After a couple of away losses the Whalers returned to Kings House for our first home game of the season against the Quokkas. Debutant captain Josh won the toss and we were batting.

Dean and Al made a brisk start punishing anything short on a good pitch that had softened a touch from the rain the day before. The boundaries were also long and the outfield slightly slow so some good running between the wickets would also be needed. Al and Dean both survived dropped catches, Al being particularly lucky, and the score raced on to 60 after 10 overs before Dean was the first out LBW. The Quokkas change bowlers then came on and bowled well, straight and on a good length and they got good rewards as the runs dried up and the wickets started tumbling, 4 in quick succession. Fraser and Will started to rebuild and hit some cracking shots before a running mix up saw Will sacrifice himself for the cause. Fraser was middling it well but was unlucky to be out to an early contender for catch of the season, a left handed diving grab inches off the ground at long on. Matt then anchored the lower order to the end with a team high 31no, despite a moment of luck when he nudged a very slow ball down leg and charged off for a single, only for the keeper, standing up at the stumps stopping it and somehow missing the stumps with a throw from a couple of feet. Fraser with 30, Al with 28 and with most other batsman chipping in (the author excluded) the final total was 171. Most felt this was around par.

In reply Nick and Matt opened the bowling with some steady line and length also making good use of an increasing breeze, but although they weren’t scoring many runs there were no early wickets, Matt was unlucky not to hold on to a fierce return catch from his first ball. The breakthrough came in the 9^th over when Nick got the edge and Pip took a sharp juggling catch low down at first slip. Vishal after replacing Nick then got the second, enticing another edge to Pip at first slip who was starting to make slip catching look easy. Will at the other end also got an edge and Geoff behind the stumps after a bit of juggling of his own grabbed it low down to his right. Had some proper cricket broken out?. Vishal and Will both continued to bowl well using the wind to get some good swing and both took another couple of wickets to put the Whalers on top, and with the run rate increasing the Whalers were starting to feel confident. The Quokkas lower order then put up some resistance and it wasn’t till Josh and Dean came on to bowl some spin that the final 3 wickets fell. Notably Pip picking up his third catch at slip, though this one a gentler top edge than the first two. The Quokkas ended up 57 runs short after a pretty good Whalers bowling and fielding effort with all the bowlers using the wind and pitch well, and some good catching overall, despite a couple of drops.

M.o.M, Vishal for his 3 wickets in the middle of the Quokkas innings

Champagne, Pips slip catching but notably the first one low down to the left

Muppet, Matt for tickling a very slow ball down leg and charging for a run, despite the keeper, who was standing at the stumps stopping it and somehow missing the stumps with a throw from a couple of feet.

Highgate CC vs Whalers CC; Highgate Cricket Club; Sunday 25th April 2021

It was another bright Sunday afternoon in the idyllic settings of North London as The Whalers looked to bounce back from the disappointment of last week’s defeat to Winchmore Tigers. The Whalers were led by a slightly hungover Russell, captaining a side for the first time since he was 13. After losing the toss, we were put in to bowl against a very youthful looking Highgate outfit.

With not a lot of assistance from the pitch and a quick if sometimes unpredictable outfield, Dan and Russell were tasked with breaking the opening partnership. Despite bowling a good line, Highgate were obtuse in defence and were able to put away the not-so-good balls. Chances were at a premium, the best of which was a miscued drive that didn’t quite reach Josh at mid on. The runs continued at a steady rate, assisted by some dubious fielding and an extras count that would eventually reach 34. Viren and Amit were brought into the attack and it was the latter who made the breakthrough, getting one through the gate and crash into the wickets. Andrew was the next to be thrown the ball and kept things relatively tight during his 6 over spell. However, it was after this that we began to lose control, the remaining opener made his way to a well composed century and their number 3 also made a quick fire 53. This came to an end when he attempted to drive Josh down the ground, but he was able to stick up a (now heavily bruised) hand and cling on. The runs continued to flow, and the Whalers were now down to 10- skipper Russel pulling up after trying to stop the batsmen coming back for two. Highgate concluded on 277/2 and were the happier side going into Tea.

