Parliament Hill looked in fine shape as we met our friends Woodstock for our first T20 of the season at what we effectively view as the home of Salmagundi. Captain Richard Higginbottom won the toss and decided to bat – mainly because he was making a rare outing as a specialist batsmen and fancied getting into the action straight away.
And sure enough he did so, dropping a defensive shot to his feet and calling for a single that opening partner David Hollingsworth wasn’t expecting – safely home though and we’re underway. Not too sure what language the Walthamstow Babelfish was uttering under his breath, but it could have been Anglo Saxon. Anyway, both openers played some enterprising cricket and both got out to Darren having made 11 and 10 respectively. Callum Douglas was also removed by Woodstock’s star left hander and it’s looking a bit more precarious now. However, the fourth innings pair of Tim Richards and Will Rowan took charge of the situation, building steadily at first and then trading impressive blows to put on 56 in very good time until Tim holed out on 24 and Will retired unbeaten on 26. John Russell kept the scoreboard moving with skilful placement and fast feet; Nick Duckett was unfortunate to be bowled by a shooter from Bob; Tom Ferguson had been fielding for Woodstock who had 10 men and assisted John in adding late runs; the closing bowling by Woodstock was very good and we finished on a reasonable 128.
Jason Amesbury opened the bowling for us and Anji was looking to play shots from ball one, forcing the field back as we tried to contain. Tim Parkin also took a couple of hits but both bowlers stuck to their task well, Jason inducing Anji to nick behind to John in the third over and then Tim bowling out Stuart in the fourth over. Sai played some powerful shots and raced to his quarter century, duly retiring; a dangerous man to have lurking on the sidelines. Tom is now batting for Woodstock and he’s dealing well with some hostile stuff from Will Rowan and the probing swing and seam of Tim Richards. Anil struck a couple of fine blows but then a faster ball from Will undid him; Bob was similarly skittled shortly afterwards and then Tom departed as Will truly got into his stride – impressive and very ably supported by Tim and Stuart Bruce, bowling some quality spin this evening and being a constant menace in the field. Darren was batting well to hang in there, but at the other end The Rowan Show continued as he completed a rare T20 five-for by also uprooting the stumps of Noel and Lorne. Tom and Stuart combined well to run out Bobby and Sai returned – could there be a sting in the tail? Not on your nelly – a beautiful delivery from Tim settled the match and off we ran as the groundstaff padlocked the gates behind us.
Salmagundi Gardeners won by 37 runs.
Salmagundi Gardeners Cricket Club 