Theale & Tilehurst Friendly XI vs Emmbrook 27th May 2001

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Report by Mr Ed

Our first victory in the Sunday League this season was achieved comfortably against a weakened opposition who fielded only ten players.

Fielding first, Osman Mahmood again bowled with great economy conceding just eleven runs in his seven overs, he is unfortunate at the moment not to be taking more wickets but in many cases his bowling is simply too good for the batsman at this level to get a touch on. It would be unfair however, just to single out Osman, as all the bowlers performed well in the game. Roger Puri was again economical and made the early breakthrough, Mark Mason is getting back to his best bowling form, and his huge inswingers are proving frustrating for the batsman, Brian Cooper is also now in a better groove and would benefit if catches were accepted off his bowling. Imran Mahmood also bowled a tight spell bewildering the opposition with the variety of his attack, and the balance of the team was much approved by the addition of Khadim Aslam.

We should have bowled Emmbrook out for an even smaller total than they eventually achieved, but they were given a temporary respite when I dropped yet another catch. I've got a bit of a nosebleed being at the top of T&T all time catches list, and it appears that it's a position I wish to relinquish as soon as possible. What was even more frustrating was when I caught the same batsman out later on, only for it to be called a no-ball. A fine stumping from Alex Moore eventually dismissed the batsman in question.

Another dismissal worth note was that of Hawkins, the Emmbrook number eight who was run out for a duck. Having hit the ball straight to the fielder, his partner immediately called for a run that wasn't there, and even tough Hawkins responding instantly to the call he was run out by yards. These things inevitably happen in cricket, but an apology may have been nice.

Chasing 115 in forty overs on a super wicket should have proved no problem. James Codd got stuck in straight at the start of the innings, scoring a four and six in the first over. However, at 30-2 we were wobbling slightly when Khadim joined me at the wicket. The run rate was never going to be a problem, and a steady partnership for the third wicket of eighty-two brought us to the verge of victory. With only three runs required to win, inevitably I didn't see it through and got bowled playing on for 42. This allowed Mark Mason the opportunity to come to the wicket and play the innings of the day for his 2 not out.

This was not the most exciting of games, but it was a thoroughly competent performance with the bat and ball.