Sometimes in life you need a second crack at things.

A quick history lesson for those newer Plough. We were not always a club that was big enough to get 5-6 teams out on a weekend. In fact, during my first stint here between 2010 and 2014, it was a struggle to get two teams out.

Back in 2014, we were very short one Saturday for a league game so I sent an SOS to an LMS team I played for (The Barracudas) for anyone who might like a game. Zain O’Sullivan stuck his hand up and became Plough #338. He travelled from North London all the way the Gunnersbury park in West London to help us out. He got a duck.

Fast forward to this past weekend. Zain attended his first Plough nets Thursday and got an in person call up for Sunday the DSG. The commute this time a little easier, from East Dulwich to Dulwich. But how would he fare on his Re-Debut………

Thames Otters conceded the toss and Plough went into bat. After losing captain Elmo for a duck, George and Plough debutant Alex Harvey (welcome Alex) set about starting our innings well. George made a cracking 29 and Alex 11 before both being bowled by the oppos skipper.

That brought Zain to the crease. Would he vanquish that duck demon from 12 years earlier? The simple answer is fuck yeah he did! When I say that Zain bludgeons the ball, that does not even do it justice. From ball one he was positive and attacking and began sending it to all parts to the ground on what was a lighting outfield.

When the returning Freddie Mills got out, I got the best seat in the house for Zain’s innings and I knew my job. Hit singles and sit back and watch.

Zain got to 50 in only boundaries. No singles, no twos, 4s and 6s only. There was a wry cheer when he got his first single.
He completely demoralised Thames Otters, lost two balls, put multiple Dulwich properties in danger. He reached his hundred with his wife and two kids watching. It was an incredibly special moment and one I am sure he will cherish. By letting Zain do his thing and myself chipping away we did actually manage to break the 5th wicket partnership record, finishing with a partnership of 177. Zain eventually fell for 123 off only 78 balls. Talk about engine room. Talk about redemption.

After some late innings hitting from Max Wright and Narvin, Plough finished with a commanding 326 off our 40 overs.

Any chance Thames Otters had were pretty quickly gone after the opening spell of Giordy (who deserves a huge shout out for filling in on the morning of the game) and Narvin. After 6 overs Thames were 6 for very few and the game was in hand. You couldn’t keep Zain out of the game, also taking his first catch. But then he was completely out of the game when he pulled his calf fielding. I guess that’s why he was against singles
Alex Harvey bowled a fantastic spell on debut taking 3/19 (despite telling us he was a keeper). Elmo, Damo and Chad all bowling well without luck.

Max Wright took the final wicket with a delightful caught and bowled one handed after dropping no less than 60 hints that he was keen for a trundle. Only for captain Elmo to tell him he was bowling and then forgetting that he told him.

A fantastic team win was completed.

On a wider and perhaps more personal note, these are the sorts of days you cherish. I got to play with two of my oldest friends in Zain and Freddie as well as with some new mates on a beautiful sunny day at the DSG in front of my family, some friends and a whole bunch of other Plough who dedicated their Sundays to supporting the two teams play. The beers were just perfect and tasted even better after a win
Sometimes you just need a second chance. Zain certainly took his. And I am so thankful I got a second chance to have a stint at this amazing cricket club.

Match report from Nicko Dowell