Latest Match Summary - League
Latest League Match Report
Southgate Compton v Hemel Hempstead Town IV - (Home)
Another week, another abject batting performance, another defeat.
Yes, Hemel got the better of the conditions, winning the toss and inserting us after some hokey-cokey with the covers and a quick shower. The ball was doing a bit with a couple moving in to see DB and Al bowled. Sam started a succession of stumpings, to their turbocharged keeper, when the change bowlers came, which Deleep and Kash later continued. Boris had got a few shots away before edging into his arm for a loopy catch to first slip and Bobs was soon caught. Even the loopy bowlers were outfoxing us, Willo hitting a couple of blows before leading edging one up in the air. The top 8 mustered just 55 runs, with two batsmen getting half of those. Crap! Fortunately, some excellent tail wagging from Tayyab and Karnan got us something to bowl at, before Konan was caught spectacularly to end our innings a few overs early. 120 the target.
The wicket, drier by now, seemed much better when their opener took a liking to Al taking the best part of 20 off one over. Credit to Al though, he came back strong. Bobs got the other opener with one that stuck in the pitch, then bowled their number 3 - complete with blind man sunglasses, a la Al - and started pummelling the kid, eventually getting him out. Al also picked up a couple, but their troublesome opener was still going. Eventually, he fell into the trap, skying one to Willo, only for him to drop it. Rayan and Kash came on with Rayan getting the main man lbw - though not before he'd got half the target - before bowling another with a clever googly. But this brought a couple of wily old batsmen to the crease. We got a bit overkeen with stopping the single to give them some easy boundaries as the 30 needed quickly reduced and they saw them home. A decent effort in the field, though still several drops, but another 30 runs could have made all the difference.
MOTM probably shouldn't be awarded, but somehow goes to Bobs for getting a blind man and a kid out. Well batted Karnan!
Donkey - Willo for that costly drop, and getting out to the kid.
(Match report by A Grayson)
Southgate Compton v Hatfield Hyde II - (Away)
Yes, Hemel got the better of the conditions, winning the toss and inserting us after some hokey-cokey with the covers and a quick shower. The ball was doing a bit with a couple moving in to see DB and Al bowled. Sam started a succession of stumpings, to their turbocharged keeper, when the change bowlers came, which Deleep and Kash later continued. Boris had got a few shots away before edging into his arm for a loopy catch to first slip and Bobs was soon caught. Even the loopy bowlers were outfoxing us, Willo hitting a couple of blows before leading edging one up in the air. The top 8 mustered just 55 runs, with two batsmen getting half of those. Crap! Fortunately, some excellent tail wagging from Tayyab and Karnan got us something to bowl at, before Konan was caught spectacularly to end our innings a few overs early. 120 the target.
The wicket, drier by now, seemed much better when their opener took a liking to Al taking the best part of 20 off one over. Credit to Al though, he came back strong. Bobs got the other opener with one that stuck in the pitch, then bowled their number 3 - complete with blind man sunglasses, a la Al - and started pummelling the kid, eventually getting him out. Al also picked up a couple, but their troublesome opener was still going. Eventually, he fell into the trap, skying one to Willo, only for him to drop it. Rayan and Kash came on with Rayan getting the main man lbw - though not before he'd got half the target - before bowling another with a clever googly. But this brought a couple of wily old batsmen to the crease. We got a bit overkeen with stopping the single to give them some easy boundaries as the 30 needed quickly reduced and they saw them home. A decent effort in the field, though still several drops, but another 30 runs could have made all the difference.
MOTM probably shouldn't be awarded, but somehow goes to Bobs for getting a blind man and a kid out. Well batted Karnan!
Donkey - Willo for that costly drop, and getting out to the kid.
(Match report by A Grayson)
Southgate Compton v Hatfield Hyde II - (Away)
After a free-flowing, run-scoring the week before, SCCC turned up to Hatfield Hyde full of confidence. Ben went to toss and lost yet again, Compton were put in to bat.
Boris and DB fresh off their run-scoring the week before went out confident. Boris then came back not too late after this, not being out, but forgetting his box. Then they started well with Boris hitting a “All Day'' pull shot early on, surely setting us up for a spectacle. This however changed a few overs later with DB snicking off behind for 3. This brought Cameron to the crease, where he and Boris batted for a long time. With Hatfield bowling very tight lines not giving Cameron or Boris anything easy to hit.
Cameron being starved of strike for 4 overs, he finally hit one, unfortunately for him, it was straight to the wicket-keeper who took a good catch standing up for 1 run. This left Compton in a bit of a predicament, with not many for 2 after 20 overs. This brought Willo to the crease, with a slight nose bleed up at 4. This however did not last long as he was run out for 4. In came Sam B, who stayed with Boris for a while putting on a well-needed partnership, but with not long left Sam trying to accelerate the strike ended up edging one to slip for 18.
In came Al for a quickfire 34 with some nice looking strokes, putting Compton up to the 100 mark. Meanwhile, Boris at the other end stuck it out and got a not-pretty but needed 50. With 7 overs left, Robbie came to the crease with Boris. With the two trying to accelerate through the gears with Boris’ legs not working, wickets started tumbling quickly and fell for not too many more runs. Compton ended up 155-9 after 45 overs, a small total but something we were confident of defending.
But then came the struggle, with a lot of the team holding slight niggles, and in Boris’ case complete lack of leg movement.
Cameron and Alex took the new ball, with the openers taking a liking to the pace on the ball from Cameron and Alex's lack of control due to a tight back. Quickly saw Ben turn to “Golden Arm” Kash and Robbie. Both bowling tight to begin with then finally Robbie making the breakthrough that was needed, with Ben catching the snick behind. YES, BEN CAUGHT ONE!!!!! With a few more tight overs, Robbie ended up getting his second, another snick behind, this time Ben strategically took the pace off (so he claims) and palmed the ball to Boris in 1st slip. Compton very much in this game.
The Hatfield had a good partnership, with Kash and Robbie bowling out. Compton had to find a bowler from somewhere, Willo came on and got a wicket with a half-tracker slapped straight at mid-on, then the new batsman had a good eye for the ball and took a liking to Willo. Cameron came back and kept it tight not going for many and taking wickets, but it wasn't the wicket we needed with a few dropped catches, maybe costing Compton in the end with Hatfield winning with 6 overs to spare.
Overall, just a few runs too short and maybe a bowler. And with half the team carrying an injury of some sort, we need to get back to winning ways the next week at home.
