Match Report
Sunday 30 August –v- Olympians at Hainault Rec
Having 'banged on' relentlessly about the lack of a fixture over the Bank Holiday weekend, Chand then declared himself unavailable to play. Mental note - don't ever listen to Chand again. We struggled all week to assemble a full team and were indebted to Kev and Laddi for helping us reach ten. The Olympians appeared a little raggle-taggle, arriving at pitch-side in varying degrees of cricketing dress and in no great rush to start. Four or five other games were already in progress and the expanse of open space was punctuated by excited squeals and yelps. This match was arranged by Damon. Second mental note - don't let Damon organise fixtures.
Mike captained in the absence of Wajih and on winning the toss spear-headed our attack with strike partner Moyse. The mixture of pace - and lack of it - completely bemused the top order and they were soon in trouble. Darren removed both openers clean bowled and Mr Taylor trapped the number three in front. Olympians mounted a recovery, finding the change bowling of Nita, Spud and Upkar much more to their liking, as the score passed respectability and moved towards a serious challenge. On a small ground we failed to adequately protect the boundary and gave away far too many easy fours. Danglers returned to mop up the tail, returning fine figures of 5-16, whilst Mike was back to somewhere near his economical best. Olympians were finally dismissed inside the 35 overs for 158.
Tea was pulled out of a bag and laid on the grass. Enough said.
Crusaders needed some medal-winning performances if they were to pass the Olympians target, but unfortunately we failed to make the podium. Nita played his normal aggressive innings, paired with the more circumspect Don and they gave us a steady start. Unfortunately the middle order fell away, with only Canny Wee Lad Kev and Moysey looking vaguely like they could rescue the game. Skipper Taylor was last out attempting a quick single, leaving us high and dry on 115 and condemning us to our fourth defeat of the season.
