Match Report
Vultures circled overhead, the paparazzi gathered. A queue of Pressmen, longer than that for a Sainsbury's Eco friendly bag, hovered to record events. Nevermind Man Utd winning the Premiership, those present at Greenwich Park wanted the answer to just one question. Would Wajih last the weekend? - As the clock ticked towards two o'clock the answer appeared to be - No. In time honoured Crusaders tradition, had the skipper fallen on his sword?
Muscles Taylor took charge, cooly lost the toss and we found ourselves in the field. One thing you can always be sure of at Greenwich Park is a competitive pitch. Today was no disappointment. Strategically positioned weeds and a surface that offered as variable a bounce as you could wish for, guaranteed that bowlers would rule the roost as long as they put the ball in the right areas. Danglers shuffled in, looking about as nimble as my old mum and spent the first two overs putting the ball in anywhere but the right places. Mike however was metronomically accurate, which was good enough to remove both openers. Wajih finally broke through the ranks of the press to take charge. Darren, having loosened up, released a barrage of dangerous deliveries, hitting their number three on several occasions, without ever coming remotely close to hitting the stumps. Mike took a third wicket, but Charlatans gradually gained a foothold in the match, with resolute defence, mixed with some good and some streaky shots. Spud made the breakthrough removing the dangerous Dipak for 26 and went on to return 5 for 12 from his eight overs. Mike returned to mop up the tail, removing the last two batsmen, helping him to a five wicket haul in the process. Charlatans innings closed at 121 with six unused overs.
Hats off to the cake-making wives of the Charlatans; a tea that included two marvelous sponges was eagerly consumed.
Having endured a jaw-droppingly dull Taylor at the top of the innings last week, Wajih ensured that tedium would prevail by offering Danglers the openers berth. Nita smote a quick 9, Moysey nibbled a sombre 5 and Johnny Grrr looked majestic in compiling 8. Pommie continued where he left off last week, mixing some wristy flicks with some expansive drives in a fluent 28. But it was the skipper who took the batting plaudits. Surviving a nervy opening, Wajih soon started to exploit the open spaces, piercing the field with some well placed drives off front and back foot. Manjit looked to finish the match in style, with some scything swings, but connected only with thin air. All of a sudden 71 for 3 became 78 for 5 and the press sharpened their pencils expectantly. Wajih had other ideas. Ably supported by Gordy he took us to within touching distance before falling to a shooter, six short of fifty. Damon provided the shot of the day with an exquisite straight drive and the game was finished with four leg-side byes.
Wajih was given a vote of confidence and the more discerning amongst us drank the fine ales of Shepherd Neame. Damon and Skinny took coloured, fizzy, chemically processed liquid.
