LF secure victory in close run-chase

London Fields, Hackney, 27/04/2008

London Fields won by 4 wickets
Strongroom : 226-9
London Fields: 228-6

View the Scorecard

Considering the amount of rain sloshing around London, it was remarkable that a game of cricket occurred at all, but bang on 1:30pm the skies cleared and skipper J.Gower took the unconventional decision to bat first on a podgy green surface.

Oliver Moore [26] showed good composure opening up, and debutant Jules played a sparkling cameo at no.3, including a pair of sweetly struck sixes over long-on. However, the ball was swinging and seaming, and at 75-5 the Strongroom innings was wobbling precariously. Guy Wilson [17] decided to hit the ball, and was well partnered by Jolyon [54] who continued his good form from the last game of the 2007 season. This pair rattled up a 43-stand in good time, and Robin Phillips [67] proved an excellent replacement upon Guy’s departure. Indeed, Jolyon and Robin put on a record 92-run partnership for the 7th wicket, with Jolyon timing the ball sweetly in a well crafted innings and Robin tonking several hefty sixes through the boundary Plane trees, and thanks to this mid-order rescue job, Strongroom were relieved to reach a final 226-9 off their allotted 36 overs.

Tea Report: 8/10
Davie Proctor stepped forward to make our only away tea, and delivered a cosy purchased-tea including authentic Cornish Pasties, veggie samosas [always a winner], and some enormous sandwiches.

Another rain shower before LF’s innings made for a slippery new ball and a squidgy approach to the stumps for opening bowlers Paddy and Oliver. Paddy’s strong action and good pace yielded good bounce and several false strokes, but the LF opener Paul [63] proved a good opponent, latching onto anything short with good hand-speed. Oliver Moore [1-14] knocked back the stumps of the other opener with a fine late-inswinger. However, Ben [37] proved an obdurate ally for Paul, and when drinks were taken after 18 overs, LF were exactly halfway towards their total with only one wicket down [113-1]. J.Gower slowed down the pace and brought on the wily pair of Boote [2-38] and Jolyon [1-35]. Jolyon struggled for accuracy but did snaffle the prize scalp of Paul, and Boote claimed two further victims, leaving the game more evenly balanced. Gower and Proctor returned to the attack and claimed two more, leaving LF requiring 30 off the final 5 overs, which they managed with no further losses.

The 36-over format requested by LF had proved a challenging one for rotating the bowling attack, but Strongroom had struggled to bowl with the discipline required. This was a really good game of cricket though, and we look forward to meeting LF again later in the summer.

Written By: JG
 

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