Game 2: Crossbats 2nd XI v. The Cricketers (Richmond)
Venue: Marble Hill, 23rd April 2011
On a beautifully sunny and strangely hot day for the Easter weekend, Crossbats assembled for the second game of the 2011 season. The fruits of Captain Wright’s winter recruitment drive were evident to see, as a group of eager youngsters set about what could only be described as a display of talent. Mixed in with this new generation, were several of the old “Greats”. Winning the toss, Wright surprised no-one by opting to bat first on the flat plastic track at the wonderful Marble Hill ground.
After a delayed start due to a few late arrivals from Richmond, it was Wright and new opener Ross who set about building the innings in searing heat. Last week, on what some have described as a batsman’s paradise, Ross sadly fell for a duck. This week, once again seeking a taste of paradise, Ross unfortunately fended at a short delivery and gloved it straight through to the keeper, gone for 1. Always one to look on the bright side however, Ross factually pointed out that this was an infinite improvement.
Next in was Sookdeo, Crossbats’ new wonderkid, to join Wright, a man 3 times his age. Fresh from the glory of this debut century in Game 1, Sookdeo set about his work with a classically wristy technique, trying to work the ball around the ground. Unfortunately, in a process that has been seen repeatedly over the years, an element of de-skilling became quickly apparent as he stepped across his stumps, played across the line and was bowled behind the legs for 2. In at no. 4 was Carter, who displayed all his old tricks in an entertaining innings. Wright fell soon after, given LBW by umpire Gumbley for 11, bringing another newcomer by the name of Anwar to the wicket. The gutsy righthander quickly looked a class above his teammates, picking off boundaries at will. With Carter, the scoring rate quickened before Carter fell on his sword for a sparkling 39 (including 8 boundaries).
This brought Nicholls to the wicket to add further firepower to the Anwar onslaught. Indeed, having only been at the wicket for 2.3 overs, the partnership already stood at 35. Anwar’s contribution was 35. With the score at 148, Anwar eventually departed for an impressive 70, including 11 boundaries and 2 maximum’s. On most occasions this would have signalled a collapse, but Nicholls showed unexpected resolve, with excellent support from another new boy, George. Displaying his natural talent, George hit a couple of wristy boundaries before departing for 18.
Next in was du Plessis in his debut match. A rapid intiation into this level of cricket followed, Nicholls calling him through for an extremely rapid 2nd run which du Plessis responded to with enthusiasm, if not electric speed. He did well to only be run out by 5 yards, for 1. Rooke, a new Australian to the team, played a cameo innings of 11, followed soon after by Nicholls for 44, leaving the tail of Lawrence and Gumbley to add some useful late order runs. Crossbats’ final total of 234 all out was certainly competitive in a 35 over match.
Following an appropriate tea, served with gusto by Lawrence, the teams returned to the field of battle. Due to your correspondent’s fatigue at batting for an unusually long time, and not getting round to this part of the report until a week later, details of Richmond’s innings are a little hazy. Put briefly, their top order appeared strong, but persistent probing bowling from the varied Crossbat attack reaped regular dividends. First to strike was Sookdeo with his off-spin, George taking an easy catch from a top edge. After a lusty effort from the no. 2, which included several blows over cow-corner, being dropped once in that area by Anwar, he eventually fell to the same man bowling a mixture of googlies and quicker deliveries.
Although the flow of boundaries and sixes continued to flow, further strikes by Rooke, Lawrence and Anwar again had Richmond wobbling. Special mention should go to a fielding display of rare quality by the Crossbats. Ross, belying his years, pouched not one, but 2 catches (one a rarely successful running take on the boundary), while Anwar and George combined to run out the dangerous looking no. 6. At one moment, I think I may have witnessed a fielder sliding to stop a boundary and simultaneously popping up the ball to a supporting teammate who in a single motion not only caught the thing, but threw it in over the stumps. However, it was an extremely hot day and such reports could well be erroneous.
With the balance now firmly in Crossbats’ favour, it was left to du Plessis to mop up the tail, cashing in with 3 for 4 off 1.3 overs. The highlight of which was the 10th wicket, George capping a fine display of wicketkeeping by smartly stumping the unfortunate batsman. Richmond had subsided to 180 and Crossbats won by 54 runs.
This was a thoroughly entertaining match, with contributions from the entire team helping to defeat a dangerous opposition. With the sun shining for most of the day, it was the sort of match that can lead to dreams of a glorious summer, full of competitive cricket, camaraderie and uplifting achievement. Please refer to Game 3’s report for an account of the inevitable disappointments which followed.