Match Report
Against Spud's better judgement Crusaders pursued a late emergency fixture in the quaint village of Horsmonden. Bank Holiday availability has always made fielding an eleven difficult, but we had an encouraging response and a perceived ten available. When it came to the crunch, ten became nine, nine became eight and finally eight became seven. Too late to disappoint our hosts we travelled. Horsmonden accepted our apologies for lateness and numbers and were happy to supply a couple of guests to supplement our numbers to nine.
It soon became apparent that even with seven players we would have presented a competitive opposition. We were offered first knock and after the early demise of Vodafone (3), Chand and The Young Yuvraj took the bowlers to task.
Our loanee Kerry replaced Chand and took great delight in making runs against his own team. But it was Nita that was the mainstay of the innings, driving strongly and riding some considerable fortune as he posted a career best 90. He was deprived of a maiden ton by 'Jealous Gord' who couldn't bear to see his club best 95 overhauled and callously ran him out. Gord then played some of his best cricket, steering us to a declaration at 214 for 4.
Tea was a majestic effort. Crusaders' that have been at the club for over twenty years will happily reminisce about the Chocolate Cake produced by Brenda of the Westcombe Parkers. ‘A lady of Horsmonden’ produced a Fresh Cream Sponge that was its equal.
Horsmonden perhaps suffered some 'cakelag' as they made a rather stodgy attempt at getting the runs. Chand and Pommie whittled through the top order, reducing our hosts to 20-5. Some recreational bowling allowed Horsmonden to steady the ship and Crusaders did not push desperately hard for the win. Eventually stumps were pulled with Horsmonden 91-8 and honours even.