It was clear that if we were going to get anywhere near this total, one of the top order batsmen was going to have to step up and hit a big total. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be Roland’s day to steal the limelight as he chased a wide one and slapped it straight to the cover region to depart for a duck. Amit was having more luck at the other end, a late choice to open, he started out in an aggressive manner and was able to hit a range of boundaries. Fraser in at 3 also began in a confident manner and the visiting team were beginning to dream of a famous victory. If Amit and Fraser stayed in, the run rate would not be an issue. Fraser however, was not able to stay in and departed just short of a well deserved 50. Kishen was next to the crease and was resolute in defence- able to keep out their rather nippy change bowler. Amit was able to more than keep him out and launched a couple of hefty but nonchalant blows down the ground. I don’t know what Amit’s previous high score was for the Whalers, but I know for certain he more than surpassed it here, first to 50, then to 100, before eventually falling for 122 to their young leg spinner who would go on to claim 5 wickets. It was then that the situation began to go south- Rahul, Andrew, Josh and Vishel all departing in quick succession. Despite a spirited last wicket stand between Viren and Dan, there were too many runs to get with barely 3 overs remaining and the game was eventually over when Viren was run out for a very spirited 20.

Overall, there were some positives to take; Amit’s superb century, a nice knock from Fraser and at points some nice and tidy bowling. There are also areas to build on- catches win matches and also we need to try improve the fielding in general. All things said, it’s a long old season and we have plenty build on. We look forward to going again in two weeks’ time as we return to King’s House for our first home game of the season.

Whalers 240/9 (a/o) lost to Highgate CC 276/2 by 37 runs

Awards

Champagne moment: One of Amit’s many sixes down the ground

Muppet: Rahul going out to bat, without a bat

MOM: Amit- 1 wicket and 122 runs

Winchmore Tigers CC vs Whalers CC; Sunday 18th April 2021; Winchmore Hill Cricket Club

11 Whalers gathered at Winchmore Hill, scene of last season’s last gasp loss, to kick off the 2021 season versus the Winchmore Tigers. Unseasonably sunny skies set the stage for a great day’s cricket, with new skipper Matt winning the toss and electing to bat on a flat looking pitch. In amongst some regular Whalers were two debutants in Ross and Vishal. 

Al and Ross opened the innings coming up against some tight bowling from the Tigers openers, comprising two left armers. Ross was bowled by a cracking delivery from Lloyd-Barnes early on and was soon followed by Vishal, dismissed by the same bowler. Viren followed soon and when Al was dismissed by an excellent catch at cover to leave the Whalers 28/4, it was looking like an early finish might be on the cards. It could have been even worse had Pete N not received a first ball LBW reprieve from Kev, umpiring after tearing his achilles crossing the road. 

Step forward Fraser who’s mere appearance struck fear into the hearts of the Tigers following his 99* last season. He duly began to unfurl a flurry of drives, including a fantastic 6 over cover. Lloyd-Barnes then picked up Pete, LBW for 3, with Josh joining Fraser at the crease. Cue some more excellent shots from Fraser, until his innings was brought to an abrupt end after being bowled by Lloyd-Barnes for 28, the opener registering his 5th wicket with the penultimate ball of his spell. 68/6.

Will and Josh temporarily steadied the ship with a partnership of 26 runs until the latter was bowled for 20. Matt came and went without troubling the scorers, leaving the Whalers 92/8. Amit hit some fantastic shots, blazing his way to 19 before being dismissed LBW, leaving an injured Geoff and Will to try and rescue the innings. Despite a few more boundaries, they could only get the Whalers up to a disappointing 135 all out off 31 overs, with Geoff the final wicket to fall. 

Following the first Covid-friendly tea break of the year, and despite Amit, Vishal and Viren failing to learn from Fraser’s 2020 visit to Winchmore Hill and ordering food that arrived just before the second innings was due to begin,  the Whalers got off to a great start with Matt bowling a Tiger opener for just 1. With Amit finding his range after a few loose deliveries, the Whalers generated some good pressure in the first 6 overs. 

Some loose deliveries from 1st change bowler Will, coupled with some good batting from the Tiger’s openers saw them claw their way back into the game. Matt continued to shuffle the pack and found some good control from Viren and debutant Ross in particular. But the Tigers kept going and were past the half-way point in the chase at the drinks break at 20 overs for only one wicket lost. The trend continued after drinks, despite some more tight bowling and the Tigers crossed the 100 mark with 15 overs left in the game.

