Match report
Hundreds, run-outs and the rub of the green – what more do we need for a Sunday with the Plough.
This fixture promised stroke play, sub par chat and the glorious Dulwich sunshine. The selected opposition was Northfields cc, a club that have troubled Plough in the past.
Hollies was the designated pitch, 11 fit blokes descended to the pitch to find a touch of green left in the wicket which excited the likes of Bush and Azza (certainly no ‘J’ in his name).
Carson won the toss and elected to bat first – Michael Scantlebury (our Rory Burns) and Leo Nieboer (our hippiest looking player) graced the wicket as our opening pair. The Northfields openers immediately got purchase from the wicket and left the Plough struggling at 9-2 after 5 overs, the Plough very much holding out for a hero. He’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast, he’s gotta be fresh from his night out was the motto – announce Matt Bolshaw.
Michael batted well and led the recovery by seeing off the openers, which allowed Bush to demonstrate his elegance and all-round Alpha behaviour. A hungover Bush batted with intend (Bazball esq.) which allowed the score to accelerate. By the cigarette break, the mighty Plough were 100-4.
Northfields strategy largely consisted of consuming ‘herbal remedies’ and resorting to multiple bowling changes. None of this mattered to Bush – as he reached his first 50 for Plough! Spin is dross – we all know this, Bush certainly knew this as he carted the Northfields spinner for many sixes, one of the out of the ground!
Bush’s fight continued and he gloriously reached his maiden 100 for the club – a truly outstanding knock under challenge circumstances (Bush for Prime Minister!).
This will go down as one of the most glorious but unexpected 100s in the club.
A notable mention to mid-life crisis drummer Rob Mead for bringing up his 50, his innings was full of control, aggressive running and the occasional punishing of a spinner.
Plough ending their innings on 220 – a total that seemed competitive.
At teas – both Plough teams rejoiced at the number of 100’s and 50’s scored on the day so far however we were far from over.
Plough made the pilgrimage back to Hollies to commence fielding. Archie (doesn’t like algebra) and Azharul Haque (aka, Azza, AJ 2.0, AJ2 – man needs to make his mind up) opened the bowling. Northfields got off to a fast but streaky start as edges started flying everywhere.
Plough needed a breakthrough, which they got through the elegant and rapid ground fielding from Carson (this is not a typo or a joke), Carson covered 10 feet in less than 10 seconds (personal record) and managed to run out the opening bat!
Azza found his usual unplayable length and managed to knock the top of leg stump off for three of the Northfields batters.
Northfields reeling at 50-4 allowed Plough to pile on the pressure. Carson and Bush continued to apply pressure from both ends which allowed Plough to stay ahead.
Drinks brings wickets (the laws of the game). Bush, Carson and Umar all led the demise of some rather disappointed batsmen. Whilst Northfields continued to plug away at the target, Plough continued to take wickets!
Notable mention to a particular Northfields batter who initially came off injured but resumed playing (with the assistance of a rather peculiar smelling herbal remedy). No matter – he was too high to hit the ball, Archie absolutely violated his middle stump.
Plough ended the day with a 35(ish) win – a much needed victory for Plough after weeks of hurt.
Special fielding mentions to Ben Fletcher (kept very well on an up and down pitch), Simon Crane for diving falling on the ball to stop numerous boundaries and finally Umar for a well-judged boundary catch.
For all players involved – please remember to pay match fees (£10 or 44593534 Crane Coins).
I leave you all with the quote of the day ‘two AJ’s, one cup’
Love
AJ (original/one and only)
President of the Scorers Union
