton again showed glimpses of genius (hopefully he is including some of these on Jedward's new album, pleasantly entitled - "You give me risman to live"). His inswingers baffled one of their openers and Harry took a good catch. 1 down. From the other end, though, it was fairly slim pickings in all honesty. Harmy and Lownsy struggled to get a slogger out, who went on to make 100, so it was left to Tommy Robinson to get some wickets. Which he duly did.
Despite some good bowling from Tommy, Pyrford had still managed to reach 180-3 off 38 overs, and with their slogger still at the crease, a win for them seemed increasingly likely. Added to which indignity, Rizzo had to limp off the ground for the last 15 overs after chasing a ball to the boundary. Old Soft Hands will be out for a few weeks with a strained quad. It was a hammer blow and the boys were feeling it. Jimmy had run out of answers, and asking Zo to bowl one over showed the desperation.
Lownsy and Jimmy consulted with Risman at the drinks break. "Take the pace of the ball guys....that's what you need to do. Bowl full and straight. Aim at the stumps". With that in mind, Tommy Robinson came back up the hill. Jimmy came down it. Jimmy took two quick wickets, including the slogger. The match had turned. Pyrford had lost their best batsmen and they were hanging on to stay in. Believe boys!!
With Robbo bowling and one wicket needed, the ball skied to Charles Edmunds at mid off. DOWN!! We thought that would be it. They only needed 18 runs. A few balls later. Bat hits ball to gully. Nathan takes catch. Cue bedlam. Game over.
Pretty clearly the 3s got themselves out of jail in this match. Jimmy's blood pressure didn't handle too well, but thankfully kept the death threats to a minimum this week. Perhaps it was the luck we needed where earlier in the season it had deserted us. Three wins on the bounce now, and a trip to Farnham on Saturday. The belief is there now, and the guys can see the summit (or 3rd place....whichever). Rizzo will be taking a break for a few weeks which will be a big loss, but if we can carry on without him and bring him back for the last few weeks, anything can happen.
It's a funny old game.
Wickman Junior
No comments:
Post a Comment