Concorde v Sheen Park

Match Report

Kadyan and Carter bring the sunshine for August.

The morning of the 18th began with a biblical rainstorm around Surrey, however by 12:30 the rain had cleared and the sun was out. The covers were off and the ground looked lovely ready for the days play. With the Camberley boys and Dean Carter making a return the Concorde side seemed to be ready for a fight.

In the absence of Jerry Wright and Ian Cudworth Edgar took command and promptly lost the toss. The Sheen Park captain elected to field first, and thus the Concorde opening pair of Edgar and Dean Carter confidently strode out to the middle.

Batting was not easy, the Sheen Park bowlers were moving the ball and making sure the opening pair were working hard for every run. However both Edgar and Deano were confident in their shots and defence (Edgar had more dots than a dalmatian, but was looking solid). Eventually, Deano was caught for 41 bringing Brandon to the crease, he was correct in trying to force the score onwards, but was caught for 4. One green helmet was swapped for another, with Adam Carter joining Ed in the middle. Once again, Adam was assured in attack and defence rattling along nicely rotating the strike and hitting boundaries. Edgar was stumped, going for the huge heave-ho to Guildford, for 42. This bought Nikhil to bat, although he was quickly dispatched by the Sheen Park spinner who bowled him for 0, Josh soon followed, bowled for 0. The Concorde innings seemed to be in the balance at 100/5. At this moment, the pint-sized Cameron Lesser strode to the crease (after being promoted up the order by Pat and George, who confidently declared that he was the better batsman than them both combined). Cameron supported Adam for a while playing some confident shots until he was caught for 1. Adam at this point was putting the pressure back on the bowlers and was fast approaching his 50. Pat Wells smacked a quickfire 3 rotating the strike, like a pro, for Adam to dispatch the bowling. Pat was caught for 3 trying to play a high flight chip into the green. George came to the crease and again rotated the strike for Adam to play some crisp reverse sweeps and crunching drives to bring up his 50. Finally, the captain declared at tea with Adam on 59 no and the Concorde total on 172-7.

The Concorde players took a smaller tea, knowing full well that this total would take some defending. Furthermore a minor scramble occurred when Craig Lesser proudly declared he would field but needed some whites.

Brandon and Nikhil opened the bowling for Concorde, both looking to make up for their lack of runs. Brandon bowled well of only a few paces and had the Sheen Park openers in all sorts of problems, hitting them, having them play and miss, chipping the ball into the legside, but was unable to breakthrough. Brandon bowled 6 overs for 12 runs showing just how on top he was of the Openers. Nikhil was at the other end again bowling well and took 2 wickets to dismiss one opener and the number 3 using his usual tactic of flight, pace and no turn…

Adam and George replaced the opening pair when the weather turned and it was starting to get chilly. Adam bowled really well with pace, swing and bounce, he had the batsman in all sorts of problems and took 2 wickets in his first spell. George toiled away at the other end generating sharp turn but was unable to break through a resolute defence. Edgar bowled 4 overs but was also unable to breakthrough. A special mention must be made to the general fielding by the team. Everyone was throwing themselves around and making sure very little went to the boundary. Craig and Cameron were excellent and were really helpful in keeping the score down. Pat Wells was his usual chatty self and created the largest pothole in the ground when he threw himself towards the fence to save 4 – we hope that this crater can be filled in!

However at this point Sheen Park were 120-4 and looked nailed on to win the match. Attempting to wrestle back control, Edgar brought Nikhil and Adam back into the attack (both on 2 wickets each).

Nikhil had a great over having the number 5 reaching, groaning and unable to play him, until finally Nikhil trapped him LBW with a great “celebrappeal” (a celebration appeal). Adam, not to be outdone, had the other set batsman caught behind by Josh. Sheen Park were now 125-6. Nikhil and Adam set about the lower order as only they can and ripped them apart. Nikhil took the edge numerous times and had Mick Reeve at sleep flying through the air but he was unable to keep the bowl pouched in his hand. This effort really did show how well Concorde were fielding. Nikhil was causing further chaos with his variation and Adam was sending stumps and bails flying. Sheen Park went from 120-4 to 149 all out.

Interestingly enough 10 minutes after we had the last wicket the heavens opened and it poured down! Luckily we began the day on time showing the importance of being on time and ready to go! A really close and enjoyable game with ups, downs, ebb and flow. If only the test match ended in a similar fashion!