It was a much changed Horizontals team that took the
field against arch rivals Pimlico Strollers in a 35 overs a side
match on Bank Holiday Sunday, following the humiliating defeat against
Lionel Length two weeks previously. There was much gloating in the
Lionels' match report of their drubbing of the Horizontals.
Indeed such has been the problem for much of the season of Horizontal
players not committing themselves to the cricket that the match
on Sunday was in jeopardy with only seven players available on Wednesday.
Fortunately Horizontal talisman Amit Shanker, badly missed this
season, conjured up three extra players including brother Rohit
and it was game on. The range of excuses offered for non availability
had various weight of credibility and there were the usual non responses
on Teamer. Barnaby’s society wedding in Northampton, yet another
extended family party for the Bowett/Willcock clan, Fairbairn’s
bad arm and young Porton being required to sign up students for
the University of East London probably need closer examination but
am I bothered? Let’s move on.
The Horizontals pitched up at the small North London Ferme Park
ground to find a damp wicket and an outfield that could not be cut
because of recent rain. Notwithstanding, skipper Murray having won
the toss decided to bat and openers Bordin and Herlihy took to the
field. There were some early verbals from openers Boughey and Holmes
but it was water off a duck’s back. Horizontals started positively
before Herlihy (20) was caught at backward point off Bates. This
brought Amit to the crease and he quickly asserted himself with
some early boundaries and fluent strokeplay. The score had moved
on to 85 before Bordin was bowled by James for 23, his lowest score
of a productive season. Saad joined Amit but runs were becoming
more difficult with the introduction of leg spinner Beagle who was
proving a handful. Saad hit a couple of boundaries before being
bowled for 17.Amit was proceeding nicely, defending Beagle and attacking
the other bowlers and reached his 50 but Khan (5) Rohit (9) and
Superb Misra (1) had departed and Horizontals were 170-6. Amit’s
fine innings ended being bowled by a grubber for 76 (9x4, 2x6).
Webster and Murray then played some expansive shots in the final
3 overs and took the score to 208 before Webster was caught behind
for 18. Murray (13 n.o) and Carter (1.n.o) took Horizontals to a
very commanding total of 214-8 off 35 overs. Beagle and Boughey
the pick off their bowlers. Tom number eleven had been patiently
scoring.
After a very presentable tea, the Horizontals set about their task
of gaining revenge for their July defeat against the Strollers.
This week they had the attack to do the business and they were helped
by a sharp shower that spiced up the pitch despite the covers being
put expertly on by the Strollers. Webster bowled a very good spell
and had Richardson caught and bowled for 11. Holmes and Beagles
were playing some shots and took a liking to Murray’s spin
and hit a string of boundaries to the short boundaries. The introduction
of Amit had an impact and after Webster bowled Holmes (29) Beagles
was bowled by Amit for 16 and the unlucky Bhatia (0) fell to the
same bowler the next ball. The lively Khan bowled Moorhouse for
2 and Strollers were 66-5. Enter Connell and Aussie Sturm who got
Strollers back in the game. A great catch by Amit off Murray got
rid off Connell for a very entertaining 39 and Strollers were 119-6.
Rohit had Gera caught behind and there were 2 run outs from the
bullet arm of Khan neatly taken by Keeper Stiven who was on the
nurofen due to his dodgy back. With the rain starting again Rohit
wrapped up victory bowling Sturm for 39 and Strollers were all out
for 154 but had fought hard against a very strong attack. Special
mention must go to the fielding, particularly Superb at short midwicket,
Tom Bloor got in on the act stopping some boundaries with some fancy
footwork and also Amit son’s enthusiasm for carrying the club
kit bag to the car and doing the scoreboard. Both teams returned
to the bar, gate crashing actress Anabella Weir’s childrens'
party, with honours even for the season.
With the summer over it was hoped some more Horizontals might be
tempted to play in September with 3 home games in a row to finish
the season before the crunch end of season meeting in late September
to review the future. In the words of Mr ‘M&S’ Bowett
this will be the time to ‘pour it out buddies’. Surely
the b-b-q / family get together season is over now but hey you never
know with these guys, Maybe it is time to show some self awareness.
Live the Dream.