MOTM: Boris, well batted.
Donkey: Boris, being too broken to bowl, taking too long to score runs, running faster after being injured, but most of all forgot box and batted for 4 overs!
(Match report by R Wallis)
Southgate Compton v Sandridge II - (Home)
Boris and DB fresh off their run-scoring the week before went out confident. Boris then came back not too late after this, not being out, but forgetting his box. Then they started well with Boris hitting a “All Day'' pull shot early on, surely setting us up for a spectacle. This however changed a few overs later with DB snicking off behind for 3. This brought Cameron to the crease, where he and Boris batted for a long time. With Hatfield bowling very tight lines not giving Cameron or Boris anything easy to hit.
Cameron being starved of strike for 4 overs, he finally hit one, unfortunately for him, it was straight to the wicket-keeper who took a good catch standing up for 1 run. This left Compton in a bit of a predicament, with not many for 2 after 20 overs. This brought Willo to the crease, with a slight nose bleed up at 4. This however did not last long as he was run out for 4. In came Sam B, who stayed with Boris for a while putting on a well-needed partnership, but with not long left Sam trying to accelerate the strike ended up edging one to slip for 18.
In came Al for a quickfire 34 with some nice looking strokes, putting Compton up to the 100 mark. Meanwhile, Boris at the other end stuck it out and got a not-pretty but needed 50. With 7 overs left, Robbie came to the crease with Boris. With the two trying to accelerate through the gears with Boris’ legs not working, wickets started tumbling quickly and fell for not too many more runs. Compton ended up 155-9 after 45 overs, a small total but something we were confident of defending.
But then came the struggle, with a lot of the team holding slight niggles, and in Boris’ case complete lack of leg movement.
Cameron and Alex took the new ball, with the openers taking a liking to the pace on the ball from Cameron and Alex's lack of control due to a tight back. Quickly saw Ben turn to “Golden Arm” Kash and Robbie. Both bowling tight to begin with then finally Robbie making the breakthrough that was needed, with Ben catching the snick behind. YES, BEN CAUGHT ONE!!!!! With a few more tight overs, Robbie ended up getting his second, another snick behind, this time Ben strategically took the pace off (so he claims) and palmed the ball to Boris in 1st slip. Compton very much in this game.
The Hatfield had a good partnership, with Kash and Robbie bowling out. Compton had to find a bowler from somewhere, Willo came on and got a wicket with a half-tracker slapped straight at mid-on, then the new batsman had a good eye for the ball and took a liking to Willo. Cameron came back and kept it tight not going for many and taking wickets, but it wasn't the wicket we needed with a few dropped catches, maybe costing Compton in the end with Hatfield winning with 6 overs to spare.
Overall, just a few runs too short and maybe a bowler. And with half the team carrying an injury of some sort, we need to get back to winning ways the next week at home.
MOTM: Boris, well batted.
Donkey: Boris, being too broken to bowl, taking too long to score runs, running faster after being injured, but most of all forgot box and batted for 4 overs!
(Match report by R Wallis)
Southgate Compton v Sandridge II - (Home)
Another wet week saw Saturday’s match saved by the covers, protecting the wicket from Friday’s deluge. An early trip up the club saw the covers removed and final wicket prep commence – and what a wicket, in a run-fest of a game.
Compton lost the toss, and with the moisture that had been around were put in to bat by the visiting Sandridge. The Sandridge side was somewhat ageing – with their umpire called out of retirement to play, knocking the usual first slip out of his treasured spot – and also ailing – one of their sprightlier more youthful players managing to pull muscles in both legs(!?) in the first two overs. This aided Boris and DB who finally put on a proper opening stand, the first of the year to
a) last more than 10 overs (16)
b) putting more than 50 on the board (67)
c) see off both openers
Probably the only time all season that’ll happen! Boris capitalised on the looser deliveries in particular, though the slower, but more accurate change bowlers saw Boris edge a cut to depart for 38. Cam was watchful to start, though remembered to use his bat for the straight one this week, and quickly found some good rhythm. Cam reached his 50 but then departed going for one big shot too many, well caught by their skipper, also to the relief of DB who was unimpressed by the Cam ‘running quickly between the wickets’ fitness class. By this point, we had reached 171 with 8 overs left. After normally being in the first 10 overs, our 4, 5, 6 could have some fun, and Bob’s 20, Al 17 and Molly 8* obliged. All the while DB (104*) had been accumulating, playing an excellent innings for his maiden ton – Compton 245 for 4.
Compton lost the toss, and with the moisture that had been around were put in to bat by the visiting Sandridge. The Sandridge side was somewhat ageing – with their umpire called out of retirement to play, knocking the usual first slip out of his treasured spot – and also ailing – one of their sprightlier more youthful players managing to pull muscles in both legs(!?) in the first two overs. This aided Boris and DB who finally put on a proper opening stand, the first of the year to
a) last more than 10 overs (16)
b) putting more than 50 on the board (67)
c) see off both openers
Probably the only time all season that’ll happen! Boris capitalised on the looser deliveries in particular, though the slower, but more accurate change bowlers saw Boris edge a cut to depart for 38. Cam was watchful to start, though remembered to use his bat for the straight one this week, and quickly found some good rhythm. Cam reached his 50 but then departed going for one big shot too many, well caught by their skipper, also to the relief of DB who was unimpressed by the Cam ‘running quickly between the wickets’ fitness class. By this point, we had reached 171 with 8 overs left. After normally being in the first 10 overs, our 4, 5, 6 could have some fun, and Bob’s 20, Al 17 and Molly 8* obliged. All the while DB (104*) had been accumulating, playing an excellent innings for his maiden ton – Compton 245 for 4.
Sandridge’s reply got off to a slow start, with Cameron bowling well (if a little leggy) at their stronger opener while Alex’s full tosses were patted back by the other opener. Their 11 overs went for only 12 runs and effectively killed the game off. With the weather threatening, Kash and Rayan were introduced to push through the overs.
We eventually claimed our first wicket, though perhaps in dubious circumstances as a Rayan front foot no-ball (really Rayan – how, you’re a spinner!?) was edged to the keeper, as the batsman took a stride or two forward, with the bails whipped off and the shout of “run out” the batsman was given out, though was he attempting a run? Was he actually stumped – not a valid form of dismissal off a no-ball? Who cares! It at least brought a batsman with a bit more impetus to the crease.
