Elthorne CC vs Whalers CC, 2 June 2007

Elthorne won by 5 wickets

Not the finest ever day for the Whalers on Saturday as we lost to Elthorne by 5 wickets. A good bowling and fielding performance could not make up for the lack of runs.

In the absence of the skipper and President (off mid-season team-building with Gouldy in Lesbos – honestly), former skipper Ads called correctly and decided to bat for a change. Osbourn took the price label off his new bat and opened with VDP. After an edgy couple of overs, VDP nicked one to the keeper and we were 7 for 1. Pip strode to the crease and tried to consolidate and repair the damage, but after some watchful stuff, Osbourn missed a straight one and we were in trouble.

The rest of the innings was characterised by a steady flow of wickets and maiden overs. The final Manhattan more resembled a row of bungalows. Credit must go to Elthorne, who bowled very well and did not have a weak link in their attack. Some highlights – Osgood was not allowed to hide down the order and batted 4. He made a sedate 7, before attempting a rather tight single and was run out. Ads was bowled by the drinks break. New man Neil put up a good showing, but was caught trying to force the pace. The lower order had too much to do….73 all out looked below par.

We did however have a strong bowling attack and, in true Whalers spirit, decided to give it a real go after tea. Khalil and Dan tore in, bowling with their usual good pace and tight line. But there was no wicket. Then Khalil threw in a wide one, the batsman slashed, Pip “The Salmon” leapt and took a great catch in the gully. It was the breakthrough needed and we were in the game. Dan bowled the other opener and Clippy sent down a beauty to bowl the number 3. Neil didn’t look like someone who hadn’t played for 3 years in taking 2 wickets – credit to the Whalers scouting network – and Elthorne were teetering on 34 for 5. However the wickets dried up and Elthorne stood firm and made the runs without further loss.

And so to the fines session and reflection on a below par batting performance, Lesbos and Dan’s failed environmental policies.

Match stats:

Whalers 73 all out

Elthorne 74 for 5

Man of the match: Neil – two wickets on debut and one of the few Whalers to make double figures.

Champagne moment: Pip’s sensational diving catch at gully.

Muppet moment: Dan for running himself out – no Dan, there really wasn’t a run there...