This past Saturday was a little different (evident by the fact I am writing the report myself)

The teams were announced Monday and I couldn’t see my name in the 2nd XI. Was concerned that I had stuffed my avails, particularly given my old man was visiting all the way from Aus and loves to watch a game of cricket when he is here

Checking the other team lists, there was my name in the First XI. Very odd. Then I realised a certain Ploughman decided to have his bucks party (stag-do to translate from Aussie) in the middle of July and decimate the availability for this particular Saturday. Now I don’t want to name and shame so lets just refer to this person as Matthew S. Actually, that might be too obvious, lets go with M. Spencer.

Desperate times I guess and here I was making my way to Raynes Park rather than deep dark Epsom which was certainly a nice bonus (even though I don’t know where Epsom is and I have stolen that deep dark line from Nibs). I was particularly nervous for this game. Not because of playing for the firsts, but because my old man was watching. I am 40 bloody years old and still want to do well in front of him. Its an odd feeling but he loves watching still and loves watching the Plough

It’s a baking hot day on a relatively small ground, good looking pitch and a fast outfield. So of course we lose the toss and are sent out to field.
Captain for the day CRS takes the new rock and in a surprise to absolutely no one he is on the money from ball one. In saying that, Nicko was struggling with a surprise element while he was bowling. The simple task of walking in. Given the pace of CRS’ run up and the patented curve, I was getting way too close before the ball was bowled. Ritik was bringing the heat from the other end. However, owing to a coupe of dropped catches no wickets fell in the first 15 overs before the additional drinks break was taken. The bowling was tight so Wimbledon were not getting away either. Bit if a stalemate thus far.

The spin twins of Benny and Dom Scott took over and it was much the same. No wickets but very few runs. Very solid, disciplined bowling with very few risks being taken. The openers just plodding along. In fact, the only real struggle in this session was from Smudge McGurn who decided to swallow a fly and proceed with the loudest ‘look at me and give me attention and sympathy’ coughs I have ever heard. We get it mate, you swallowed a fly

A little bit to my surprise, CRS threw the ball my way. As I said earlier, desperate times. And thanks to an awful shot to an awful delivery and a solid catch from Barron, we finally got out first wicket at 98 runs after about 25 overs.

From the other end, CRS brought on James Barron who had already taken a catch and saved about 30 runs patrolling the boundary with pace I can easily say I have never got close to. Now James Barron is just good at stuff. And on this day bowling was the thing he was good at. He tore through Wimbledon like a knife through butter. A couple of catches from the skip, one from myself and a slower ball bowled that gave CRS actual pelvic region movement and Barron had his 5fa. He finished with 6-29 off 9 overs. Just a phenomenal spell. 6fa was the least he should have ended up with given the amounts of play and misses. Ritik and CRS finished off the innings with even more tight bowling (CRS going at 1.6 per over off his 9) and Wimbledon finished 182 from their 45. Barron was obviously the pick of the bowlers but it was an fantastic bowling unit performance. Gave very little away and got the rewards in the end

Tea was not memorable so no need for analysis

We head into the chase with a high level of confidence. Our batting line up is stacked, the pitch remained solid and the outfield still fast
Iskander and Smudge open up and within an over we are 0-13 with Shaun smashing 3 fours and Iskander bristling about how that’s why he likes facing, ‘the first few balls are always pies’. It’s a good start but within the blink of an eye we are 3-28 with Shaun, Iskander and Leo all having theirs stumps rattled. The complexion of the game has changed significantly.

Suri and Dom are now at the crease with a job to do. 150 odd still required and a Wimbledon team with their tails up.

Those tails went back down real fast. Some lusty blows and rock solid defence from both players saw the score tick along quickly. The bowling is good but its not match for Suri and Dom. Suri playing with a patience and discipline he may not always be renowned for and Dom with just was of the most delightful forward defences I have seen. The only risk was Suri trying to BBQ Dom at one stage (which seems to happen to Dom a little bit, not sure what it is about him…….)

And these boys finished the job. It was an epic partnership and a pleasure to watch. It left Champion Boss with a TFC although after just getting back from Amsterdam, I don’t think he was too bothered.

We went over for beers at their lovely pavilion only to find a 60th birthday had started and the bar roped off. They were kind enough to bring a few jugs out to us (owed by Barron, Suri and Dom) and we enjoyed them it a very picturesque point of the day celebrating a clinical win with contributions all-round and we could send Mr Dowell back to Sydney a happy man

Match report from Nicko Dowell