I don’t remember actually beating London Fields and we had a horrific loss against them in Drew Withers last game so with an element of nervousness we got to Hollie‘s to see a beautiful batting deck with short boundaries and a fast outfield . Captain Gumpert lost the toss “sigh” and we were invited to field.

We started brightly with Gray and Shery both extracting movement and bounce. Despite this the London Fields openers looked solid and began to accumulate runs. Liam in particular was a little bit unlucky to have a catch dropped at point. He will be worse and have better figures but in his initial spell it wasn’t his day. Sherry, if I'm being critical, bowled a couple of feet too full making it easier for the batters to negotiate any swing.

Max rang the changes with Adeel (welcome back) and Oli Lonsdale taking over at first and second change. Oli‘s good balls were too good for the batters but there was a little bit too much down the leg side. Adeel found a beautiful line of length getting a significant drift causing the openers some distress, and getting the first wicket with Grant, caught behind to an excellent catch. Plough continued to chip away with Adeel taking another and then Mo on with his new follow through bagging two in his four over spell. Adeel to another meaning all first five wickets had fallen to spin. Max brought himself on and was unlucky in his initial first few overs not to take a wicket. Sheri returned slightly over pitching all and maybe striving a little for a wicket. Liam came back on and took a wicket. Liam’s second spell was threatening and looked in much better rhythm.

We became very aware that London Fields were behind what would be a par score and continued to apply pressure. Oly returned and bowled another good spell without any luck and the innings close of 40 overs, London Fields had accrued 214 runs. A really good effort from the Plough in the field despite some dropped catches.

Tea was taken.

In response Aslynn and Adeel started us off both looking composed. Aslynn was bowled through the gate by a ball that kept a little low. Adeel continued to punch gaps, Prithu came and went but looked good and was out to an excellent catch at second slip, a catch that would have been good at league level. This brought Max to the crease who’s been in what can only described as scintillating form. He took the attack to the oppo from the off. Not looking in much trouble, Max and Adeel compiled great partnership. Adeel was unlucky to chip a ball to extra cover. This brought in new boy George who already had looked good in the field. George shaped up well with the bat, despite being caught behind. At 88 Britto joined Gumpert.

Max continued to go about his merry way putting pressure on the oppo with britto along him. Despite London Fields ringing the changes it became apparent that these two were gonna get the job done both hitting gaps nicely and taking Plough to a fantastic win with four overs to spare. We’ve lost many from this position and it was good to get over the line.

PloughOn

Match report from Stephen Britto