Theale & Tilehurst Friendly 2nd XI vs Datchet XI

31st May 2009

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Report by Rags.

We arrived at Datchet, a new ground for most, if not all of us, to find a small, neat ground dominated by a large net at one end of the ground, there to protect the houses. We were soon to discover why. After a ‘discussion toss-up’ we were in the field on a hot day with 4 U15’s a few oldies and not much in between. Well, we did have Agzzz, Sunny, Arsalan and Spike! Sorry Raj, but you are now an oldie too, like me. 

Arsalan opened with the new ball and the batsmen couldn’t lay a bat on him. Mainly because they could not reach them, Spike was having similar problems behind the stumps with  Harry taking some at 1st Slip and Rags fielding plenty from fine leg. At the other end Sunny was bowling tightly. Michael and Rags came on, Rags being hit for a huge six by Jacobs, but getting his revenge when bowling him with the replacement ball. Trevor replaced Michael and dropped on a good line and length straightaway which led to a mistimed shot from Jackson, caught well by Bobby Rees for his first catch in senior cricket, on his debut. Bobby, when asked ‘Do you bowl?’, said ‘yes, I can bowl’ which was a surprise, to his fellow colts, when told later. However he was given his chance and after a dodgy 1st over ended with figures of 0-11 off 4 overs, in light of the carnage that was ensuing, having lost at least 6 balls into houses and gardens, mostly by Hanks who made a good 62, a splendid effort Bobby. Harry was bowling some good spin, by now, from the other end, picking up 3 wickets, including a good caught and bowled. Unfortunately that c&b bought Van Rys to the wicket, who took a liking to Harry’s bowling in scoring a rapid 37n.o. Although aided by the Skip dropping him! Sunny came back to bowl Shepard at the end and a total of 246-6 looked to have put Datchet firmly in the driving seat. 

We thought we might need a good start, but someone forgot to tell Raj who was out early, with just 8 on the board. Agzzz and Charlie looked to be going well, Charlie in particular playing some nice shots, when Deepak produced a good ball to bowl Charlie (A solid debut in senior cricket though Charlie, well done!). Agzzz and Sunny now put together a partnership of 73, where both scored freely with some superb boundaries. Sunny in particular, smashing one 4 into the car park on first bounce.......hold on I’ll rephrase that. Sunny in particular, smashing one into the car parked, near the boundary, in the car park. Luckily Spike’s car is as tough as he is and only a small dent ensued. Datchet introduced Khan into the attack which bought a change of fortune for them. Bowling tight and ‘cleverly’ he made both Sunny and Agzzz try to force the pace against balls they probably should have defended and both perished, bowled. Harry though, who went in when Sunny fell, was in his element, defending good balls and putting away the bad ones. Rags joined him in adding 48 for the 5th wicket, before throwing away the good work, playing over one with a cross bat pull (yes I know Meady!!) Harry was still going well and reached his first senior 50 and now in order to win, needed to bat with the tail. Michael and Spike didn’t stay long, but then Arsalan joined Harry. We still needed 61 at aprrox. 10 an over at this point and with good running and some super shots, these two added 40 before Harry was out ‘bowled, tired’, a superb knock of 71 from Harry. Bobby couldn’t, unfortunately, bat as well as he had bowled and Arsalan was caught trying to hit the 2 6’s we needed to tie at the end. Trevor left stranded on 2n.o. A great effort from the whole team.  

For the 2nd week running, a mixed team from T&T had put up a great fight against a big score and almost chased it down. Special credit to our youngsters’ who as well as never giving up, also play with the right spirit and with a smile on their faces, they are a credit to the club. Thanks to Datchet for a great afternoons cricket, which they contributed a great deal to, especially in the form of a cracking tea. Hopefully this will not be the last time we pay a visit to you.