Knockers Vs Beechwood

Win :: Played on Sunday 10th September 2023

Beechwood
158-8

Knockers
162-2

Match Report

The die was cast for a sweltering field first effort in a timed format for the Knockers at the ever scenic Beechwood ground and a moister sweatbox than Jai’s trip to Ally Pally to see Fred play music was in store; anyone unsure of the artist, try searching again and again (and again) for some horizon broadening.

10 players strode out as Jai’s lack of punctuality further underpinned his tacit efforts to win this season’s wooden spoon. Jonah’s receipt of ’The Eridge 9’ t-shirt from Scott, following his steadfast efforts in the recent fixture, reminded fans that JT and Guido are also solid contenders for the coveted accolade.

Beechwood’s dogged commitment to not wearing helmets is very admirable. Not even a second thought after seeing Jonah marking out his run up. Our gentle gunner rode in and presented a number of challenges to the opening duo but such was the difficulty of the questions being asked that we struggled for chances off the bat. Debutant Rups, after a cheeky decade hiatus from the game, was ruthlessly thrown in at the deep end as supporting opener by the skipper, and found some tasty early rhythm for the ball to move around and keep the batters thinking before taking first scalp. An aesthetically pleasing bowler, think left-handed Landers meets Prof meets Hector, so we’ll be looking forward to more of the same, something to excite along with the bat for the beginning of next season.

First change brought Akhil and Seb into the attack, and the aesthetic pleasure of the innings really took shape. Double right arm round on a sloping wicket allowed for some creative field setting to complement the probing lines being thrown down; so good was Akhil’s variety, in fact, that he received compliments for his tricky leg spin*.

The over rate soared and the run rate plummeted, with pressure being applied from both ends enough to force some errant shots that gave Akhil 3 scalps and Seb 2 (somehow including an off breaker bowled round the legs against the slope). Ziggy and Landers were the next partnership in and both continued the patient approach of the team to build pressure and generate chances. A smart stumping by Oli off Zig and then Jonah needed to be about 1 foot taller to give a hacked pull off Scott a caught attempt as a stern batting partnership kept us at bay.

Knockers turned to intimidation tactics with JT brought on to steam in, along with a returning Rups, and the opposition declaration soon followed: 158-8.

Interval. Good cuppa. Elite move from Rups in bringing his camping chairs along.

We batted. Oli hit some boundaries, JT ran a lot and both got out for solid scores chasing one too many. The blowers on the boundary delighted in the Landers x2 partnership that eventually saw us home with a fine season from Matt continuing through a consummately-crafted 60*, watchful singles and powerful boundaries. Scott also upped his appetite for running 2s and 3s and his shotmaking was described as ’De Villers-esque’ by an awestruck Akhil.

Matty hit the winning nudge and a well-spirited contest was over. Props to JT for sourcing a McDonalds for the end of the game. Off to the Rising Sun’s very attractive beer garden to reflect on the game, season and what’s to come as many players were finishing for the summer. Good luck to those closing us out next Sunday in Sidcup!

*Akhil is a man who resists definition. Exceptional golfer who increasingly graces us on a Sunday with his bowling but umm, he is not a leg spinner.

TM

 

Batting

Batsman	How Out	4s	6s	Runs
Oli Boreham	caught	6	0	36
James Thompson	caught	1	0	25
Matt Landers	not out	4	4	60
Scott Landers	not out	2	0	26
Rupesh Vara	dnb	0	0	0
Ted Marsh	dnb	0	0	0
Jai Shah	dnb	0	0	0
Seb Horner	dnb	0	0	0
David Bowen	dnb	0	0	0
Akhil Anand	dnb	0	0	0
Jonah Munday	dnb	0	0	0

 

Bowling

Bowler	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts
Jonah Munday	5.0	0	14	0
Rupesh Vara	6.0	0	40	2
Akhil Anand	8.0	1	24	3
Seb Horner	6.0	3	15	2
David Bowen	7.0	1	18	1
Scott Landers	6.0	2	15	0
James Thompson	3.0	0	17	0
Ted Marsh	1.0	0	7	0

 

Match Photos