As they neared the target, Matt threw the ball to the Club President and all-round golden arm, Al, to break the stand or ensure an early finish. To the surprise of absolutely no one, Al duly produced two tight overs, including the wicket of Tiger opener Forrester for a gutsy 46. But at 126/2, it was unfortunately too late for any further heroics and the Tigers knocked off the remaining runs untroubled. Special mention should go to Tigers No.3 bat Nawagumuwa who finished an excellent 81*. 
Thanks to the Tigers for another good game. 

Whalers (135 all out, Fraser 28, Al 20, Josh 20, Will 21*) lost by 8 wickets to the Winchmore Tigers (136/2)

Man of the Match: Al for his 20 runs and 1-17 

Champagne; Fraser’s 6 over cover

Muppet: Matt getting hit in the bollocks (twice) while fielding

Winchmore Tigers Report: HERE

Whalers CC vs Believers CC – 6^th September 2020

A warm early autumn day in South Wimbledon, a slightly delayed start, some somewhat unusual rules and the marching on of the great unbeaten run of the Whalers in this shortened season. And perhaps most notably of all, one of the most memorable spells of Whalers bowling to help extend that run.

A hastily drawn up whatsapp group alerted the day’s players to idle slightly on their way to the ground on account of the Believers renting the pitch from 1.15. The majority of Whalers accordingly idled, and a little too dutifully so for the skipper for the day, Will. Nevertheless, most of the team were there in time to half heartedly warm up a bit while the opposition suggested some novel rules for the day intended to encourage a little haste to the occasion. So it was that it was agrede to play 30 over innings, batsmen would retire at 50 and only one extra per over would be played again (any wide after the first one bowled in an over would accrue 3 runs for the other side – therefore even the widest of overs would only be 7 balls in length). Believers had 12 players and would roll substitutions while in the field. In the end only a single 3-run wide was bowled in the match.

Whalers batted first, Dean and Fraser striding out to the middle and settling into the day’s work. Fraser sparked with some meaty boundaries and Dean provided the usual solidity at the top of the innings, putting on 42 together until the former was caught for 21. With one end pried open, Dean was to see a few partners come and go in the next few overs. Channa was run out for 0 having dropped his bat with the line of the crease agonisingly in sight, while Will fell lbw to a ball swinging but full having added 3 runs. Geoff clubbed a catch for 0 and Suhaib popped up a caught and bowled to the same bowler (Spencer) for 2, continuing the habit for collapse. When Matt joined Dean at the crease things settled down for a bit until the latter was forced to retire for his well earned and untroubled 50*. Matt steadily paved his path to a useful total, while Amit (2) looked solid right up to the point he wasn’t, deciding on a strong leave to a ball straight at his stumps, via the pads, lbw the result. Josh soon gave way to Amit (1), who bedded in till the end, with Russell joining once Matt had departed bowled for 29. The total kept creeping up, though the team could be forgiven for hoping that one of Russell’s heaved misses might ultimately result in Dean returning to the crease to end on a rush. As it was Amit J ended on 18* and Russell 6* and the total set was 156 from the 30 overs.

Defending what seemed a modest total with one boundary invitingly short, Russell and Amit (1) opened the bowling. Though neither managed to take a wicket, the bowling was effectively frugal, with only 29 runs taken from those opening 9 overs, and not without chances created. The pressure on the Believers was only maintained when Matt took over from Amit (1) and Amit (2) took over from Russell. It was Amit (2) that took the first wicket, aligning good pace with line and length to force the batsman into error. Indeed, once the first had fallen, Amit found himself on an incredible roll of wicket taking at regular intervals, including one caught, one lbw and three bowled. This series of sucker blows to the opposition meant Believers found it hard to get going and resulted in figures of 5-2-10-5 for Amit. Matt also bowled well, chipping in with an lbw to claim 1 for 16 across his five overs. With the change of bowlers to Josh and Suhaib, the wickets just kept on coming. Suhaib in particular must have had somewhere he needed to be, taking a wicket with his first ball and hoovering up figures of 3 for 10 across his two overs. One of those wickets saw the ball lob up in direction of Josh standing at mid-on, who had to skip back several metres in order to secure the catch over his head and reclaim his ‘specialist mid/long-on’ status. The delight (and maybe surprise?) on his face outweighed his reaction to making the tricky catch that followed off his own bowling and saw the fall of the 10^th Believers wicket for 91 runs from 24 overs. After a brief moment of surprise that a 12^th batsmen wasn’t making his way in, it dawned on the Whalers that they had won at a canter by 65 runs.

