Match Report
Bat certainly ruled ball at Belhus on Sunday, as Crusaders recorded a fifth successive win, in a match where 429 runs were scored for the loss of only 8 wickets.
Belhus had no hesitation in taking first use of a good looking wicket, with a fast outfield. The writing appeared to be on the wall for Crusaders, as the openers plundered 32 from the first 4 overs. Gradually the run rate was dragged back to a more manageable rate, with good spells from Azam and Aftab, complimenting good finishes to both Shakil and Mike's opening efforts. Unfortunately our fielding was woeful, with the only highlight, Aftab's well taken return catch to remove Baker for 17.
Post drinks, Belhus started to up the tempo, running quick singles and scoring relatively easily. Despite Belhus' free scoring approach the last 20 overs only yielded 130 runs, with Chand, Spud and Jabs performing well under pressure. Banner 'carried his bat' for a well deserved ton and Mendham added an explosive 59 to leave our hosts to defend 214. Mutterings amongst the 'home supporters' were that it was thirty runs light.
As this was possibly Mike's last game before heading to warmer climes, Wajih offered him the openers berth. Fortunately it was within earshot of Spud, who quickly quashed the ridiculously foolish idea. If we were to score 215 for victory - it would not involve Michael LEE Taylor.
Instead, the tried and tested partnership of Rehman and Sarwar strolled to the crease. Alas for Jabs, a big score against his occasional saturday side was not forthcoming and he was caught at square-leg from an unconvincing pull shot. Wajih and Russell then rattled along at a steady 5 runs an over, taking the score to 74 before Russell (40) was given out caught behind - allegedly for the second time. Wajih followed soon after, playing all around a full-toss for a well made 33. With 126 required at around 6 an over, the game was well set. Moysey was as 'dug-in' as the Viet-Cong, while Chand played a far more careful innings than for some time.
With a fast outfield, any loose bowling was punished and there was enough to keep the score ticking along nicely. Chand was the main contributor to an excellent partnership of 113, though Moysey was by no means dragging his feet. When Chand fell for 71, we required on 19 for victory from 5 overs and Belhus bore the look of a beaten side. There was just enough time for Moysey to pass fifty, before the target was overhauled.
Belhus Cricket Club Sunday 2nd XI v Crusaders on Sun 11 Aug 2013 at 2pm
Belhus Cricket Club Lost by 6 Wickets
Match report
Electing to bat in this 40-over encounter at North Stifford, Belhus II's made a reasonable start against some accurate bowing. The 1st wicket partnership of Chris Baker and Jim Banner realised 49 before the out-of-form Baker hit one up in the air to be well caught and bowled by Ahmed for 17. Scot Stonham struggled to get going taking 15 balls to get off the mark before departing for a disappointing 8 runs in a stand of 34 with Banner.The much-improved Greg Mendham then arrived at the crease starting to play shots immediately and with Jim Banner now going for his shots too the innings again gathered momentum, the 3rd wicket realising 99 in good time until Mendham was bowled for 59 trying to force the pace. Amit Gohail chipped in with 10 until he was trapped LBW with the final ball of the match to leave Banner undefeated on 102 (his 7th century) as Belhus closed on a disappointing 214 for 3 due to good field placings and tight bowling by Crusaders perhaps some 25 runs light.
In reply, the visitors scored steadily despite the loss of opener Jabeer Sarwar to a good Paul Newton catch off a Stonham long hop. Crusaders' No. 3 batsman A. Rajhal made a brisk 40 despite a very confident appeal for a caught behind off Amit Gohails first ball before he had scored and amazingly wasn't given out!! He was eventually caught behind "again" by Jack Day off George Maidment ). There were two further successes for the home side but Crusaders got home by 6 wickets with 8 balls remaining thanks to Moyse with a chanceless 54 n.o. and Channa who hit an aggressive 71 in a good-spirited game. Young George Maidment with a happy knack of taking wickets recorded 2 for 37 making a total of nine wickets for the weekend. Well done George.
Credit should also go to Mark Winter and Richard Day and all who strive to produce such good wickets at North Stifford as 429 runs were scored for just 7 wickets in 78.4 overs. A big thanks to them.
