Penn Street vs Hambleden

It feels like a miracle to be playing cricket in April after the winter we’ve had and thanks should go to Hambleden CC for their efforts in getting the game on today. 

On a cool but sunny Sunday afternoon, PSCC lost the toss and were sent out to field, giving Matt Hewlett and Vish Goundar the chance to make the most of the ‘bowler friendly’ conditions on offer. Hambleden got off to a steady start against a probing opening spell which eventually broke through as Vish got his yorker length spot on to remove their opener; a real coup for all those who captained ‘Big Tuna’ in their Fantasy Teams. Matt struck in his next over with another excellent display of line and length. A really tight opening spell paid dividends when Vish took his second wicket, making the most of the slope and the friendly swing conditions to remove their second opener in the 8th over, leaving them 17-3. 

After spending his winter in at the Rugby World Cup and then traveling in East Africa, Jonny Barnett was understandably rusty, and it took an over to find his line and length, but once he got going he found some rhythm he bowled well, taking 2-33 from 6 overs, including a decent caught and bowled and a deflected boot onto the stumps as the batsman trying to whip the ball through midwicket. 

Jeremy Knox didn’t need any warming up as he bowled their no. 4 batsman with the first ball of his spell finishing with figures of 4-2-4-1. Knoxy also brought the comedy value with some of his field attempts, which would be best described as ‘early season’.

Richard O'Hagan ensured that Ben Cross contributed something on his return from New Zealand by bowling a couple of long hops which the batsmen tucked into, giving Ben something to chase on the deep square leg boundary. He he did prize out what night have been a tricky lower partnership, finishing with figures of 1-4-1-8. 

Matt then came back to clean up, taking 3 wickets in his second spell, including another batsmen ‘kicking the ball onto to his stumps with another textbook rabona. He looked really impressive as he finished with figures of 7.5-2-4-22.

Overall it was an excellent display in bowler friendly conditions and Pscc could feel satisfied with bowling Hambleden out for what could have been a competitive 83.

After the break, Chris Russell (12) and James Sempill (1) headed out to make a dent in Hambleden's total. The going proved difficult and James was eventually undone by a decent ball from the Hambleden opener. Steve Smith was the next man out without troubling the scorers as he fell on similar circumstances, struggling to adjust to the extravagant movement on offer for the Bowlers. Ben Cross got a horrid diary cutter first ball, and then was followed back by Chris who got a leading edge high in the air, which was well taken by the bowler in his follow through. 

This brought Ajith Pillai and Vish to the fore. Ajith played excellently, watching the ball closely and playing the ball as late as possible. His 10 runs were vital in steadying the ship after PSCC had been 17-4. Vish looked like he was playing on a completely different surface, as he showed an wonderful array of strokes, combining both touch and power. He and Ajith scored quickly moving the score onto before Ajith was unluckily bowled for 10, with the score 74-5, leaving Sam Martin (2) and Vish (48 not out) to see us home. 

It was an excellent display and a great feeling to be back out and playing some cricket. Make sure you get availabilities in by tomorrow night to be considered for next weekend’s selection on Teamo. Thanks as always to Cally for scoring and to Caro for adding the score updates on WhatsApp.