We eventually got our field right to their no.3, Boris catching off Kash’s bowling. By this point, we’d passed the 20 over the threshold and the rain was welcome to bucket it down, or just leave us alone. Instead, it was just persistent heavy drizzle, not heavy enough to really come off, but equally heavy enough to turn the game a bit farcical:
By the end of the game Deleep and Boris were brought on to just get through the overs as quick as possible. Sandridge ended on 210-4, with their opener scoring a well made 129*, though with limited support (and that slow start) the game was always away from Sandridge.
MOTM: DB of course
Donkey: Boris apparently (for bowling in a cap – oops), though Willo:
· did 243 overs of umpiring,
· was in the side as a batsman and didn’t bat in the run-fest,
· had a refusal and dropped the dolliest of dollies...
…so just putting it out there that the vote was rigged!
(Match report by A Grayson)
Southgate Compton v Bentley Heath II - (Away)
We eventually claimed our first wicket, though perhaps in dubious circumstances as a Rayan front foot no-ball (really Rayan – how, you’re a spinner!?) was edged to the keeper, as the batsman took a stride or two forward, with the bails whipped off and the shout of “run out” the batsman was given out, though was he attempting a run? Was he actually stumped – not a valid form of dismissal off a no-ball? Who cares! It at least brought a batsman with a bit more impetus to the crease.
We eventually got our field right to their no.3, Boris catching off Kash’s bowling. By this point, we’d passed the 20 over the threshold and the rain was welcome to bucket it down, or just leave us alone. Instead, it was just persistent heavy drizzle, not heavy enough to really come off, but equally heavy enough to turn the game a bit farcical:
- Robbie whinged he couldn’t bowl taking himself off, as the ball puffed.
- Numerous chances went down – Alex M, Rayan, Boris, and Willo (to go with his refusal to jump in the opening overs).
- Ben forgot to use his gloves when receiving a Robbie throw, though it hit him in the chest (not funny) rather than the box.
- Kash’s amateur not cricket-wear jumper got heavier and more cream as it got wetter.
By the end of the game Deleep and Boris were brought on to just get through the overs as quick as possible. Sandridge ended on 210-4, with their opener scoring a well made 129*, though with limited support (and that slow start) the game was always away from Sandridge.
MOTM: DB of course
Donkey: Boris apparently (for bowling in a cap – oops), though Willo:
· did 243 overs of umpiring,
· was in the side as a batsman and didn’t bat in the run-fest,
· had a refusal and dropped the dolliest of dollies...
…so just putting it out there that the vote was rigged!
(Match report by A Grayson)
Southgate Compton v Bentley Heath II - (Away)
After a very close game the previous week we turned up to a ground we have historically been unsuccessful at, Bentley Heath. With some players dragged down from uni and others out of bed some were worse for wear! In change on the normal Ben won the toss and decided to bat despite the slightly damp patch back of length as we clearly weren't chasing well let's try setting a total.
Another weekend again another opening pair from the skipper Boris and DB this time around. If the opening ball was anything to go by we were in for a good day, half-track and leg side which Boris pulled out the trademark pull for 4 to start the account. Unfortunately, this did not continue as both openers began to find their line and DB was bowled in the third over through the gate. This brought Cam to the crease for his first innings of the year. He started well moving to two and looking solid until he left one swinging away that sharply jagged back to take the top of off stump as many had hoped in the team he would provide someone to stay there and build an innings.
Al joined Boris at the crease where they dug in on a difficult track to keep us in the game. Scoring wasn't easy and after blocking for so long how would scoring go? Well unfortunately Boris edged the ball straight up to be caught at square leg! This brought Ben to the crease after his recent performances we were hoping he could continue to dig in and help us get to a total but his luck came to a swift end LBW plump in front of the middle. The Compton collapse had once again begun with Al falling shortly afterwards also being trapped in front for a well-fought 18. This brought Deleep to the crease with Robbie down the other end. Robbie continued his good form by edging to gully off the back of the bat somehow, again! Deleep survived the hat-trick ball but only managed 5 balls before being bowled, as Compton were now 55-7 with plenty of overs left!
Alex and Kash were at the crease now wondering where the top order had gone again. Just as Willo came to watch the game our fortunes began to turn around as the two at the crease dug in and looked to see off the current bowlers and take the game deep, with 25 overs to go. With only 15 coming off the next 10 overs batting was difficult but Kash and Alex were blocking the ball well and looking to score with 15 overs left now. Alex started hitting the ones off the stumps around the ground well with Kash following suit. Having batted for 20 overs Alex went for one a bit too straight as he was bowled for 32 but together they had brought the total to 117 with 5 overs to go. Karnan joined Kash at the crease as both looked to push the score on while Kash was suffering with his hip so boundaries required! Both delivered as Kash pushed past 40 and Karnan dealing 3 fours himself till he got bowled on the penultimate ball of the innings as we were now 149-9. Rayan pushed into the offside for a single to take us to 150-9 off our 45 overs, with everything considered this was a very defendable total with the lower order digging us out of trouble well.
Knowing how difficult we had found batting we were looking to get off to a good start as Cam and Robbie opened up for us. A few looseners for Cam in his first over but from there the maidens began as he got two in a row before clean bowling their number 2. In normal fashion, their opener Peace was playing his shots well to anything too full. As they continued well 43 for 1 off 10 overs we were looking down the barrel of another defeat!
Robbie made way for Kash as one end and he began to work his magic as he got the number 3 caught by Cam at cover for 16 with his second ball. He followed that over with a wicket maiden getting out the important opener for 25 caught at backward point by Alex. We were now back in the game! Cam had been keeping it tight at the other end ending with 4 maidens and only going for 20 in 9, he was replaced by Rayan.
Kash and Rayan then set about keeping it tight with both going for around 20 in their 9 overs as well. Kash picked up one more wicket before finishing his spell getting the number 5 trapped in front and Rayan getting the number 6 caught by Al at mid-on. Boris replaced Kash from one end but wasn't landing it how he wanted to so was changed to Robbie again to try and pick up more wickets as Bentley Heath were now 112-5 off 36 overs so needed 39 to win off 9 overs so just over 4 an over. Rayan had completed his spell so Karnan came on bowling a tight first over. In his second over Robbie finally got his first wicket this time not relying on anyone's catching ability! With the game so tight one over was needed from Robbies end so Alex replaced him to fill the gap.
