16th : Simkins' Day, But No Cigar

Skipper Payne's Report

DENHAM C.C. 2^ND XI MATCH REPORTS

SATURDAY 16^TH JULY 2005

A fine day. Bobbie had spent hours this week helping Alan the groundsman to prepare the pitch, and upon yours truly losing the toss, we were sent in to do our worst.

With the skipper opening with the recently returned Jeff Simpson, a new method of dismissal was found by the skipper kicking the ball on to his stumps at 12 for 1.

This, however, proved a blessing in disguise as Jeff, and Bobbie on his wicket then set off on a second wicket partnership of 177.

With four of Bobbie’s first scoring shots boundaries, he made 90 before being second out, and with Ambrose and J.K. on missions, we soon posted a healthy 263 for 5 wickets, with Jeff’s 86 a welcome return haul.

Leaving Amersham Hill 52 overs to chase the total, we set about bowling confidently, but poorly. 

With Ambrose, minus bowling boots left at Braywood, conceding 40 runs off 5 overs, the oppo’s openers put on 63 in 11 overs, and no pressure could be brought to bear.

Amersham’s Rehman top scored with 94 not out, and was greatly assisted by extras, with 37 wides, and 49 extras in total,  and the target was reached with the loss of 6 wickets in 41 overs only.

If we cannot bowl more accurately, our adventure in the top half of the league will be short lived. Special mention though must be made for Phil Ashworth’s 3 for 11, the only highlight in the field after such promising conditions after our batting effort.

23rd: JK Guides Us Home

Skipper Payne's Report

DENHAM C.C. 2^ND XI MATCH REPORTS

SATURDAY 23^RD JULY 2005

At last, an away trip, to Hurley. On a slightly damp looking day, the strip, although already used, looked fine, and on winning the toss ( at last ) we took the field.

With Akhil opening the bowling, and achieving a decent amount of swing, we nicked out opener Walton with a sharp slip catch by J.K. early on. However, Simpkins, after his Herculean efforts with the bat last week, tweaked his back after 2 balls only, and while he managed to bowl 7 overs through the pain, could only put effort into a couple of balls an over.

Still, Akhil persevered well, and with figures of 3 for 47 was the pick of the bowlers. With Phil Ashworth chipping in with 2 for 36, and Gurp Garkhal 2 for 50, Hurley skipper Ainger declared at 242 for 8 off 50 overs. A generous declaration, but we had lost 3 overs to rain.

Opening with last week's batting heroes Simpson and Rai, we put on 51 for the first wicket, before losing both in the space of 5 runs, for 23 and 25 respectively.

Chris Ambler, returning from his crook back, and Akhil then took the score on to 83 before Akhil’s demise for 17. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and Denham’s new batsman, J.K. Bhagodia joined Chris. These two began to set about the Hurley bowling and when Chris departed for a well struck 62 at 216 for 4, we were well on the way to victory.

Despite losing a couple of wickets in getting the 27 needed, J.K. guided the innings through with calm, steady composure, and in partnership with Richie B. saw us home with a fine 91 not out.

Back on the winning trail, we need to get into the habit!