Sat Jul 26th The Grannies lost by 8 wickets
Players
Match report
With less than 48 hours notice the match was moved from an "unplayable" HAC ground to Shenley Cricket Centre. This resulted in us losing one opening bowler and two umpires who were unable to travel and could not be replaced at such short notice.
Much more sadly we were expecting(confirmed!)more than 30 spectators had the match been played at the HAC.
Shenley turned out to be a very acceptable alternative venue despite us having to share the pavillion and part of the outfield with a Wedding. Furthermore we were locked out of our changing room and all the kit and clothes had to be lowered to the ground from the only accessible window!
Having won the toss and elected to bat we were given a steady start by Jamie Williams and Charlie Weston-Simons which was continued by Matt Gullick. Sadly all three were out just as they seemed well set.
There followed a period of consolidation by Sam Weston-Simons and Richard Cowley which took us past 100.The latter scored a valuable 23 before being the first of several batsmen to perish to somewhat injudicious strokes. This could have had more than a little to do with the opposition offering �20/�10/�5 for a direct hit on the bride, bridgroom or one of the 5 bridesmaids respectively.
Sam went on to score a magnificent and chanceless 90, only failing to reach a well deserved 100 by trying to boost our score as time and partners ran out.Our innings closed on 202.
We were always going to struggle with only a 4 man bowling attack, and despite sterling efforts from Sam Weston-Simons, Matt Webster, and Richard Cowley they made steady progress towards 100 losing only 2 wickets, one each to Matt and Richard.If there is a more unlucky bowler than Sam judging by the number of plays and misses I have yet to meet him.Martin Bagley joined the attack and some excellent ground fielding was somewhat marred by their main batsmen being dropped three times. It was not a day to spurn the few chances we were given.Nevertheless we were well into the final 20 overs when they reached the winning score of 204 for 2.
It was a most enjoyable day with a very friendly opposition. They and us look forward to next year's fixture but very hopefully on the HAC ground
Match info
Great setting on the most valuable piece of real estate in the City. Spectators are very welcome but owing to strict security regulations I will need to notify the HAC in advance of the name of everyone attending.
Location
Armoury House, London EC1Y 2BQ,
EC1Y 2BQ