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The President's Match
Sept 9th 2006
James Nicholas's Report
An enjoyable day was had by all once again at the annual President's Match between the 1st XI and the President's XI.
The game began in its customary fashion with our President John 'JR' Richardson opening the batting for the President's XI. However even a man of his experience was unable to conquer the wily medium pace of Pete Schembri who bowled 4 overs for just 1 run. JR was eventually dismissed thanks to a superb catch from Jamil Shaikh in the gully. Both Jeff Simpson and Russell Bowry were then dismissed cheaply and the President's XI were left reeling at 23/3. Channie was instrumental in this as he bowled through his 8 overs to take 2/27.
Faisal and JK then put on 70 for the 4th wicket to get the President's XI back into the game. When 1st XI captain James Nicholas had Faial caught on the boundary for a well played 41 it brought the opposing skipper, Bobby Rai to the crease. This was the turning point in the game as he and JK proceeded to take apart some of the best bowlers in the club.
JK was in especially fine form, hitting Jamil for consecutive sixes and also despatching James' best efforts over the rope on the way to an extremely entertaining 80. Bobby also made 62 before being run-out and it was left to Ritchie Braithwaite to finish the innings off with a quick-fire 19 from just 10 balls. The President's XI finished on 245/7 from their 40 overs.
In reply the First XI got themselves into a good position at 90/1 thanks to James and Jamil. James was looking in fine form having put both Phil Dickson and Faisal back over their heads for six. However when he was bowled by Faisal for 58 the 1st XI were in trouble. Faisal then removed both Mark Dalton and Jamil with excellent slower balls and when Joe O'Hara was brilliantly caught and bowled by Russell, the writing was on the wall. Jon-Paul Gates (who had fielded wearing Manchester Utd shin pad on his forearms!) made 17, Atwal scored a good 31 not out and Channie chipped in with 23 not out, but it was not enough as the 1st XI innings ended on 218/8 meaning the President's XI won by 27 runs.
A good game played in a good spirit was enjoyed by everyone involved, as was another delicious chicken tikka massala prepared by Channie.
September 10th 2006
James Nicholas's Report
Denham were asked to field first and bowled Iver Heath out for 176 with James Nicholas taking 2-14, Joe O'Hara 2-15 and Harish 2-11. It looked a very gettable total.
Denham were required to bat out 10 overs before tea as it was not yet ready and scored a woeful 25/6 in that time! When Joe was out for 0 straight after tea, Denham were reeling at 26/7. However James then played beautifully to make 72 in a partnership of 95 with Dross Kirkwood who made a gritty 15.
For a brief moment it almost looked as if Denham might pull off the impossible, but poor shot selection from James lead to his downfall and the rest of the tail soon crumbled leaving them 49 runs short of their target.