Warm with a gentle breeze, like the breath of a Shetland pony eating its hay.
Ouch! Bookended by concussion, the Village’s second game of the season started with Cressey hitting his head on a shelf (I mean, WTF?!) and ended with Morgans walking into an extractor fan as the Village cruised to a 158 run victory.
The news broke on Saturday afternoon that Cressey had sustained a vacuum induced head injury and was therefore unavailable to play. Thankfully, Bosshardt was on hand to step in at short notice to take the field until 3pm, when he was due back on the picket line. Thompson lost the toss and the Village were stuck in. Regent’s Park was bathed in sunshine and the wicket was green.
Morgans (41) and Pontin (30) opened up and started well, with the Welshman finding the boundary with ease. Anything short, anything wide and he was all over it (sounds like a night on the Cisk!). Pontin, fresh from an off season of throw downs at Lord’s, was initially watchful and solid however he soon started to show the sort of form that has had the coaches at HQ purring all winter. One huge six over fine leg and a straight drive for four through mid-on showcased what a winter of hard work can do for a man. They had put on 83 before Morgans (‘I was worried Bossy wouldn’t get a bat before he had to go back to work’) was bowled trying to put it into London Zoo. It was to be the catalyst for a minor wobble as Pontin and Bosshardt (he hit a lovely cover drive, though!) fell in quick succession to leave the Village 97 for 3. De Mellow (53*) joined the promising debutant Alurri (14) and things picked up once more. Following the dismissals of Alurri and Troja, Misra (39) bounded to the crease looking to kick on from last week’s fireworks. He didn’t disappoint (multiple fours and two reverse sweeps!) and continued his excellent start to the season. Bish, bash, Bosh. Together they managed to drag their side to 240 from 40 overs. The less said about the run out, the better!
Thompson (2-10) and Hampton (3-15) started things off beautifully with the new ball and Agricola were soon in trouble against the ten Villagers. Two absolute jaffers were served up to Almond and Lamprecht respectively whilst Card was caught dead in front, deceived by the impressive Hampton. Next, the skipper splayed the stumps of the unorthodox Manzoor and the Village were on the charge. Choudhury (0-8) and Husain (2-28) bowled well and continued to suffocate Agricola’s batsmen and the visitors limped to 45 for 6 at drinks. Choudhury was particular unlucky to see his appeal for leg before turned down against the dangerous Kitchen. Fast forward a few overs and Troja (3-18) wrapped things up and that was that. A professional performance.
Beers were had in the Edinboro Castle (a comfy, relaxed gastropub with a modern euro menu of tapas and British pub fare, plus a spacious beer garden) and curry consumed at the Namaaste Kitchen (a chic Indian restaurant with exposed brick walls and modern leather banquettes, plus an open kitchen). Hope the head is feeling better, WLD!
