Old Ruts CC   v   St. James CC

 3rd May 2008

.

 Old Ruts 140-7    St James CC 137-10   

Match Lost

 

R Pierson        b 2       5-1-7-0              1 catch

A Woolley       ct 4     

O Ehsan          ct 20                             1 catch

J Smith             b 4       8-1-26-1            1 catch

F Karim           b 34

N Shiraz          ct 22     13.5-4-30-4

D Smith            ct 21    

S Smith            b 3       3-0-23-0

R Boyle           b 1       

J.Stretton          ct 3      3-0-12-0

R.Bush             11*        6-1-20-1           

 

 

A very wet week threatened to wreck the weekend but a couple of dry days did the
trick and the game went ahead.
 
Dave bravely put us in to bat but the ball had no pace on it and bounced
awkwardly throughout. Sadly this accounted for the top order with Robin playing
too early and dragging one on, Jack missing one that was incredibly slow, Ousman
getting a top edge and Andrew and Nabil both driving too early and gifting
catches. Fortunately Ousman, Ali and Nabeel managed to punish the spinners and
drag us toward 100. Dave then came to the rescue putting together useful
partnerships with Stan, Johnno and Richard and guiding us to a reasonable 138.
Richard showed excellent judgment in waiting for the bad balls as he clouted two
wonderful boundaries over mid wicket. 
 
Nabil and Jack opened the bowling and the Old Ruts opener hammered a wide
delivery straight toward Robin’s face at point. Thanks to the pre-match fielding
practice he was ready for it and took a sharp catch to get us off to a great
start. Jack was wayward but Nabil bowled an excellent spell and picked up the
other opener lbw. 
 
But the Old Ruts number three showed the patience which none of our batsmen has
in compiling his 50. He survived a metronomic spell from Robin and was picked up
by the returning Jack who took a very smart return catch. Richard pitched in
picking up the Old Ruts number four who skied to Ousman. Stan and Johnno plugged
away at one end while Nabeel returned to pick up two more wickets (both clean
bowled) and give us a sniff of victory. Jack and Robin affected a run out before
Old Ruts won the game. 
 
A good time was enjoyed at Old Ruts afterwards and a good turn out of supporters
and officials was much appreciated. 
 
The resounding votes after the match were for Nabeel as man of the match and
Robin’s catch and Richard’s hitting as potential champagne moments.