Match report for 9th August 2007

Star Bombay 188
Warlingham 188

Warlingham CC entertained Star Bombay on Thursday, 9 August, in what has now become quite a regular fixture. Not many years ago Warlingham witnessed one of the best innings played at the Lane when Hitesh Patel smashed 140 odd to win the game for Warlingham in a very entertaining game. So with this in mind much was expected from this fixture and judging on the comments made before the game, a lot of members were looking forward to this game.

However the day started on a bad note as Andy McNamee discovered when he phoned Jono to let him know that there will be some vegetarians among the visitors. Jono had no idea that this game was taking place as was judged from his reaction as none of the committee had told him about the game. This meant that a strip wasn't prepared and the outfield was really in no shape to host a game. On top of that there were no teas either. Luckily as a result of a series of phone calls we managed to cut the strip and the outfield in time for the game to start. So a big CHEERS to Andy and his helpers.

Star batted first and managed to score 188 in a 40 over match.

Warlingham's reply got off to a bad start as Amit Patel was out after 2 balls into the innings. Jerrald (who clearly wanted to impress against his country men) smashed a handful, but it was one too many and was bowled. Following him Shane Patel was dismissed by a ball that was going WAY down the leg side, however given the current standard of umpiring in the 3rd test, it was deemed acceptable. By this time the score was about 30 for 3. It was then down to Andy McNamee and Alex Pizzey to do the business and they responded brilliantly as Pizzey scored 59 and McNamee scored 82. Pizzey obviously want to show the selectors that they were wrong in dropping him for this coming Saturday.

By the time Pizzey and McNamee got out, the score was 170. Daryll King and Raj Tharper then took the score up to 188 so the scores were tied. King was then caught, which brought Nihal Patel to the crease. Tharper was then also caught and he was replaced by the hero of 4 years ago Hitesh Patel. Obviously realising his time is coming to an end, he tried to ensure that Patel junior win the match, so he decided to blocked it out for a bit. However when Nihal Patel got out the cat was really among the pigeons as the next man in was scheduled to be Uncle. He however decided that the game was over when the scores were tied and wasn't prepared at all. To crown it, he already had a pint in his hand to celebrate the victory. However after much panic, he managed to get himself out there. Uncle faced two balls, then skyed one and was (yep, you guessed it) CAUGHT! He clearly doesn't have the skills of Ray Lunt yet.

The last 4 wickets fell for 0 runs!!!! Game TIED!!!!

There was great scenes of joy among the visitors as they realised they pulled off one of the most unlikely ties ever and further joy was awaiting them as for once Ian Howell decided to keep his finger in his pocket.

Anyhow a very entertaining game and we are looking forward to the next chapter in the battles between Warlingham CC and Star Bombay.

Historical Results