Man of the Match: Amit (2) for his five wickets

Muppet: Amit (2) for his confident leave to a straight lbw

Champagne moment: Josh for his athletic catch

Winchmore Hill Tigers CC vs Whalers CC, 13^th September 2020 @ Winchmore Hill Sports Club.

Usually September marks a change in many things. The end of summer, the return of school and the beginning of the end of the cricket season. However, in this year during which humanity had to adapt to so many new habits, the world would also have to face up to the fact that the Whalers didn’t know how to lose a game anymore. With now just two games in front of them, was the Whaler’s invincible season more a reality than just a dream?

To find out, the Whale was embarked on an away trip to the lush green suburban utopia of Enfield to face the Winchmore Hill Tigers. Here the Whalers were keen to practice this new habit of winning (and fielding full teams). However, a very late drop out meant that a last-minute substitute bowler, Kurt, was graciously donated by one of the home club teams to make it up to a full 11-man strong line up.

On what turned out to be a very balmy Sunday afternoon, with a noticeable breeze, skipper Will won the toss and the Whale were betting first. The opening pair, which included skipper himself and Al strode out onto what looked like a good surface and a fast outfield.

Both openers got off to a steady start and Will looked in good nick as he played flurry of drives. Al also got in on the act and between them made a steady start to give the Whale a good foundation.  There was a drop in the field as Al was handed a life line and the runs began to trickle through. However, as the run rate was starting to pick up Al was dismissed for 9, bowled out on a ball that just did enough.

Next man in was Fraser who after feeling his way into the innings and seeing off the opening bowlers, started to loosen up and was looking to hit the ball sweetly. Sixes were being hit cleanly well over the boundary rope. However not all the balls followed the laws of physics and one sweetly struck shot got caught in the wind and a gob smacked Fraser could scarcely believe his eyes having to dawdle for a single. Will too tried to get in on the act but soon fell for a respectable 27 being caught out on a half volley that found a man in the infield.

Kev who was currently multi-tasking between being an England youth prospect coach (i.e. teaching his son to bat) and being Whalers middle order batsman, was dropped into the thick of it. He quickly hit some handsome shots to the boundary and found his form. Fraser was in a mood, a good mood, and continued to strike the ball with venom. The ball seemed to crack off the middle of his bat and found their way briskly to the ropes. A fifty came up and the Whale was looking at a decent score at the very least.

After a much deserved/needed drinks break in the September sun, Kev soon managed to get bowled after a quick fire 24 off 7 balls (which included 2 huge maximums). It was now the turn of Whaler debutant and gloveman Kishan. Armed with a brand new MRF blade, Kishan was hoping to prop up one end and give Fraser the stoke to stack up the runs. However, this was not to be as after a couple of singles and a well-placed 4, Kishan was caught shuffling on his crease and was given LBW as he missed a shot across his line.

Next man in was Rahul who was sent straight back to the shed after a 3-ball duck, undone by a ball that was dead straight and dead low. Geoff was next up and after a couple of encouraging singles was caught behind with ball snicking past his outside edge. Was this an ominous sign for things to come or just a few bad minutes?

Matt Lucas was now making his way on to the 22-yard strip and try and stop the middle order rot. Playing a range of elegant (and not so elegant) shots he managed to keep the score board ticking. Fraser meanwhile was edging ever closer to the magical 3 figure score and was still striking the ball cleanly. Whilst the heat was evidently causing his strife when running between the sticks, he continued on his swashbuckling manner and got the Whale close to 200.

As the remaining overs started to dwindle so did Fraser’s chance to convert his ninety score into 100. The Whale was now urging him to get over the line. With one over remaining Matt Lucas fell for a gallant 18. Now Fraser was running out of time and batting partners. Kurt was in next with the Whale urging him to get Fraser on strike. In the final over with Fraser on 98 Kurt was unable to rotate the strike and was bowled out for a duck.

