South Hampstead 1st XI

Sunday, 25th May 2003 - Bertie Joel Cup, 1st Round

North London : 175 / 7

South Hampstead : 178 / 6

Limited Overs game (45)

After arriving at the ground and doing some light warming up, NLCC 1st XI were treated to an inspirational team talk from skipper Paddy Mills.  The now 'pumped-up' North London were sent in and got off to a great start against a quality bowling attack, with Mills scoring a quickfire 20, and Ian Johns contributing 36.  Mills was first out to a good ball that jagged back and castled him.   Robbie (Wayne) Tombs joined Johns at the crease and looked at ease until blasting a return catch to Farley, which the South Hampstead paceman duly held onto.  The next delivery brought the unlucky demise of newcomer Rain Els, who was plumb LBW to a ball that kept low.  Alan Hunt obliged with the finger of death, though unfortunately kept it in his pocket for the rest of the game.  Enter Mark Askew, relishing his middle-order role this season, into a tense situation.  Nicking and nudging at first Mark put together a string of solid, if not substantial, partnerships that edged NLCC closer to a respectable total.  Ian Johns, meanwhile, was unlucky to slap a catch straight to extra cover off the first ball of a new bowlers spell, especially as he then had to endure watching from the sidelines as the same bowler proceeded to serve up a delectable array of half-volleys and half-trackers.  Tom Wakeford, Ben Wakeford and Richard Hall all reached double figures, while Mark set about - not for the first time this season - demolishing the spinners, hitting a six and several boundaries.  This quality knock was his third score of over fifty for the season and long may it continue.

After the heroics of Saturday (admittedly on the friendliest of pitches), the Wakeford brothers opened the bowling.  The South Hampstead openers seemed intent on finishing the game early, with twenty runs coming off the first two overs, and a distinct lack of respect for the Wakeford dynasty.  Things calmed down after they were removed, with Tom managing to pick up a couple of wickets, and Ben soon finding his pace to give the new batsmen a few scares.  The years were then rolled back, as B Wakeford was replaced by a Mr P Strongman, former 1st Team NLCC Captain and general legend of the club.  The Silver Fox kept the middle order of an MCL second division club well in check, going for a paltry 39 runs in his 9 overs, and picking up two wickets in the process.  Special mention should be made to Robbie (Wayne) Tombs for ANOTHER sensational catch diving full length at backward point to a fiercely struck cut shot.  The South Hampstead batsmen applied themselves better after a wayward start, and the scoreboard ticked along despite NLCC's efforts.  Richard Hall picked up his first 1st XI wicket, and could have had another as one of his seamers flew through the vacant slip area.  The victory was just beyond NLCC, but we were by no means disgraced.

Report by: Tom Wakeford