The Gentlemen of West London won by 159 Runs

Match Report

The most violent innings in Gents' history was the difference between the sides at sunny Elstree. Taking advantage of a true, slow wicket and a short boundary Rinku Lall struck 11 6s and 9 4s in just 18 overs at the crease. His 128 was the club's 4th highest innings ever and his stand of 162 with Himanshu Desai, within 4 runs of the club's highest for any wicket, a 4th wicket record. An excellent opening stand between Denton and Guttam of 53 in 9 overs, the foundation stone, should not be forgotten in the mayhem. London Saints were understandably a bit bruised but never gave up, even though the total was all but impossible to chase.



Lacking two players and all their kit because of Sachin Desai's car accident, Saints immediately offered two fielders, but this was unnecessary as Lall's pal Goldie Singh played, in civilian clothing. Gilkes won a great toss and Denton and Guttam put up a stand whose worth was seen when Berkeley had them both, followed immediately by the luckless Kumar. At 64-3 off 13 overs the match was finely balanced and despite two early 6s by Lall, progress was not easy against Berkeley (his penetrative spell witnessed by wife and daughter) and Thomas, The Gents proceeding sensibly to 103-3 off 20.



The events of the ensuing overs were barely credible. Lall would hit ten 6s to the short boundary, another giant maximum over mid-wicket on the pavilion boundary and 9 4s all around the ground. Successive overs from Keenan and Grimes went for 21 and 24. Although he did not give a chance once set, he had survived an early chance when 'keeper and slip left a gentle top edge to each other. Steve Jones, who scored 158* against West XI in 2002, was also reprieved early in his knock. Pearce's slow left-arm finally did for the young plumber, The Gents' total having reached a stratospheric level. Desai played the supporting role perfectly in his 25 over dig, striking four 4s, three off successive balls from Pearce. Dev impressed in his breezy 19 and Gilkes was 1*.



Kumar may be out of form with the bat (23 in 6 innings since his 64 and 56 in the first two games) but his economical swing bowling has proved valuable. He pinned van Marle and bowled Barber, Saints perhaps suffering from the absence on the day of top-order batsmen such as Mayhew, Jones and Griffiths. Lall and Dev both took catches off their own bowling, Dev going on to card an impressive 3-17. Wathan, Berkeley and Thomas showed guts and determination in their impossible task but wickets were spread around and victory gained with over 8 overs to spare. The Gents' scorer sat near the Saints and was made most welcome. Not all sides extend that courtesy.

So, the 2011 series ended 1-1 which was absolutely right, a stronger Saints batting side making easy meat of their run chase at Crown Taverners in May. Thanks to them for hosting an excellent day and lending their kit. The Gents struggled with the bat early season but have topped 200 in each of the past three games, the first time they have ever done this.

©The Gentlemen of West London Cricket Club 2011