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The most exciting game of the season by a distance saw The Gents’ disciplined attack atone for a woeful batting performance to sneak a narrow win. St. Anne’s were clearly disappointed, for they outscored The Gents with runs off the bat, and struck more boundaries, but after the spectacular dismissal of Tristan Haddow-Allen they became bogged down as Bill Flack, on début, and Stuart Snelling produced spectacular bowling returns, as did the St. Anne’s spinner Andrew Crawford (the third-best ever return against The Gents).
St. Anne’s were much changed from the April fixture, only the Haddow-Allens and Nicol remaining compared to seven Gents. In their place were several Rain Men, while for the hosts Dhruv brokered the inclusion of his Aussie boss Caroline’s boyfriend Stuart Jordan and his Springbok pal Keith Mitchell. Dhruv must love his new job – Caroline turned up to watch and displayed great interest and knowledge, being heard to observe that the pitch was responsive to spin. What a lady – all females attendant on great sporting events could learn from this!
Bill Flack had not played for five years but looked to the manner born before he was bowled. Justin and Snarler then posted what would be the highest stand of the day before the big man holed out to mid-off. Mitchell was castled, Justin caught at forward short-leg and when Nabby followed in identical fashion for a shock Golden Duck it was all going pear-shaped. Jordan hung around as Sanjay launched three successive fours to the pavilion off Crawford. Jordan’s demise, followed by Mr. Lewis (chipping a full-toss to mid-on) and Mr. Buck, the latter marching off to a remark by the Gent sub fielder of “Dead Vice-Captain walking.” Oh the joys. High Street Ken batted 31 balls for his 6, a vital contribution in the circumstances as Sanjay played very well, but the skipper was bowled and 38 balls remained unbowled when Denton edged to slip.
Tristan and, briefly, Chicken (three fours off Flack) then played The Gents on their own. Snarler’s first five overs, during which he bowled Morris, were maidens, though The Undertaker gave away a few runs (he usually only comes in the death, but was No.2 bowler here as both pacemen wanted the Long Ditton end). Wickets fell regularly as the run-rate hovered at two an over but while Tristan was still at the crease, St. Anne’s had a chance. He fell to a breathtaking catch, pulling viciously to deep mid-wicket Justin, who dived to his right to pluck the ball out of the gloaming sky and, even more impressively, clung on when, according to the principles of Newtonian physics, he fell to earth. It was a true Scibo Berkhamsted 02 moment for the home supporters, the catch of the season so far. Sanjay’s spell was also excellent as he built on the hard work done earlier in the innings, and by himself in the first. The Undertaker then finished things off with four balls remaining. |
