Sunday June 20, 2010

Saturday 12th June 2010 v West X1 (Away)

Fulmer 157-3 beat West XI 156 all out by 7 wickets

A function at the club ground forced us to switch this fixture to West XI’s venue of Winchmore Hill, an excellent site with county standard pitches, tennis courts and a large pavilion and catering area. With England kicking off their World Cup campaign in the evening we were all anxious about getting away early, so the match was shortened to 35 overs. 

Nigel Field, making his debut as captain, lost the toss as Fulmer bowled first up. Short square boundaries and a fast outfield suggested a run feast, but we were soon into the wickets as Nigel held a sharp chance at slip. West XI’s top order gave our seamers plenty to keep them interested, playing and missing, scything edges over the infield, or driving forcefully down the ground.  

Arslan in particular worked up a head of steam before ripping out their threatening number 3’s middle stump and the well-disciplined seam attack worked their way through the order. West XI’s hundred came up with 7 down. An unlikely top score from the number 9 (38) saw him put a dent in the bowling analysis of both Mison and Osman thanks to some agricultural slogs to leg, before the home side were eventually dismissed for 156. There was a feeling in the home camp at tea this would not be enough, especially as they were missing two of their key bowlers. 

And so it proved, as Fulmer faced one of the friendliest bowling line-ups seen so far this season. Only one of their juniors caused a blip, starting with a double wicket maiden. But from 55-3 Uzair and Arslan then posted an unbeaten century partnership and Fulmer cruised home with overs to spare. Uzair made 56 not out with 3 sixes and 5 fours, Arslan a more classy 54 – also with 3 sixes and 5 fours. 

The wickets were shared around between the five seamers, Danny Randall held a full-blooded slog down to deep mid-off with both hands high above his head for the fielding highlight of the afternoon, while Nigel distinguished himself with a calm, authoritative hand on the tiller as skipper. The game was played in a fine spirit and West XI would be welcome opponents at KGF in future seasons. 

Haring back round the North Circular, Nigel made it back to the clubhouse just as England kicked off and Julian’s BBQ was on the sizzle