Hello My Little Culture Vultures
Firstly, can I state unequivocally that I shall not be putting my hat into the ring for the Tory leadership, but if there is a second slice of pie going spare, I would happily find it a good home.
Despite leaving selection on Tuesday with three players in reserve I was not surprised that my prediction that we would still be a man short on Friday evening came bounding in and it is thanks to Aaron Hunt that the 4s took to the field with a full complement this week.
And what a weekend it was with the fabled manager’s keg almost being dusted off until news came through from the 2s that they had spoiled the party this week and left us with a nevertheless splendid 75% success rate for the first time this year.
At HQ Tennyson Prowse’s army marched on, the 1st team continuing their winning streak to 4 from 4 in the league and are still yet to be beaten all season. Chessington were the victims this week having the misfortune to be the first Championship side to encounter a fit and devastatingly attractive Will Pereira. The speedy left armer accounting for 3 victims as Chessington were restricted to 203 for 8 with plaudits being handed to little Viggy by the opposition who felt the wily spinner was the pick of the bowlers for his 2 for 23.
Top order runs have been in short supply of late with too often Tennyson himself being called to the crease with the makers name still clearly marked on the new ball. But not this week, as the skipper ended the day with pad rash watching older brother Ian and the elegant Freddy Austin put their recent form behind them. The pair pretty much settled the game with a partnership of 192 as they batted calmly, sensibly and dare I say it “properly” hitting gaps and running well to take the game away from the visitors. It was a surprise when Prowse snr was LBW for 79 just a dozen short of victory. Freddy finished with an undefeated 90 - his personal best for Normandy while CJ finished things with a four and a six off successive deliveries to end the innings in style.
So, it’s top of the league for Tennyson but still a long way to go this season and still much to do.
It was a poor week for the 2s who have slipped to 8th in the league following defeat at Old Rutlishians. Once again, top order batsmen failed to deliver the goods - within the top 5 only Callum Green with his first half century for his new club (54) and Hemers (27) reaching double figures. There were contributions lower down from AK (20) and Teeny jnr (16) but ultimately 205 was a disappointing total.
It was Matt Cook who gave a glimmer of hope taking 3-37 at the top of the innings to leave the home side at 76 for 4. However, without the skipper to tie up one end in the middle of the innings Ruts were able to press on and got home with 5 wickets and 10 overs to spare.
On the flip side the 3s found winning ways at last and did so against local rivals Guildford who made the short journey from the recreation ground for a keenly fought contest. After last week’s call to the batsmen of the 3s to step up they did so in style posting a formidable 255 for 5. The seniors led the way with Mark Rosser (66) and Torquil Deacon (63) adding 131 for the second wicket allowing misogynist Mikey Scott to blast 36, Paul Fitzpatrick 26* and debutant Alexander Wilson a very impressive undefeated 41 which shows tremendous promise.
Guildford gave it a thoroughly good try in their turn and it was only 3 wickets from slow left-armer Simon Howarth that stifled their progress. However, the baddies were still requiring only a run a ball when Jonny Hodgson returned to the attack to break the crucial 8th wicket partnership and then castle the number 10 next ball. He was denied a hat-trick chance by the call of “over” only to see Fitzy snaffle the prize scalp of Guildford’s number 3 next ball to complete a team hat-trick and secure the points. Founder’s team are still 8th but have opened a gap above the drop zone. Next week’s visit to struggling Hampton Wick could be crucial.
On the road, Medders’s 4th team came back from Chertsey with the spoils which propels them to 4th in the table. Normandy’s impressive 241 for 5 was built around Tim Jones who anchored the innings with a fine 86 while around him cameos came from Benji the Bear (25), Aaron Hunt (24) and an excellent undefeated 36 from Owen Carr – one of a number of players making NCC personal bests in senior cricket this week.
In reply our bowlers were too strong for Chertsey who subsided to 92 all out with 2 wickets each for the Reverend, Medders and Benji as well as for debutant leg spinner Jay Hudson who impressed with 2 for 7. The best news, saved for last, was the re-birth of Carl Bowen as a swaggering Woodsy-esque left arm spinner who snaffled 2 for 8 from 2 six-ball overs.
Congratulations to all of the following who made their personal best for Normandy senior teams this week – Freddy Austin, Callum Green, Torquil Deacon, Alexander Wilson, Tim Jones, Owen Carr
Fantasy Land:
In the world of fantasy Lyon Robinson continues to top the table from The 3am Lurker and The Lazy Astronaut although the big mover this week was Sairaj who amassed 492 points despite having 5 players contributing zero. He has raced up to 36th in the table.
Reminders:
Please indicate your availability for next weekend using MyClubhouse. Use of this is improving so those who stubbornly refuse to help by using this remarkably simple and effective tool are now very much in the minority and about to find themselves on my naughty list.
Please ensure you pay all of your outstanding match fees shown on Slate to avoid one of the dreaded chasers. If you have not yet been set up on this please mention to your captain as it’s in his interest to get you on the grid.
National Knockout round 3 is on Sunday at home v Basingstoke. Those not playing are encouraged to come along and support.
The Colts 70th Anniversary celebrations are on Sunday 23 June and all members are encouraged to come along and support the day. There will be cricket being played by 3 of our colts teams, commemorative photos, food, presentations and are well stocked and welcoming bar. Please spread the word to any ex-colts you may be in contact with.
And finally, we are always looking for players at all levels so if you know anyone who you think would be a worthy addition to our club, maybe someone playing 3rd team cricket for East Molesey for example, why not suggest they dip their toe in the water at NCC…..
Right I’m off to taunt some South African cricket fans.
Stay classy San Diego
Scottie Dog
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