What happened next was a half-tracker being skied up very high going down Deleep's throat, however Ben couldn't see this and called his very early! As all watched in slow-mo as at full pace he dived to catch it with Deleep still setting himself as well having not called or moved. The collision occurs with jaw hitting shoulder but both continuing, not a good day for Deleep having already locked his keys in the car. Karnan from the other end was mixing wonder balls with some interesting balls as he cleaned up the end of the batsman taking 4 wickets in the next 3 overs while Robbie kept it tight from the other end as Bentley Heath couldn't keep up with the required rate as they lost wickets chasing it. They ended up on 136 all out off 43.5, it was well bowled all round to keep us in the game after their good start and good fielding to match (apart from the keeper Ben!). Batting still needs improvement at the top but we showed good grit to win at somewhere we have historically not done well.
MOTM: Kash
(Match report by B Shearly)
Southgate Compton v Langleybury III - (Home)
Another weekend again another opening pair from the skipper Boris and DB this time around. If the opening ball was anything to go by we were in for a good day, half-track and leg side which Boris pulled out the trademark pull for 4 to start the account. Unfortunately, this did not continue as both openers began to find their line and DB was bowled in the third over through the gate. This brought Cam to the crease for his first innings of the year. He started well moving to two and looking solid until he left one swinging away that sharply jagged back to take the top of off stump as many had hoped in the team he would provide someone to stay there and build an innings.
Al joined Boris at the crease where they dug in on a difficult track to keep us in the game. Scoring wasn't easy and after blocking for so long how would scoring go? Well unfortunately Boris edged the ball straight up to be caught at square leg! This brought Ben to the crease after his recent performances we were hoping he could continue to dig in and help us get to a total but his luck came to a swift end LBW plump in front of the middle. The Compton collapse had once again begun with Al falling shortly afterwards also being trapped in front for a well-fought 18. This brought Deleep to the crease with Robbie down the other end. Robbie continued his good form by edging to gully off the back of the bat somehow, again! Deleep survived the hat-trick ball but only managed 5 balls before being bowled, as Compton were now 55-7 with plenty of overs left!
Alex and Kash were at the crease now wondering where the top order had gone again. Just as Willo came to watch the game our fortunes began to turn around as the two at the crease dug in and looked to see off the current bowlers and take the game deep, with 25 overs to go. With only 15 coming off the next 10 overs batting was difficult but Kash and Alex were blocking the ball well and looking to score with 15 overs left now. Alex started hitting the ones off the stumps around the ground well with Kash following suit. Having batted for 20 overs Alex went for one a bit too straight as he was bowled for 32 but together they had brought the total to 117 with 5 overs to go. Karnan joined Kash at the crease as both looked to push the score on while Kash was suffering with his hip so boundaries required! Both delivered as Kash pushed past 40 and Karnan dealing 3 fours himself till he got bowled on the penultimate ball of the innings as we were now 149-9. Rayan pushed into the offside for a single to take us to 150-9 off our 45 overs, with everything considered this was a very defendable total with the lower order digging us out of trouble well.
Knowing how difficult we had found batting we were looking to get off to a good start as Cam and Robbie opened up for us. A few looseners for Cam in his first over but from there the maidens began as he got two in a row before clean bowling their number 2. In normal fashion, their opener Peace was playing his shots well to anything too full. As they continued well 43 for 1 off 10 overs we were looking down the barrel of another defeat!
Robbie made way for Kash as one end and he began to work his magic as he got the number 3 caught by Cam at cover for 16 with his second ball. He followed that over with a wicket maiden getting out the important opener for 25 caught at backward point by Alex. We were now back in the game! Cam had been keeping it tight at the other end ending with 4 maidens and only going for 20 in 9, he was replaced by Rayan.
Kash and Rayan then set about keeping it tight with both going for around 20 in their 9 overs as well. Kash picked up one more wicket before finishing his spell getting the number 5 trapped in front and Rayan getting the number 6 caught by Al at mid-on. Boris replaced Kash from one end but wasn't landing it how he wanted to so was changed to Robbie again to try and pick up more wickets as Bentley Heath were now 112-5 off 36 overs so needed 39 to win off 9 overs so just over 4 an over. Rayan had completed his spell so Karnan came on bowling a tight first over. In his second over Robbie finally got his first wicket this time not relying on anyone's catching ability! With the game so tight one over was needed from Robbies end so Alex replaced him to fill the gap.
What happened next was a half-tracker being skied up very high going down Deleep's throat, however Ben couldn't see this and called his very early! As all watched in slow-mo as at full pace he dived to catch it with Deleep still setting himself as well having not called or moved. The collision occurs with jaw hitting shoulder but both continuing, not a good day for Deleep having already locked his keys in the car. Karnan from the other end was mixing wonder balls with some interesting balls as he cleaned up the end of the batsman taking 4 wickets in the next 3 overs while Robbie kept it tight from the other end as Bentley Heath couldn't keep up with the required rate as they lost wickets chasing it. They ended up on 136 all out off 43.5, it was well bowled all round to keep us in the game after their good start and good fielding to match (apart from the keeper Ben!). Batting still needs improvement at the top but we showed good grit to win at somewhere we have historically not done well.
MOTM: Kash
(Match report by B Shearly)
Southgate Compton v Langleybury III - (Home)
On Saturday we were back at home, looking to bounce back from what was an (un?)characteristic batting collapse away at Hitchin, and return to winning ways. Ben won the toss, and put us in the field in 24 degree weather, a decision which managed to annoy pretty much everyone. (Cheers Ben!)
Robbie and Alex once again opened up the bowling, keeping the scoring tight within the first 10 overs (25-0). The only real point of note was Robbie's repeated faceplants into the pitch at the end of his delivery stride, and his subsequent annoyed stare at the pitch, hoping it would dry out a little. However, his hopes were in vain, as the green pitch was inconsistent and misbehaved all day - with variable bounce and turn making it difficult to bat on. Their LH RH opening combo meaning fields had to change after every single was not appreciated in the slightest.
Ken came on to replace Alex, but in the end it was Kash who finally put an end to the wicket drought, dismissing their opener in the 17th over. The wickets started tumbling, catches from the three youngest players on the team (Rayan, Alex and Karnan), somewhat reducing the flow of runs a little. Rayan came on to bowl his trademark leggies, and kept the batsmen guessing, but it was Kash who was star of the show, picking up 3 big top-order wickets. We went into second drinks at 96-5 after 32 overs, a scoreline which prompted a very optimistic shout from the skipper - ('let's keep them to under 120 here'), which completely fell on deaf ears as far as the rest of the innings went. Riding a wave of elation from finishing uni exams (and a night of heavy drinking), Karnan came on and bowled general leg side dross. The fact that no balls ended up in trent park is the biggest compliment which could be given to that bowling. Alex then came back on at the other end to (try to) steady the ship, and he took a wicket almost immediately, dismissing their opener for 58 - Kash with a very sharp catch at first slip.
