I felt a gripping sense of anticipation as I hopped on the 11:37am train southwards from Clapham Junction to Worcester Park.
Joined on the Worcester Park railway platform by the domineering figures of Damon Greeney and James ‘Woody’ Barron, I was reminded why Sunday friendlies out in Zone 4 are the best. Worcester Park train station overlooks the their cricket club’s ground, where one can find a quaint, pretty cricket pitch surrounded by trees, with a gorgeous club house, all closed off from normality with a dry and fast looking deck awaiting us.

Leon won the toss and opted to bat. The Skipper and Barron led us out, showing great patience initially to build innings’ on a pitch that looked a lot better than it played. Parks eventually fell for 16, where Will Howarth joined Barron at the crease and a flowing partnership ensued. Barron was away now, cutting Worcester Park’s bowlers away at every moment, ruthless in attack and resilient in defence, eventually running himself out for an extremely well made 70.

Howarth went on to make 31, before Curtis decided to run both Suri and then himself out in the space of 3 balls. Debutant Manmeet Narotra and Benny Cobbett dragged us up to 150, before Harry Davies, who had LITERALLY ALL DAY promised he was going to ramp his first ball for 6, nurdled a single through midwicket to protect his average. We ended up on 157, which everyone felt was very defendable on a tricky wicket and a slow outfield.

A delicious tea filled the interlude before it was time for the Damon Greeney show. Two wickets in his first over, four in his opening spell, we sensed the game was nearly over as Worcester Park faltered to 8-5 off 10 overs. Damon was ably assisted by Lewis Wilby from the other end, who too bowled exceptionally well and finished with figures of 1-5 off six overs.

A small fightback came from the middle order, but when Manmeet Narotra hooped one past their best player’s bat, the rest quickly fell alongside him, Manmeet finishing with 2fer, as did Justin Cash, leaving Benny to clean up Worcester Park’s no.11.

A huge Plough victory and a thoroughly enjoyable day out with 10 fine gentlemen. During a summer where my love for this ridiculous sport has wavered, Sunday was a pleasant and timely reminder about how much fun getting stuck in with 10 other Plough can be ❤️

Match report produced by Will Curtis