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Our bold opponents came all the way from Middlesex, braving the M4 and the local lanes. Despite our cleverly camouflaged ground they arrived for a 2.20 start, and Jurgo generously lost the toss so they would be able to have first bat. Yet more generosity, as demon opening bowler Rajesh was withheld while we assessed their level of ability. Nevertheless Libin induced a catch to cover, pouched by Manoj, in three balls (five if you count the extras) and it was 2-1 as their dismissed opener contemplated a 55 mile return drive. Three balls later and an overpitched one caught the young No. 3’s bat edge and hurtled (some said looped) towards second slip where it imploded on Boy Wonder’s inner thigh before the junior crime fighter was able to get one and a half hands in place and end a run of 27 games without a catch. (Herro, what’s the record?) 2-2 off 1. Controversy in over 3 when the first runs from the bat – a chancy second results in the demise of the striker, Liam pitching in a perfect return from fine leg. But there’s a reprieve as the bowler’s umpire says he signalled 4 as the ball disappeared behind the slope. 2 runs and no run out are agreed as a good British compromise. Liam is in the groove at the other end and he accounts for No 2 bat as Waheed takes a low catch at square leg. Another run out reduces the Visitors to greater difficulty. Manoj looks sombre and mouths that we need more runs for a decent target; could that explain his wild overthrow? Just as Jurgo is trying to find a crap bowler from a team sheet packed with stars, Hillingdon show they are made of sterner stuff with a middle order recovery. Arun bowls a controlled spell, and accurate stuff from Waheed and debutant Vakesh ensures our target is a mere 152. Confidently we adjourn for a hearty attempt at the EU food mountain (generously supplied by Piers). Rajesh (who did get a much delayed bowl and a couple of wickets) is still a raging tiger as he swings the bat, making 27 out of the opening stand on 35. His dolly to keeper brings in Jurgo, who also finds the boundary before departing for 7 to another high catch. Manoj stays till after drinks and then takes on the slow left armer, getting well caught at long on for 21. Mike Carter’s aggressive 19 includes four 4s. When he is caught behind off the off spinner, Libin enters and is keen to up the scoring rate further. Indeed he does, as his 0 takes precisely one ball, brilliantly taken at deep mid wicket. Boy Wonder blocks the hat trick ball, then it’s over to new man Elias. Despite having made some excellent stops in the field, Elias is inexperienced, and this is hinted at by his walk to the crease, twice asking for directions. He is bowled second ball and in comes Waheed with the suggestion we try to score a run a ball as the required rate is well over 4 by now. Boy Wonder responds enthusiastically and the target is soon being exceeded. The return of the opening young pacer slows things down and Waheed is bowled leg stump trying a heave to midwicket. With the sun now low over the far sight screen, Boy Wonder cunningly decides to disguise himself as Rajesh, donning the familiar red and blue hooped cap from our all-rounder-cum-umpire. It works as the ball starts beating the fielders, and with Vakesh swinging the final boundary, Park get home with 2.4 overs to spare and Arun and Liam able to put their feet up after their bowling heroics. 155-7.
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