However, things went quickly downhill for Alex, who required 17 balls to complete his last two overs. With a barrage of full tosses, and Boris behind the stumps with his incredibly village catcher's helmet, you would have been forgiven for thinking we were witnessing Hadley Field's first ever basball game. The last three balls of his spell were dots, although admittedly at this point Alex had reverted to half-tracker off spin. Fresh from the horror of last week's death bowling, both were quickly withdrawn from the attack, their figures (Karnan - 4 overs 0-18, and Alex - 7 overs 1-33) somewhat still intact.
Ken (7 overs 0-27) and Rayan (9 overs 2-31) came back on in the last 5 overs, and kept things relatively tight. The highlight of this period was by far and away Kash forgetting he had two hands, and instead proceeded to show off his one-handed juggling skills while taking a catch at cover point - celebrations were somewhat muted, mainly out of sheer disbelief of what had happened. Robbie was entrusted with the final over of the innings, and things were going well - after 8.4 overs, he had only conceded 14 runs. Ben then took an absolute age to set the field, making sure absolutely everyone was in precisely the right positions to maximise the chances of a catch, while also preventing a boundary. Robbie was still hunting for his first wicket of the season, and the scene was beautifully set.
The ball was full length on middle stump, and the batsman took a wild hoik at it. Arcing and looping in the air, it was obvious that the ball was heading straight, inch-perfect, into Ben's hands. Like all things Compton, however, the catch was dropped, and instead went for 6, with Cam very helpfully winding up Robbie by telling him that it would've been a 4 had it not been palmed over the rope - nevertheless, it was still a very good spell from Robbie (9 overs, 0-21). It was a fitting end to what had been an incredibly average bowling performance all around - the only standout being Kash 'specialist fielder' Masood's 3-18 and 2 catches. 154 was around about par, and for a promotion chasing team, with the batting firepower available to us, we felt confident in putting last week's demons behind us to push onto victory.
There was a top-order reshuffle, with Al Heaney and Robbie opening up, and DB coming in at three, to shake things up. DB didn't have to worry about no.3 pad rash however, as Robbie found himself playing across the line, snicking through at the end of the second over. Things didn't look great for DB either, getting out for a golden in the third. Their bowlers were tight and accurate, and on a pitch that was doing all sorts, they were very difficult to face. Having survived a very good lbw shout from their right-arm over quick, Deleep was then given out lbw to a left-arm over bowler who was bowling from well wide of the wicket, a decision which brought murmurs of disapproval from the now despairing rest of the team. Al Heaney also then was forced to depart after another tough ball did a bit too much off the pitch, and the Compton were in freefall once again, sinking to 11-4.
However, this brought Ben and Boris to the crease, who helped steady the ship and got the scoreboard ticking again. Boris was the aggressor, playing his strokes and pushing on the run rate, while Ben was content to hang around and play solidly to stay out in the middle. On 11, Ben survived a caught behind call, which had most of the oppo's team, Boris at the other end, and even a few from the clubhouse convinced, but Ben wasn't sure he had and was not given out so the game continued. Umpire Robbie appeared thoroughly disinterested by it all (I assume this was because it was not out, but this could also have been caused by his depressing realisation that his bowling economy and batting average are pretty much identical this season).
After a well-made 23, Boris then departed, and in came Alex Molloy, who many believed would be the last hope. Alex and Ben put on a quick 20, with well-timed sweeps and glances racking up boundaries. Alex top edged a slow ball, which ballooned up in the air, the sort you get given at under-11s practice, which their keeper called for and subsequently dropped. Keen to make their keeper feel better, Alex nicked behind, and this time the keeper took the much tougher chance. Karnan then came in, and 'hung around' for a bit, rotating the strike with a now accelerating Ben, until frustration got the better of him and he also nicked behind for 4 (their keeper's 4th catch of the innings). In contrast to Kash's incredible bowling performance, his batting left a lot to be desired, hacking across the line to a straight one, getting bowled third ball. Rayan came in to witness Ben reach his 50, after which he spooned one up for 3, leaving Ben and Ken as the final wicket.
Ben started to milk the strike, and he managed to dispatch two balls in two deliveries, sweeping across the line into the garden across the road both times. With 18 to win, the opposition started to worry, and brought back their opening bowler, and Ben holed out to mid-off for a very well-made 71. In the end, we were 13 runs short, and after another batting collapse which saw only batsmen 5,6,7 reach double figures, there are a lot of questions still unanswered.
After the match, we had a very nice club barbecue, with interest from all parts of the club. Many thanks to Willo for setting up the barbecue, for Robbie and Alex for running it, Ben for sourcing the burgers, and also to Deleep, who is secretly incredible at cooking onions.
See everyone next week for what is always a tough match away at local rivals Bentley Heath!
MOTM: Ben
Donkey: Alex Molloy
(Match report by K Sembian)
Southgate Compton vs Hitchin III - (Away)
Robbie and Alex once again opened up the bowling, keeping the scoring tight within the first 10 overs (25-0). The only real point of note was Robbie's repeated faceplants into the pitch at the end of his delivery stride, and his subsequent annoyed stare at the pitch, hoping it would dry out a little. However, his hopes were in vain, as the green pitch was inconsistent and misbehaved all day - with variable bounce and turn making it difficult to bat on. Their LH RH opening combo meaning fields had to change after every single was not appreciated in the slightest.
Ken came on to replace Alex, but in the end it was Kash who finally put an end to the wicket drought, dismissing their opener in the 17th over. The wickets started tumbling, catches from the three youngest players on the team (Rayan, Alex and Karnan), somewhat reducing the flow of runs a little. Rayan came on to bowl his trademark leggies, and kept the batsmen guessing, but it was Kash who was star of the show, picking up 3 big top-order wickets. We went into second drinks at 96-5 after 32 overs, a scoreline which prompted a very optimistic shout from the skipper - ('let's keep them to under 120 here'), which completely fell on deaf ears as far as the rest of the innings went. Riding a wave of elation from finishing uni exams (and a night of heavy drinking), Karnan came on and bowled general leg side dross. The fact that no balls ended up in trent park is the biggest compliment which could be given to that bowling. Alex then came back on at the other end to (try to) steady the ship, and he took a wicket almost immediately, dismissing their opener for 58 - Kash with a very sharp catch at first slip.
