BACK

Theale & Tilehurst 2nd vs Peppard 2nd 24th May 2003

Report by Chef

At the start of the game our record was won one, lost one, abandoned one.  The loss cost us quite a few points and so we were looking to recover that.

Peppard had lost one and not put out a side for the other, so we really needed pick up the points today.  Having played for Peppard for a number of years I realised that they had a decent batting side out, although lacked in bowling.  The pitch was wet and the weather could have done anything.  I won the toss and elected to bowl.

Midway through my first over bowling I realised this could have been a hideous mistake.  The pitch was so wet, I was unable to stand at the crease whilst bowling, I then noticed Osman had a similar difficulty. 

I managed to take the wicket of my former skipper Andy Bryan but after 4 overs I decided enough was enough and brought on Grumpy.  He bowled well with figures of 4 overs 11 runs 1 wicket.  Sadly I continued bowling him for one more over, going for an impressive 16, hindsight etc. etc. etc.

Simon managed to pick up a wicket with another great grumpy catch from a cover drive.  Mo bowled superbly and collected two good wickets, sadly because he is only 14, I could only bowl him for 5 overs at a time, never have I hated a rule so much.  I managed to pick up my 3rd Fourfa of the season, cannot seem to break into 5 though, call it jug evasion if you want.

Sadly we just couldn't finish them off, mid you with Martin Evans with over 10,000 league runs coming in at number 9, it was obvious they didn't want to be bowled out.  We were set a total of 153 ish (There was a bit of a dispute over 1 run).

I was trying out a new signing in the shape of Shoab Ahtar, Ahtar Hussain, Hussain Aktar, delete as appropriate.  After a couple of discussions we agreed the name of Akhtar Hussain.  Having only one recognised opener in the team, I threw Akhtar straight in at number 1 based on the fact that is what he normally is.

Peppard opted to continue with the old ball and brought on a couple of spinners to open.  As I was umpiring, I grew a little nervous as Aktar danced down the wicket and either played the ball down, or drove it back over the bowlers head.  I later realised that this was just good foot work, but not having seen him before, It made me a little nervous to say the least.  After a few overs Akhtar and Dave had seen off the two spin bowlers with a few lusty blows.  The change of bowling was good for Peppard as Dave was dismissed for 8 and Tim for 5.  Tim a little harshly judged as he was a way down the wicket so would have been a tough decision, the fact he hit the ball as well made it a very bad decision, oh well at least he didn't mention it again......

Osman was brought to the crease and he and Aktar seemed to come to a quick understanding.  Whenever there was a chance of a run out, they would go for it, if the run was simple, why bother.  This tactic brought a nasty atmosphere to the game.  Firstly Akhtar was adjudged run out by all of Peppard, except their umpire, who gave not out.  Subsequently they then adjudged him run out again, only this time it was Imran who turned it down.  After much arguing and swearing the game continued.  To add insult to injury Akhtar promptly drove the next ball through cover for 4.  Then managed to get a single, only for Peppard to lose their temper trying to run him out and giving away over throws. He then drove straight back over the bowlers head, only for it to fall between two players.  Peppard were clearly not happy.

Peppards revenge was complete when Osman was given LBW whilst charging down the wicket, again seemed a little harsh (he said diplomatically).  At 103 for 3 off around 24 overs we were looking quite comfortable, so nothing was said (fortunately).

So in I came to help Aktar finish the game off.  I preceded to play the luckiest game of my life, managing to be dropped once, drove through two players hands (in the same shot), the ball even hit my wicket, only to see the bail jump up and rest on the other bail.  It was quite fitting that I finished on 13, unlucky for some but clearly not me.  Meanwhile Akhtar was hitting one boundary after another.  Akhtar managed to hit the winning runs with a lovely straight drive for 4.  Ending on 96 not out. 

I tried to convince the selection committee that he looked a little rusty at first and apparently should have been out twice.  The fact he set the new highest score for the seconds and with Osman and he setting a new 3rd wicket partnership record, my argument wasn't a very good one.  Well I guess that will be the last I see of him then!  Good luck in the firsts Akhtar.

We finally managed to get 28 points and restrict Peppard to 5.  This will help the recovery of our average after the Englefield game but there is still a long long way to go.