Match Report
The 2015 drew to a close with a comprehensive defeat at Norwood, with the hosts recording an 86 run victory. On a day that started well after Wajih had won the toss and elected to bowl first on a grassy pitch, Crusaders batsmen failed to back up the good work of their bowlers.
Gajinder and Shakil both found good rhythm and were regularly beating the bat, while the lush outfield ensured that runs were difficult to come by; as a result Norwood stuttered along at little above one per over. When Gajinder removed the swashbuckling Khan quickly followed by Obiod, it brought Norwood’s best batsman to the crease. Matches often hinge on game changing moments and when Ahmed lofted his first delivery from Gajinder towards Chand at Mid Off there was a collective holding of breath. Apparently wearing a glove to protect your Squash Playing hand also inhibits the movement of your legs and what appeared to be a regulation chance fell harmlessly to ground without any interference from the ILM. Ahmed went on to make 62 runs, mixing some well judged running with some big blows; Spud, Rich and Chand were his principal victims. Norwood were dismissed within the 40 overs, with Gajinder taking an excellent 3-12, but not before their recovery had taken the score to 149.
Crusaders response never materialised, with only Lucky (14) recording double figures against an accurate attack well supported by good catching, fielding and shrieking. A wretched display of batting ended with Spud gloving down the leg-side to the keeper with the final score a seasons low 63.