However, things went quickly downhill for Alex, who required 17 balls to complete his last two overs. With a barrage of full tosses, and Boris behind the stumps with his incredibly village catcher's helmet, you would have been forgiven for thinking we were witnessing Hadley Field's first ever basball game. The last three balls of his spell were dots, although admittedly at this point Alex had reverted to half-tracker off spin. Fresh from the horror of last week's death bowling, both were quickly withdrawn from the attack, their figures (Karnan - 4 overs 0-18, and Alex - 7 overs 1-33) somewhat still intact.
Ken (7 overs 0-27) and Rayan (9 overs 2-31) came back on in the last 5 overs, and kept things relatively tight. The highlight of this period was by far and away Kash forgetting he had two hands, and instead proceeded to show off his one-handed juggling skills while taking a catch at cover point - celebrations were somewhat muted, mainly out of sheer disbelief of what had happened. Robbie was entrusted with the final over of the innings, and things were going well - after 8.4 overs, he had only conceded 14 runs. Ben then took an absolute age to set the field, making sure absolutely everyone was in precisely the right positions to maximise the chances of a catch, while also preventing a boundary. Robbie was still hunting for his first wicket of the season, and the scene was beautifully set.
The ball was full length on middle stump, and the batsman took a wild hoik at it. Arcing and looping in the air, it was obvious that the ball was heading straight, inch-perfect, into Ben's hands. Like all things Compton, however, the catch was dropped, and instead went for 6, with Cam very helpfully winding up Robbie by telling him that it would've been a 4 had it not been palmed over the rope - nevertheless, it was still a very good spell from Robbie (9 overs, 0-21). It was a fitting end to what had been an incredibly average bowling performance all around - the only standout being Kash 'specialist fielder' Masood's 3-18 and 2 catches. 154 was around about par, and for a promotion chasing team, with the batting firepower available to us, we felt confident in putting last week's demons behind us to push onto victory.
There was a top-order reshuffle, with Al Heaney and Robbie opening up, and DB coming in at three, to shake things up. DB didn't have to worry about no.3 pad rash however, as Robbie found himself playing across the line, snicking through at the end of the second over. Things didn't look great for DB either, getting out for a golden in the third. Their bowlers were tight and accurate, and on a pitch that was doing all sorts, they were very difficult to face. Having survived a very good lbw shout from their right-arm over quick, Deleep was then given out lbw to a left-arm over bowler who was bowling from well wide of the wicket, a decision which brought murmurs of disapproval from the now despairing rest of the team. Al Heaney also then was forced to depart after another tough ball did a bit too much off the pitch, and the Compton were in freefall once again, sinking to 11-4.
However, this brought Ben and Boris to the crease, who helped steady the ship and got the scoreboard ticking again. Boris was the aggressor, playing his strokes and pushing on the run rate, while Ben was content to hang around and play solidly to stay out in the middle. On 11, Ben survived a caught behind call, which had most of the oppo's team, Boris at the other end, and even a few from the clubhouse convinced, but Ben wasn't sure he had and was not given out so the game continued. Umpire Robbie appeared thoroughly disinterested by it all (I assume this was because it was not out, but this could also have been caused by his depressing realisation that his bowling economy and batting average are pretty much identical this season).
After a well-made 23, Boris then departed, and in came Alex Molloy, who many believed would be the last hope. Alex and Ben put on a quick 20, with well-timed sweeps and glances racking up boundaries. Alex top edged a slow ball, which ballooned up in the air, the sort you get given at under-11s practice, which their keeper called for and subsequently dropped. Keen to make their keeper feel better, Alex nicked behind, and this time the keeper took the much tougher chance. Karnan then came in, and 'hung around' for a bit, rotating the strike with a now accelerating Ben, until frustration got the better of him and he also nicked behind for 4 (their keeper's 4th catch of the innings). In contrast to Kash's incredible bowling performance, his batting left a lot to be desired, hacking across the line to a straight one, getting bowled third ball. Rayan came in to witness Ben reach his 50, after which he spooned one up for 3, leaving Ben and Ken as the final wicket.
Ben started to milk the strike, and he managed to dispatch two balls in two deliveries, sweeping across the line into the garden across the road both times. With 18 to win, the opposition started to worry, and brought back their opening bowler, and Ben holed out to mid-off for a very well-made 71. In the end, we were 13 runs short, and after another batting collapse which saw only batsmen 5,6,7 reach double figures, there are a lot of questions still unanswered.
After the match, we had a very nice club barbecue, with interest from all parts of the club. Many thanks to Willo for setting up the barbecue, for Robbie and Alex for running it, Ben for sourcing the burgers, and also to Deleep, who is secretly incredible at cooking onions.
See everyone next week for what is always a tough match away at local rivals Bentley Heath!
MOTM: Ben
Donkey: Alex Molloy
(Match report by K Sembian)
Southgate Compton vs Hitchin III - (Away)
After 3 weeks of awful weather, Saturday arrived and the sun was finally shining. A long away trip (very long for one of us) to Hitchin awaited us, and the anticipation of a tough game against probably the strongest oppo we faced last season. Whilst it was a long journey for most of us, it should have been a short journey for Fawad, but as we headed up the A1, Fawad was heading in the opposite direction to Hadley Field having not spotted we had 2 away games back to back. Following a call from the skipper, Fawad retraced his steps and doing his best Lewis Hamilton impression actually arrived only 8 overs into the match.
By this time Ben had lost the toss and Hitchin elected to bat on a strip that was pretty green from all the recent rain. However, it was good to bat on and the outfield was surprisingly quick. Robbie and Alex opened up, keeping it tight and when Alex finally got a ball in the batsman’s half, he was as surprised as us, and missed it to give us the early breakthrough. Robbie continued to bowl through his 9 overs finishing with 0-21. Good economy and unlucky not to get a wicket, unable to cling on to a sharp caught and bowled at either the first, second or third attempt and with a number of mistimed drives and cuts landing in between fielders. Ken took over from Alex and also induced some false strokes as the number 2 and 3 rode their luck a bit but also put away the bad balls and started to build a good partnership. We stayed patient and some excellent ground fielding, in particular from a sambuca fuelled Alex kept the score down to around 3 an over. Unfortunately Ben wasn’t able to hold on to a couple of nicks behind, but we finally got our reward when the no 2 took one chance too many and put one into orbit which Boris got underneath and held very well. He was followed very quickly back to the pavilion/shipping container by the no 3 who played on to Fawad who had replaced Robbie. So 81-3 off 24 overs at drinks and we were pretty happy. That soon became 82-4 just after drinks when the no 4 played to Ken at mid-on and set off for an easy single only to find his partner leaning on his bat not going anywhere. Ben gathered a slightly high throw well and with both batsman stranded at the same end the no 4 had to go with some choice words for his partner.
