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Sunday: Denham v Hillingdon Manor

September 16th 2006

James Nicholas's Report: Letting it Drip Away

Denham began the game well, reducing Hillingdon Manor to 43/5, Jamil 2-27 Jack Grover 1-22 and the first 2 of 3 wickets for Joe O'Hara were the cause.

However the change bowlers were not as successful and it looked as though Manor had reversed their order, bringing in their better batsmen, three of which made 50s in Manor's eventual score of 244.

In reply Faisal played well for 77 before suicidely running himself out trying to take a run to the wicket keeper's end when the keeper was standing up and already had the ball in his hands!

James made 24 before frustration got the better of him and he was caught while trying to go big. Ross 'The Dross' Kirkwood tried his best and hit a rare six but this was not enough as Denham ended on 185/9, well behind their target.

A game they really should have won by taking better advantage when they were on top.

Sunday: Denham v Chesham Bois

September 17th 2006

Alan Coulson 's Report: Last Ball Thriller against Chesham

Denham won the toss and elected to field, but at the start found themselves with only eight players (two 'no shows' and one known latecomer).

There followed an excellent opening spell from Phil Dickson 8 overs 1-14 and Richie Braithwaite who painfully accepted the role with 8 overs 1-47.

After 18 overs James Nicholas arrived as planned but still the gallant fielders were two men short. At this point groundsman Alan Wright agreed to play, easing the burden on the rest of the team.

As the rest of the innings unfolded, Chesham threatened to score 'loads', but each time Denham bowlers and fielders pegged them back, especially Kirval Bhatt with 1-26 and James Nicholas with 3-50. Nevertheless a total of 227-6 looked to be a winning score with a weak Denham batting side.

The Denham reply was slow but steady and despite losing Hemen Mehta early, Stuart Payne and James Nicholas built a sound foundation of 70-1 after 20 overs.

It was time to cut loose which James did especially. Stuart reached his 50 but was run out soon after yet nothing could stop James who reached his century.

57 were needed from the last 8 overs, 42 from the last 6 and 8 from the last. By this time Joe O'Hara had arrived and was batting with James.

With one ball to bowl Joe was facing, needing 2 to win, so he scored 2 and an improbable victory was secured with James ending on a magnificent 137 not out in a total of 228-3.

Several lessons have been learned.

• Richie can still bowl

• Kirval can bowl well, even with his Dad screaming at him

• Harish can arrive on time, and, most important of all:

• It is worth playing James even though you know he is going to arrive an hour after the start