The Gentlemen of West London won by 85 Runs

Match Report

The Gents cheered their supporters at windy Long Ditton with an accomplished performance against game, sporting opponents. Comfortably batting through 35 overs, every batsman got into double figures and Desai stroking his club personal best. Vinay and Rakesh batted well in reply but Snelling had them both and victory was gained at 6.25pm. Michael de la Perrelle caught the eye with bat and ball, adding 58 in a delightful stand with Desai and Hill made several superb tumbling stops. Everything about the day, from the quality of the venue and refreshments and the amiability of the hosts, was exemplary.

Captain Patel opened the batting with the two warriors, Snelling and Hibbert, though this delightful decision was informed less by tactical considerations than their early presence on the ground with their own kit, transport problems having delayed The Gents' kitbag. A stand of 57 notable for several magisterial pulls by Snelling ended when he was run out attempting a tight second, but what a start. Hibbert was soon bowled on 68 for 31 but the elegant de la Perrelle and the fluent Desai took the score to 126 before the former lost his middle stump in the 23rd. over. Patel struck briefly but effectively and Desai proceeded to his second club 50. Newcombe was in form, finding the gaps as often as he had found the fielders in recent digs, Sciberras applying solid support. The Gents hit 28 fours, but Googlies put in a good shift with bat and ball, Vinay's quicks being the pick.

Scribe Khan described the 2010 tea here as "bountiful" and what a spread was offered up in 2011, elegantly served on a china tea service. Swinging Googlies have a generous ethos and made visiting players and supporters most welcome. Considerable support there was too, Mr. Bender cycling up from Perivale in 90 minutes (but an astonishing wind-assisted 45 on the return leg) and Mr. Gilkes attending with his children.

They revelled in a wicket first ball of the reply, Russ carving de la Perrelle to a juggling Caveney at cover. Vinay treated Hill harshly but Newcombe pinned Kevin lbw in the 10th. over. Vinay and Rakesh then brought Googlies into the game with a stand of 42 in 7 overs. Snelling had them both, lbw and snaffled by a superb Hibbert slip catch, a memorable moment that followed two fours and a brave stop by the captain to deny a third. Captain Bogey holed out to mid-off off Patel and with Googlies 90-5, needing more than 8 an over, Gents were on top. Ant and Andy batted well but Sciberras and Hibbert are pretty decent options as sixth and seventh bowlers. A wicket each, a silly run out and further successes for Patel and de la Perrelle saw The Gents home. Another half an hour of Vinay and Rakesh would have tested the visitors' mettle.

Jones, injured in the warm up and unable to bat or bowl made his mark with a catch, as did Caveney. Toft might have done so too, but this was not his day in the field, though he took the banter from Bender and Hill very well after the match. Captain Patel relished the bowling options offered by a strong and varied attack and used his resources well. The season's record now stands at won 2, drawn 1, lost 4 and The Gents will do well to get back to parity in June as there are some fiendish games coming up. But for now, let a fine performance be celebrated.

©The Gentlemen of West London Cricket Club 2011