There was then a good partnership of 50 between the father and son no’s 5 and 6, but we continued to keep it tight. Boris replaced Fawad who had pulled his back and Kash replaced Ken. Boris finally got the breakthrough as the son tried to up the pace only to find Robbie’s for once safe hands in the deep and Kash then bowled the father. 151-6 off 41 and we were still happy. However Hitchin had kept wickets in hand and with Fawad not being able to come back and Willo’s shoulder injury not allowing him to bowl, their strong batting lineup made the most of the last few overs, taking a particular liking to Boris and the big hits started coming. Boris managed to tempt the no 7 into one slog too many and bowled him but the hitters kept coming and with Willo managing to run under a catch on the boundary that he would have taken easily if he had not moved, the tailenders did well to score 41 off the last 4 overs to propel Hitchin to 192 all out off the last ball. Thankfully Kash (3-28) kept it tight at the other end or we could have been chasing over 200.
After a BYO tea and some great homemade cake from Ben, Alex and DB strode out to bat and we were confident that we had the batting line up to chase down the large total. Hitchin had other ideas and their openers bowled with pace and good lines. Al was quick to pounce on anything pitched up or given too much width and got off the mark with a lovely on drive for 4 down the ground. The tight bowling finally paid off when DB edged behind and the keeper took a good catch. Al soon followed in the same way, enticed into playing a ball on a good line. Boris in at 3 played a trademark pull for 4 and invited the bowlers to bowl it there ‘all day’ but unfortunately, they didn’t and Boris gave a return catch the next over and when Deleep was bowled we were in deep trouble at 37-4. Robbie and Ben managed to stop the rot for a few overs before Robbie was bowled trying to pull a ball that was a bit too full. Alex followed the next ball and Kash soon after and we had collapsed 56-7 off just 18 overs, game over. Willo came in to join Ben at 9 and they managed to steady the ship for a bit, punishing anything with a bit of width bringing as many off side 4’s as he would normally hit in a season. However, when the accurate young bowler found a straight one and Willo walked across his stumps it left Boris with no option but to raise the finger. Ben started to free his arms and cleared the rope, but when Ken skied one we were 99-9.
Still in a lot of pain Fawad shuffled to the wicket to join Ben with Hitchin believing that victory was just moments away. Think again. He may have had a bad back but Fawad still had his very good eye for the ball and immediately started dispatching it to all parts. Ben at the other end continued some big hitting and initially, Hitchin just waited for the mistake to come. But it didn’t and suddenly we started to believe we could pull it off. More big hits and the odd single (very odd with Fawad shuffling as fast as he could) and the runs required quickly fell. Hitchin realised this too and brought back on the opening bowler, but he too was dispatched and 8 overs later we were 154-9 needing under 4 an over. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and the number 3 came back to bowl Fawad, leaving Ben stranded on 49 not out.
A valiant effort but Hitchin were deserved winners, they were a strong team and showed we won’t have things all our own way this season. Having said that had we kept them to the 160/70 they always looked like getting and managed to keep some wickets in hand it could have been different.
We know where we need to improve and let’s not forget it was only our second game of the season so plenty of time to put things right. Let’s pick it up again on Saturday and get back to winning ways. Plenty of competition for places this season.
Man of the Match - Fawad
Joint Donkey’s - Ben (bit harsh) and Boris (not so harsh)
(Match report by M Willis)
Southgate Compton vs Hoddesdon III - (Home)
By this time Ben had lost the toss and Hitchin elected to bat on a strip that was pretty green from all the recent rain. However, it was good to bat on and the outfield was surprisingly quick. Robbie and Alex opened up, keeping it tight and when Alex finally got a ball in the batsman’s half, he was as surprised as us, and missed it to give us the early breakthrough. Robbie continued to bowl through his 9 overs finishing with 0-21. Good economy and unlucky not to get a wicket, unable to cling on to a sharp caught and bowled at either the first, second or third attempt and with a number of mistimed drives and cuts landing in between fielders. Ken took over from Alex and also induced some false strokes as the number 2 and 3 rode their luck a bit but also put away the bad balls and started to build a good partnership. We stayed patient and some excellent ground fielding, in particular from a sambuca fuelled Alex kept the score down to around 3 an over. Unfortunately Ben wasn’t able to hold on to a couple of nicks behind, but we finally got our reward when the no 2 took one chance too many and put one into orbit which Boris got underneath and held very well. He was followed very quickly back to the pavilion/shipping container by the no 3 who played on to Fawad who had replaced Robbie. So 81-3 off 24 overs at drinks and we were pretty happy. That soon became 82-4 just after drinks when the no 4 played to Ken at mid-on and set off for an easy single only to find his partner leaning on his bat not going anywhere. Ben gathered a slightly high throw well and with both batsman stranded at the same end the no 4 had to go with some choice words for his partner.
There was then a good partnership of 50 between the father and son no’s 5 and 6, but we continued to keep it tight. Boris replaced Fawad who had pulled his back and Kash replaced Ken. Boris finally got the breakthrough as the son tried to up the pace only to find Robbie’s for once safe hands in the deep and Kash then bowled the father. 151-6 off 41 and we were still happy. However Hitchin had kept wickets in hand and with Fawad not being able to come back and Willo’s shoulder injury not allowing him to bowl, their strong batting lineup made the most of the last few overs, taking a particular liking to Boris and the big hits started coming. Boris managed to tempt the no 7 into one slog too many and bowled him but the hitters kept coming and with Willo managing to run under a catch on the boundary that he would have taken easily if he had not moved, the tailenders did well to score 41 off the last 4 overs to propel Hitchin to 192 all out off the last ball. Thankfully Kash (3-28) kept it tight at the other end or we could have been chasing over 200.
