Match Report
Match Report -v- Hayes
Having suffered a couple of batterings over the previous two encounters, it was probably a toss that Wajih was happy to lose and we were not surprised to find ourselves in the field. Bolstered by a strong Bangladeshi contingent and naming only two Singh's in the side it was difficult to guess what Crusaders side would turn up.
Shakil opened up down the hill, playing against several players that both he and Chand had played with for Hayes;there was a some gentle banter, as if Chand needed any encouragement. From the bottom end, debutant Talukder shared the new ball.
Hayes included amongst their ranks two Hayes Ladies players, one of whom Caitlin Gurrey - a New Zealand overseas player - opened. It was soon apparent that she was accomplished and was not unduly troubled by our opening salvo.
It took the skip to bring on the wily Whale, before any visible chinks in her armour were exposed. Utilising somewhat more flight than perhaps she was expecting, Gurrey's attempt to pull a waist high full-toss resulted in a gentle looping chance that was safely pouched by Talukder at leg gully. Talukder then finished his spell with a flourish, clean bowling Thompson - one of Chand's sledging targets - and Mills to put Crusaders in the ascendancy.
Opener Wheatley was joined by the Hayes West Indian overseas player Readhead. Despite plying his trade primarily as a fast bowler, it was reasonable to presume he would be able to do more than just hold his bat.
Wheatley finally perished playing one cross batted shot too many, top edging a steepling chance that was well taken by Riyad. This brought Kent Ladies bat Lottie Bryant to the crease. For once Chand had a bowling plan that worked, informing Spud that she was very strong off her legs but tended to push at deliveries outside off stump. Spud has had to listen to Chand's often incomprehensible chuntering for far too long, but after a couple of straight balls that were defended immaculately, a ball tossed a little higher outside off stump was thinly deflected and what was even more inconceivable, actually held by Damon.
Chand and Spud continued to apply the pressure, limiting Readhead to some slim pickings and tying down the usually free scoring Jones. This ensured that the Hayes lower order would have to play their shots if they were to set a meaningful total.
The stage was set for some Spin Wizardry, but no one could have expected what came next. After a fairly innocuous opening two overs, punctuated with seven wides, Jagdesh finally found his line and length. A nonchalant caught and bowled removed Jones (18), followed by the Jaggi arm ball to take care of Hayes skipper Robertson. With Readhead unable to keep the strike, a youthful tail was exposed to the now rampant former Temple Preacher. They had no answer, as three consecutive deliveries crashed into the stumps to give Jagdesh not only a hat-trick but also a maiden five wicket haul. Hayes had been skittled for a very modest 133, with only 34.3 overs used, on a pitch that didn't appear to throw up any demons.
Crusaders have built a treasured reputation, making the apparently comfortable appear anything but. From the moment Nazir ran himself out, bizarrely expecting Wajih to return for a second run, the writing was on the wall for one of those typically inept Crusaders run chases. With the skip continuing his modest start to the season and Goldie and Talukder also falling cheaply we were soon precariously placed at 21-4.
There are some that would say Johnny Greggains moniker 'The Rock' has more than a tad of sarcasm attached to it. If ever a display of staunch defence was required, it was now; G Man is never one to disappoint. Whilst Jagdesh went about putting bat to ball to back up his spell with the ball, John played the perfect foil. The pair added a priceless 57 for the 5th wicket, before John ran himself out for 11.
Chand added an entertaining 21, before getting out once again when victory was in sight and Jagdesh decided to ramp up the excitement when he holed out having just completed his fifty. This caused Spud an un-necessary scramble to get padded up, as he realised that what stood between success and disaster was Damon, Shakil and Riyad; three batsmen few people would stake their lives on. Damon is however in a rich vein of form, as YouTube video evidence duly recorded and ably supported by Shaks the Son of a Woodcutter hewed his way to the target.
At some point I will trawl the Crusaders History Book to see if any former player has ever got a Hat-trick, a Five Wicket Haul and a Fifty in the same game; I somehow doubt it.