Suhaib now had the unenviable task of getting a single. And never has getting one solitary run been so painful. Suhaib on his first ball at the crease played a glorious straight on-drive that could only have been a boon from the cricketing Gods from above. Never has there been a more tumultuous mix of ecstasy and agony as the boundary was met with sighs of disbelief and a smattering of applause.  

There were now only 2 balls remaining and thankfully somehow Suhaib managed to dig one out to scamper through for that much yearned for single. Fraser was on strike with the final ball to come. All Fraser needed was bat on ball and he managed exactly that, butchering the ball with a solid amount of brute force. The ball was hit with power and velocity – destined for the boundary. However, the cricketing gods were not looking down on young Fraser this time. An outstretched foot/big toe from the opposing fielder managed to halt the ball (and probably left a decent bruise). Fraser could only manage a single and he finished his innings on 99*. The Whale finished on a very respectable 225-8.

Cricket can be a cruel mistress.

It was now time for tea and to take stock of what just happened. After being reminded that the club house kitchen was open for business the Whale enjoyed their well-deserved half time nutrition and had a spring in their step as they looked to defend the total. There was no sight of any pressure of as they were now only 10 wickets way from being own step closer to unbeaten immortality

But when the Whalers took to the field, there was a noticeable difference as Will started to marshal his troops. There were only 9 fielders with sub Whaler Kurt and man of the hour Fraser missing in action.

After a few shrieks and hails it came as a nasty shock that Fraser was still getting is was through his tea. A tuna mayo sandwich had taken Frasers attention away from the task at hand and refused to step onto the field. A tuna had trumped the Whale. After a sensible amount of muttering and sighing the umpire signalled play on and Nick was ready to open the bowling. The bad luck that finished the previous innings continued in full fashion as Nick was hit for 3 consecutive fours in the first 3 balls. It seemed that troubled waters lied ahead for the Whale.

Kurt now managed to get on the field but Fraser was still AWOL.

Suhaib was into the attack and tried his best not to replicate the previous over’s inauspicious start. After a couple of wayward deliveries to start off with he found his stride and the squeeze on the free-flowing runs had begun. With now 11 Whalers and no more tuna sandwiches to distract minds and tastebuds Nick manged to find his line and length. The tide was beginning to slowly change. From the other end Suhaib bowled a beautiful delivery to get the opener Read out for 6.

The tight bowling continued as the Tigers were not able to maintain their blistering start as pressure from both ends meant that after the first 16 overs the opening blowers only gave up 56 runs between them.

Skipper Will than handed the ball to Matt Lucas to replace Nick and he followed the fine bowling from the far end. Kurt replaced Suhaib at the near end and picked up where Suhaib had left off. The pressure was now starting to mount for the Tigers and a few swings and missed meant that Gloveman Kishan was in action, taking some (overly) dramatic diving takes on the leg side. The pressure soon turned into chances and a swooping shot down the ground was headed Al’s way at long off, who managed to spill it. Another lofted shot was skied to Will who also managed to fumble the ball. Respite for the Tigers, frustration for the Whale. The Tigers took a liking to Kurt’s medium pace straight bowling and batsman Ganeshalingam hit one towards Fraser at the long on boundary. A good accurate throw coupled with quick hands by bowler Kurt knocked off the bails and the Tigers were 2 down.

From the other end, opening bat Ranger had found his way to a very patient fifty but Matt Lucas struck in this third over with a good ball undoing him. Geoff was asked to come into the attack and he too would stick to the status quo. The Tigers were managing to find the odd boundary by now as the fielding effort started to dip for the Whale.

Going into the final 10 overs the equation was simple. The Tigers needed 100 runs and they now had two reasonable set batsmen. After Kurt finished off his bowling with a very respectable 29 off 6 overs it was the turn for Rahul to turn his arm over. Whilst the bowling was never threatening, audible grunts and expletives from the batsmen were evident as they were unable to put him away. He even managed to create half a chance a thick outside edge meant that Kev shuffled back with outstretched arms only for it to evade his fingertips by the barest of margins.