After a BYO tea and some great homemade cake from Ben, Alex and DB strode out to bat and we were confident that we had the batting line up to chase down the large total. Hitchin had other ideas and their openers bowled with pace and good lines. Al was quick to pounce on anything pitched up or given too much width and got off the mark with a lovely on drive for 4 down the ground. The tight bowling finally paid off when DB edged behind and the keeper took a good catch. Al soon followed in the same way, enticed into playing a ball on a good line. Boris in at 3 played a trademark pull for 4 and invited the bowlers to bowl it there ‘all day’ but unfortunately, they didn’t and Boris gave a return catch the next over and when Deleep was bowled we were in deep trouble at 37-4. Robbie and Ben managed to stop the rot for a few overs before Robbie was bowled trying to pull a ball that was a bit too full. Alex followed the next ball and Kash soon after and we had collapsed 56-7 off just 18 overs, game over. Willo came in to join Ben at 9 and they managed to steady the ship for a bit, punishing anything with a bit of width bringing as many off side 4’s as he would normally hit in a season. However, when the accurate young bowler found a straight one and Willo walked across his stumps it left Boris with no option but to raise the finger. Ben started to free his arms and cleared the rope, but when Ken skied one we were 99-9.
Still in a lot of pain Fawad shuffled to the wicket to join Ben with Hitchin believing that victory was just moments away. Think again. He may have had a bad back but Fawad still had his very good eye for the ball and immediately started dispatching it to all parts. Ben at the other end continued some big hitting and initially, Hitchin just waited for the mistake to come. But it didn’t and suddenly we started to believe we could pull it off. More big hits and the odd single (very odd with Fawad shuffling as fast as he could) and the runs required quickly fell. Hitchin realised this too and brought back on the opening bowler, but he too was dispatched and 8 overs later we were 154-9 needing under 4 an over. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and the number 3 came back to bowl Fawad, leaving Ben stranded on 49 not out.
A valiant effort but Hitchin were deserved winners, they were a strong team and showed we won’t have things all our own way this season. Having said that had we kept them to the 160/70 they always looked like getting and managed to keep some wickets in hand it could have been different.
We know where we need to improve and let’s not forget it was only our second game of the season so plenty of time to put things right. Let’s pick it up again on Saturday and get back to winning ways. Plenty of competition for places this season.
Man of the Match - Fawad
Joint Donkey’s - Ben (bit harsh) and Boris (not so harsh)
(Match report by M Willis)
Southgate Compton vs Hoddesdon III - (Home)
After the washout of last week, all at Compton were looking forward to getting out on the pitch and pick up that first win of the season. Luckily the rain just held out on Saturday morning and we managed to get a game on. With a slightly delayed start and reduced to 40 overs, Ben won a crucial toss on a damp track and elected to bowl.
Robbie and Alex opened the bowling, keeping it tight in the first few overs. It looked like Hoddesdon’s openers were starting to settle, hitting a couple of boundaries each. After just being dispatched for 6, Alex took a caught and bowled to dismiss Batsman No.2. Hoddesdon
sat at 44-1 off 11 overs when Robbie and Alex completed their spells, with the game sat evenly poised at this point.
Boris replaced Alex and bowled well in his five overs, reducing the run rate. The pick of the bowlers however came from the other end, with Ken (on league debut) replacing Robbie, preceding to take 4 wickets from his 8 overs. This adding to his fifer last Sunday! Ken took a wicket from his first ball and then Alex took a decent catch to remove Batsman No.4
Rayan also bowled brilliantly taking two wickets on their League debut. After one or two missed run-out opportunities in the field, Boris with a sharp bit of fielding removed their No.8 bat. At this point, Compton was in complete control. New father Carlos bowled with good control (even bringing out the infamous ‘butterfly’ ball on a couple of occasions). Kash bowled a double-wicket maiden to dismiss their last two Batsman. Hoddesdon finished 125 all out (38 overs).
Compton made a strong reply to the relatively low total, Al Heaney and Dave Brandon looked in control from the outset. Al accelerated as his innings went on, hitting multiple boundaries. Dave got caught at deep square leg (for 12 runs) leaving Compton 59-1 off 18 Overs. Al fell shortly after for a well made 47 on a tricky surface. Boris and Deleep then came to the crease. Together they brought up the 100 total after 29 overs.
Deleep was then out LBW, which brought Robbie to the crease. Robbie headed back towards the clubhouse soon after for 1 run, getting caught out. Followed the next over with Boris also getting caught (24). Suddenly from looking very comfortable Compton were 107-5 off 32 overs. Ben and Alex then came out to the middle, seeing the game home with 4 overs
to spare.
Overall, a good performance to start the season off. We travel next week to Knebworth Park III hoping for another victory.
MOTM – Alex Heaney
(Match report by A Molloy)
Robbie and Alex opened the bowling, keeping it tight in the first few overs. It looked like Hoddesdon’s openers were starting to settle, hitting a couple of boundaries each. After just being dispatched for 6, Alex took a caught and bowled to dismiss Batsman No.2. Hoddesdon
sat at 44-1 off 11 overs when Robbie and Alex completed their spells, with the game sat evenly poised at this point.
Boris replaced Alex and bowled well in his five overs, reducing the run rate. The pick of the bowlers however came from the other end, with Ken (on league debut) replacing Robbie, preceding to take 4 wickets from his 8 overs. This adding to his fifer last Sunday! Ken took a wicket from his first ball and then Alex took a decent catch to remove Batsman No.4
Rayan also bowled brilliantly taking two wickets on their League debut. After one or two missed run-out opportunities in the field, Boris with a sharp bit of fielding removed their No.8 bat. At this point, Compton was in complete control. New father Carlos bowled with good control (even bringing out the infamous ‘butterfly’ ball on a couple of occasions). Kash bowled a double-wicket maiden to dismiss their last two Batsman. Hoddesdon finished 125 all out (38 overs).
Compton made a strong reply to the relatively low total, Al Heaney and Dave Brandon looked in control from the outset. Al accelerated as his innings went on, hitting multiple boundaries. Dave got caught at deep square leg (for 12 runs) leaving Compton 59-1 off 18 Overs. Al fell shortly after for a well made 47 on a tricky surface. Boris and Deleep then came to the crease. Together they brought up the 100 total after 29 overs.
Deleep was then out LBW, which brought Robbie to the crease. Robbie headed back towards the clubhouse soon after for 1 run, getting caught out. Followed the next over with Boris also getting caught (24). Suddenly from looking very comfortable Compton were 107-5 off 32 overs. Ben and Alex then came out to the middle, seeing the game home with 4 overs
to spare.
Overall, a good performance to start the season off. We travel next week to Knebworth Park III hoping for another victory.
MOTM – Alex Heaney
(Match report by A Molloy)
