Fleet
Street Strollers Innings
Winning
the toss, Fleet Street Strollers opted to bat first. Mike Pittams, opening the
innings, managed to score only four runs, with two of those coming from a
blatant misfield by Scott Findlay, who was filling in for the opposition.
However, Rob Wall, despite forgetting his shoes, played a stellar innings,
scoring 30 runs and retiring after hitting a magnificent six on his last ball,
the shot of the day.
Glen
Oliver contributed with a steady 15, while Findlay provided a crucial boost
with 25 runs before retiring. Blair Travis added 17 runs, ensuring that the
Strollers posted a respectable total of 144-4 in their 20 overs.
Key
Performances:
R Wall: 30 runs
(retired)
S Findlay: 25 runs (retired)
G Oliver: 15 runs
B Travis: 17 runs
Dodgers
Bowling:
Hilary: 4 overs, 34
runs, 1 wicket
Bose: 4 overs, 18 runs, 2 wickets
Tell: 4 overs, 22
runs, 1 wicket
The
Dodgers bowlers faced a challenging task on such a well-prepared pitch. Bose
stood out with his impressive figures, taking two wickets for just 18 runs in
his four overs, while Hilary and Tell each managed to claim a wicket.
Dodgers
Innings
Chasing
145, the Dodgers innings began with M Bollin being bowled by Travis for 17
runs. Despite this early setback, C Smullion and N Patel battled on with
accurate bowling from Freddie Broster-Turley, Travis, and young James Stubbs.
The road trip back with Dad did not affect James. Wall snatched a good catch to
give James a well-deserved wicket, especially after the old campaigner spilled
one, albeit a tricky chance. J Mohan composed a good 26 retired for the
Dodgers and was their best batsman, but the Dodgers struggled to build
significant partnerships. As a result, the team fell short, scoring 133-5 in
their 20 overs.
Key
Performances:
J Mahon: 26 runs
C Smullion: 21 runs
M Bollin: 17 runs
(retired)
Fleet
Street Strollers Bowling:
Findlay: 4 overs,
20 runs, 2 wickets
Travis: 3 overs, 17 runs, 1 wicket
J Stubbs: 3 overs,
25 runs, 1 wicket
The
Strollers bowlers executed their plans effectively, with Findlay and Travis
delivering crucial breakthroughs. Findlay’s two wickets and Travis’s economical
spell of 1-11 were pivotal in stifling the Dodgers chase. R Skinner, who has
the best salad in the team, chipped in at the end with a clever stumping by
Wall.
Match
Summary:
The Fleet
Street Strollers triumphed by 11 runs in a thrilling encounter. Captain John
Low orchestrated his team like a chess grandmaster, making strategic decisions
that outmanoeuvred the opposition. His astute field placements and timely
bowling changes were key to the Strollers success - even bringing himself in to
bowl the penultimate over when there was still a chance the Dodgers could win.
Adding
to the day's narrative was the humorous incident of Rob Wall forgetting his shoes,
adding a light-hearted moment to the competitive spirit of the game.
Man
of the Match:
R Wall for his
solid batting performance and setting a strong platform for the team.
This
victory highlighted The Fleet Street Strollers' cohesive team effort, with
significant contributions from both batsmen and bowlers. The Dodgers put up a
commendable fight but ultimately fell short. The presence of Maggie added an
extra layer of professionalism and beauty to the match. Meanwhile, Richie
Stubbs’s dedication and Rob Wall's amusing shoe mishap will be remembered
fondly, adding to the rich tapestry of the game.
Capt: John Low. Wkt: Rob Wall.
Match fees: Aidan Selby. Match report: Scott Findlay.
