Whalers CC v Millfields CC – 13^th September 2009

Whalers CC won by 52 runs

Whalers: 170 – 7 (35 overs, Dickenson 63*)

Millfileds: 118 ao (Terrell 3-7, Forte 3-22)

For the end of season finale Whalers trekked out to Harlington, picturesquely tucked between Heathrow and the M4, for a game against Millfields CC. With Whalers win loss ratio delicately balanced at 10 each, captain Dan was calling on a big performance to make it a winning season. Dan promptly won the toss and Ads and Al strode out to open the batting, at this point Dario had just had arrived at Paddington! The openers started well taking advantage of some loose bowling and things were looking good at 48 off 10 overs. With the bowlers tightening up their line and Dario finally turning up, Ads was bowled playing across the line (15), which was the start of some rather slow batting on a slow pitch. Al was doing his job holding an end up but with some tight bowling Manzi didn't hang around (1), Stu found it hard to hit the boundary ropes being given lbw for 11. To be honest it was pretty dreary stuff, a bit like watching Boycott or England in the middle overs of a one dayer. Thankfully Nick added some spice, for the one spectator, swinging the willow to hit 15. Pete could only add 3 runs before being well caught in the deep. This left the stage set for Dan to come in and up the pace with some good running and a wonderful straight 6, making a quick fire 21. Clippy (2) and Dario (6) joined the party at the end, with Al left with an average boosting 63 (no), taking the Whalers total to 171. After a slump in the middle overs it seemed just about a par score to defend on a slow pitch, with Miller being the pick of their bowlers bowling his 7 overs (4 maidens) for 9 runs with 3 wickets.    

The QPR dinner lady had a bit of a shocker and tea was not ready on time, so we turned straight round for 10 overs before tea. It was a Chris Gayle (2 jumper) day in the field with a strong wind blowing in off the M4. Clippy opened the bowling into said wind and with some good straight bowling took the first wicket with Collis being caught by Ads at gully. Dan's radar was not quite up to scratch but with excellent fielding the openers were kept on the rate. A rather good tea was taken. Matt came on after tea and bowled well with the wind and made a mess of McCaughan's stumps. With the batting team on the run rate the match was turned with Stu and Dario coming onto to bowl in tandem. Some excellent tight (slow) bowling saw them both pick up 3 wickets a piece, which killed the game off for Millfields. Stu ending up with figures of 4 overs 7 runs and 3 wickets. Dan came back on with Ed to mop up the tail and victory was there for the Whalers. Millfields were all out for 118. It was a great all round performance in the field by the Whalers against a good opo and a great way to end the season.

Man of the match: Al Dickenson

Champagne moment: Dan’s 6

Muppet moment: ?