Match Report
Crusaders paid their second visit of the season to North Stifford and returned victorious against a youthful Belhus side. Debutants Gary Magnus and Craig Dixon - both loaned from Shooters Hill Dads 'n' Lads - enjoyed a good day, with Gary hitting a fluent 39 and Craig polishing off the tail with three dismissals.
Belhus generously offered us first knock as we awaited the arrivals of Sumo and Ralph. Slapdash and Danglers cemented a solid base to the innings; Jagdesh was in particularly good nick, bludgeoning to all parts, including an exquisitely timed six over mid-wicket. Moysey opted to be 'Preacher's Mate' in the partnership, preferring to stodge up an end while Jagdesh made hay at the other. Despite being 'starved of the strike' Slightly managed to receive 65 balls in making 24 runs. Jagdesh survived a couple of chances, but eventually perished on 47 (37 balls). Gary Magnus took some time to find his form, but he too was soon hitting the boundaries with regularity. Moysie was still there. When Gary departed we were set for a score well in excess of 200, but fell away in the final fifteen overs. Wajih led from the front with an unbeaten 60, but the run rate fell away and we eventually closed on 195-5.
A top draw tea was delivered, including stuffing balls and malt loaf - it doesn't get much better than that.
Belhus started positively against the new (old) ball attack of Timms and Craig Dixon, with Craig having trouble finding the right line. Timmo puffed away valiantly, getting redder and redder and neither batsman looked faintly bothered by the elderly trundler. With the score close to 50, Waj called on Danglers and he repaid the faith with three quick wickets. It has been sometime since opposition batsman have shown fear at Darren's pace, but today was such a day. Spud got in on the act, taking his 600th club wicket in a miserly eight over spell that cost just 7 runs. Confidence drained from the young Belhus side and Craig returned for a much better second spell, picking up three wickets in the process. Gary also helped himself to a wicket and the last rites was delivered by 'Man of the Match' Slapdash whose second delivery was safely pouched by Simply. Belhus finally succumbed to defeat in the 37th over, bowled out for 109.