A tactical change from the skipper brought Matt Lucas in to bowl from the near end whilst Geoff would keep bowling from the other. However, dots now turned into easy singles, singles were converted into twos and the ball was starting to find 4’s and 6’s. No. 3 Batsmen Greenman scored 50 and with 5 overs to go the score was 164-3 the game was in the balance. After a tidy 36^th over by Matt Lucas only giving 6 runs Geoff was looking to maintain this good death bowling.

The Tigers had other ideas. Batsman Hodges was looking to tee off in a manner that would have impressed even his teams namesake on the back 9 at Augusta on a Championship Sunday. Four boundaries and a 6 into the leg side was a sucker punch that the Whale did not see coming.

With 18 balls to come the Whale needed to defend 32. Matt Lucas then bowled a reasonable over allowing 11 runs. The tension was now unbearable. A tidy penultimate over would mean Matt would have a better chance to defend in the last over with two batsmen both well in and Hodges had also gone past the half century mark. The skipper now placed the ball into Rahul’s hand. The weight of the Whalers invincible season on his shoulders. Could he deliver?

As he shuffled in to bowl the first ball he was flicked onto the leg side boundary where after some pedestrian fielding the ball rolled over the rope. Next a loose ball way outside the off stump was again, unbelievably, flicked off into the leg side for a 6. Torrid bowling, his head was down. With a short inhale and a focused mind, he bowled one straight and full for a dot and the Whale roared it on as if it was a wicket. Same ball again but this time the batsmen heaved it to cow corner where ice man Matt Lucas took a great pressure catch. Greenman finished on a handsome 80.

The game again might now have tipped in the Whalers favour. The batsmen had crossed and in form batsmen Hodges ran 2 off the penultimate delivery and then managed a single on the final ball keeping him on strike.

The final over. The bowler Matt Lucas. The equation simple. 10 runs needed. 9 for a super over. The first ball was dug out for just a single. de Crescenzo was the new bat in and his first ball faced again was looking like just the one run. But a very eager throw by infield Suhaib at the bowlers end meant that the batsmen ran for an overthrow. Pressure has been the undoing of even the greatest. But Matt Lucas dug deep and bowled a peach of delivery to hit the top of off. 3 balls remained and 6 runs to win. Sikander strode onto the field and at the crease. He refused to even take a guard when prompted by the umpire. Was this the cornered Tiger of 1992 or a charade to cover his nerves?

Another good ball by Matt was met with a swing of the bat but only manged to trickle for a single. The runs kept being ticked off but so too the balls. Two balls 5 runs. Matt made his way to his bowlers mark with Hodges staring back at him with a steely look in his eyes. Matt bowled another good ball and was met with a heaving swipe of the blade. The result – a scamper for two.

Final ball. The sun had now began set over the Western treeline. Was the sun setting over Whalers’ unbeaten run or was it the twilight to signal yet another success on the field? Matt Lucas lined up one final time. 3 to win, 2 for a super over. Time stood still as Matt hurled himself as he bowled his final ball. The ball transcended through the air and pitched just in front of the batsmen. The field on the haunches was prowling and ready to snaffle the ball should it come near them. Anything was possible at the moment. No easy runs and no silly overthrows. The dream was still alive.

Hodges on the other had other plans and he bludgeoned the ball onto the leg side for a sweet boundary and to take home the spoils. The Tigers quite literally roared the ball as the Whale was left aghast. Defeat snatched from the jaws of victory.

In the battle of the mighty mammals the stealthy Tiger had outdone the wandering Whale.

Despite 450 runs across the day, the Whale left the field leaving behind only dreams and the lingering smell of an overpriced tuna sandwich.

Whalers innings: 225-8 (40.0 overs)

Fraser 99*, Will 27, Kev 24.

Winchmore Tigers bowling:

Webster

8

1

39

4

Greenham

2

0

18

2

Winchmore Tigers Innings : 227-5 (40.0 overs)

Greenman 80, Hodges 70, Ranger 50.

Whaler’s Bowling:

Lucas	8	0	45	2
Suhaib	8	2	30	1

Winchmore Hill Tigers win by 5 wickets.

Man of the match: Fraser.

Muppet moment of the match: Fraser missing two overs of play so he could eat his sandwich. Champagne Moment of the match: Frasers 6’s all over the park

Opposition report: HERE