Bowlers show the way but it's another defeat

In yet another close game, The Gents' bowlers nearly redeemed a dismal batting display from which only Denton, Sciberras and Snelling emerged with much credit. Nearly but not quite. From 32-0 The Gents had collapsed to 91 all out in perfect batting conditions with 13 of the 40 overs left unbowled, but took wickets regularly in the second dig before Ironsides sneaked home with their final pair, two left-handers, at the crease. The match-winning innings was played by Bajan Dave Greenidge, who batted over 30 overs. Though there were several likely shouts for lbw and a Hit Wicket which the unsighted umpire could not give, his was a top class innings. The fact remains The Gents batted poorly.

It had started so well, with a composed opening stand of 32 before slow left-armer Rapusingha, having bowled Sciberras off his pads, ripped through the middle order, having Desai caught at point by Greenidge, Turpin in his first game since May caught behind and Gilkes bowled. Inkollu was bowled by young Raj Augustine, Buck holed out to point and when the manful Denton fell - one of three victims for 'keeper Crooks - The Gents had plummeted to 60-7. Chris Rudd fell for a duck on debut, but some useful runs were eked out towards the end, Hemin Patel even smiting a huge six over mid-wicket, but it looked too little too late for the visitors. Ironsides' bowling and fielding was top drawer, a classic mixture of youth and experience, and they gave little away.

Mr Snelling uttered some strong words at half-time. Quite rightly so, for much of the recent batting has been limp, with undignified collapses in four of the last six innings. Denton led by example here but too often batsmen are getting out to poor shots. He pointed out that The Gents 'field with concentration and thought but do not bat like that'. Greenidge's innings should have been videoed and compulsorily studied by every Gent. Clearly a player of some ability, as demonstrated by his five fours, he was not above the forward-defensive or leave alone. His concentration was exemplary.

The Gents bowled with gusto and it was clear that runs would have to be ground out. Only 17 runs came in the first ten overs and 25 in the ten after that as the pace of Snelling and Inkollu, the seam of Rudd and the spin of Hemin Patel tied the batsmen down. Skipper Kennedy was given lbw off Inkollu. There would be no further such decisions answered in favour of the bowler despite much keening and pleading nor, oddly, any catches. There ought to have been one, a skier off the leading edge of Umar's bat to second slip Sciberras, but this best of outfielders dropped it. No matter, as next ball Chris Rudd had his first Gents wicket, clean bowled.

Sciberras ran out Reddy, booting the ball into the stumps, after one too many risky singles but the rest of the middle order were able to stay with Greenidge as the total slowly mounted. Hemin Patel bowled Malone with the final ball of his spell and The Gents were fighting hard. Greenidge and Alford, however, proved particularly adhesive before a clatter of wickets gave The Gents real hope. In a hostile second spell Inkollu bowled Greenidge, Arud Augustine (smashing a stump in the process, absolutely marvellous) and Ahmed while Sciberras cleaned up Alford before No.9 and No.11 steered the ship home, to great whoops. Your match reporter spent most of the second innings deadbatting criticisms of The Gents' playing ability from a grumpy Ironside Scottish supporter, who had taken strong drink. PG Wodehouse's observation that 'It is never difficult to distinguish between a Scotsman with a grievance and a ray of sunshine' was never better illustrated as he denounced even the most blameless Gent before falling asleep. Shades of the Town Park nutter from many years ago! Otherwise the hosts were as good as gold. This is a definite fixture for 2009. As a short-notice replacement for New Barbarian Weasels, who cancelled three days before the game and are skating on very thin ice, the day, despite the loss, went smoothly and Ironsides were welcoming hosts.