Match Report
29th June -v- Carshalton Athletic at Wallington Sports
Our first visit to Carshalton and probably our last, ended in a disappointing encounter that was won comfortably by 121 runs. The Crusaders Travelling Circus was in full swing, with two cars roaming aimlessly around the SM Postcodes when they should have been at the ground ready to play. Even more worrying was that Chand was map-reading in one. Our hosts seemed fairly chilled about the start time as they were still awaiting the arrival of stumps and bails.
Carshalton won the toss and elected to field, with Wajih and Danglers getting our innings underway. Carshalton's openers were like 'Chalk and Cheese', with one causing both batsmen problems with swing and seam movement, while the other served up an array of Full-tosses and Longhops. Wajih made the most of what was on offer, while Moysey remained circumspect. The score quickly reached 70, before an overly relaxed Skip pushed one straight back to the bowler. Mumblings of discontent amongst the Carshalton fielders grew audibly after Chand announced his arrival with a few airy drives and the occasional shot behind his back. Darren finally found the middle of his bat, lofting one improbably for a straight six and the scoring rate continued to increase. Chand's demise produced less than complimentary comparisons to the female genitalia and for the remainder of the innings Carshalton resorted to fairly unpleasant barracking for anyone who could vaguely hold a bat.
Our innings closed on 261-5, with Jabs and Pommie playing out the final two overs for no addition to the score. This total included 30 wides and 19 byes and countless boundaries that could have been prevented by a reasonably well set field. Instead of concentrating on making improvements to their game Carshalton decided it was easier to blame us for being too strong.
Tea was a fairly subdued affair, with several Crusaders remaining outside. They missed out on a fine selection of cakes.
We have been involved in a few games where we have been stronger than our opposition and vice versa, particularly when you meet for the first time and have no comparisons with other sides that you have mutually played. As the stronger side we will always endeavour to allow our opposition a decent game and as the weaker we will always try and make as much of a game of it as we can. Whining and moaning and bad-mouthing are a pointless exercise. That's got that off my chest!! Wajih opened with Spud and Alex and set an attacking field throughout. We did however protect the area behind the keeper and have someone patrolling the short side boundary. Alex bowled well once he had found his line and was unlucky to finish without a wicket. Danglers and Pommie gave a quick demonstration of our firepower, but generally Wajih turned to the slow bowlers, with all bar Chand getting at least an over. Carshalton's skipper batted sensibly for a well-made 60 and some resolute batting from the middle order ensured they lasted the full 40 overs, which was presumably their target. Danglers continued his fine form with the ball, taking another two wickets, while Pommie proved he is a much better spin bowler. We stayed for a quick drink after and with no mention of a 'see you next year' it would appear this will be a one and only meeting. A fair assembly headed for The Cricketers at Addiscombe to see Spain beat Germany in the Euro Final and more importantly quaff some fine Harveys.
