On the pitch, the 2s picked up a great victory over 2nd placed Gravesend, while our other 3 teams battled hard to some tough losses. Off the pitch, it was a sad week as we said goodbye to Ashwani Arora for the year as he flew back to India. He is off back for some "Business". Once again Ash, was a pleasure to have you over and hope to see you again next year!
Match Reports:
1st XI v Bromley
The summer of mini monsoons contributed but the mid morning moisture wasn’t enough to deter Bromley from winning the toss and batting under newly glorious skies. ODs began well with JB and Nick complimenting each other nicely and building pressure on the Bromley openers. A lovey little three ball set up saw JB (3-44) and Eashan unite to pick up the first before Nick (1-29) sent the bails to the moon to put ODs on top. @testmatchdan bowled a Test match line and length to continue the excellent start, whilst @flatfootedseamer64 continued to bowled his spell of the summer, landing the ball repeatedly on an area the size of a blister plaster and constantly challenging the edge of the bat.
ODs were rewarded as Dan (1-31) picked up the set batsman thanks to an excellent diving catch from VPCOM winner Joe East in the grabbers. Meanwhile Mike controlled a cut at backward point with his chest like Berbatov in his prime. Cushion with the pec. Snaffle with one hand. Straight out the Cranbrook coaching manual. ODs well on top at 30 overs, Bromley 60/4.
At this point, Bromley showed their experience and quality with a high class middle order partnership to accelerate the score and find their way past the 200 mark to set a challenging total.
Mike and Koot got the chase underway, making a positive start against a tidy opening attack. It took a superb nut from Almond to remove Mike, but ODs still found themselves comfortably ahead at the end of the powerplay. Koot (37) fell to an impressive caught and bowled after another enterprising knock had given the visitors a good base.
Sadly, the middle order were unable to capitalise on the positive start, struggling to build partnerships with regular wickets disrupting the chase. It took Ainger (33) and Jasper to come together to find any sort of rhythm, with some sumptuous cover drives taking ODs towards some batting points and keeping the outside chance of victory alive. The pair looked serene and it took a toe crushing yorker to take OJ’s legs out from underneath him and send him crashing to the floor. Jasper’s finger was up, O. Jasper had to go.
Andy was joined by Eashan who looked in great touch on his way to 24*. Just what the doctor ordered, but sadly it was too little too late. #fundthenhs
Well done to Nicholas on a fine spell that was rewarded with the player of the match jacket, Joe on his Vivo Perfect Catch of the Match and a final warning to any passing naked, elderly tennis players not to move KP’s kit bag. #breakpoint
Match report by Jamie Batten
2nd XI v Gravesend
Seeking revenge after defeat at the Bat and Ball earlier in the season, ODs were sent out into the field by Gravesend (well tossed, Will).
ODs started superbly, with Pooley (9-1-19-2) and Sawko (9-1-18-1) applying pressure and picking up key wickets. Following the introduction of East (9-0-33-2) and Arora (9-1-21-1), Gravesend were soon struggling at 69-5. Despite some late hitting, the final total of 164 felt below par.
In response, Pete White (8) was well taken at gully early, but the Loaders calmly took the score to 66-1 before Richard (33) popped a catch to square leg. A star-studded middle order of Chris Webster (10) and Aaron White (7) built further partnerships with key man Isaac, but both fell with 55 required from
12 overs. Oscar Jasper made a very handy 18 from 20 balls to bring the rate fully under control, before Isaac - accompanied by skipper Will - struck some final blows on his way to a magnificent 76* (free drinks on their way) as ODs won by 5 wickets with 8 balls to spare.
A great win against 2nd in the table - the 2s are now solidly placed in 3rd and prepped for a final assault on the season in case Gravesend were to falter once more with the finish line in sight
Match report by Laurence Sanders
3rd XI v Petts Wood
The 3’s arrived at Petts Wood park for a mid-table clash, 6th vs 7th. The team featured many unfamiliar names as Tom Lake and Rakesh Possum made their 3rd team debut and included the return of skipper Colby Senior, back from surgery and hungry for runs.
We won the toss and decided to bat, much to the excitement of Ollie Bennett. Abhishek and Sherry opened and were able to see off the openers while rotating the strike. Sherry was then hit on his bad finger and that set off a ticking time bomb as he sent the next two balls over the bowlers head for 4 and 6 respectively before a leading edge gave a simple caught and bowled.
This brought in the skipper who started well and hit his first ball for 4 before he picked out Petts Wood’s best fielder, saving his runs for the next Sunday Friendly. One Colby goes out and another comes in as Olly dealt in boundaries before running past one for 28.
Despite the flurry of wickets at the other end, Abhishek kept his cool and was eventually dismissed for 80 putting on a show for his Grandad. The innings consisted of a balance of attack, defence and plenty of typical Abhi unnecessary dives, powered and sponsored by Lucozade Energy.
Handy contributions from Dan Brown, Rakesh and Rohan Bridges helped us along to 194 although we felt 200+ was on after a good platform being set with wickets in hand.
Billy Ansar and Alex Walker opened the bowling and kept the run rate under control despite plenty of sub par fielding and Billy picked up the first thanks to a fine high catch from Rohan Patel. We (Rakesh) picked up regular wickets but couldn't control the runs as they edged closer to the target.
Dan Brown took 3 catches but unfortunately dropped the one that mattered the most as their number 4 went on to make a powerful 67*.
Rakesh took 5, Alex Walker one, plus great bowling from Ollie B and excellent keeping from Tom on a tricky pitch allowed us to get close as they chased it 7 wickets down.
Next week we are at ‘home’ at Catford where we look to bounce back against 3rd placed Bexleyheath to get some revenge for their ‘minefield’ of a pitch earlier on in the season.
Match report by Olly Colby
4th XI v Simba
With the weather set fair for the day, the skipper won the toss and elected to field with his bowling unit looking as strong has it has all year.
Opening up with 2 colts Chowdry and Morgan, the future of the club looks good, with both obtaining movement and keeping things tight, having been forced into a change due to age restrictions it was time for spin at both ends, well for a couple of overs, apparently the skipper has admitted he got it wrong by bowling Fox from the bottom end!
However Steele did what Steele does and bowled a tight line and brought about the first wicket, with the easiest of caught & bowled.
Having to replace Fox a the bottom end after a surprise and late “fitness” test Rouse Jnr was thrown the ball and showed that he has been wasting his time running in from the 25yards when 8 paces will do, to get swing and bowl good pace.
After Billy’s exhausting 4 over spell the skipper turned to Mehan, who according to Rouse Senior was getting lavish movement in both directions.
Was the skipper going to be provide right? We managed to restrict the mighty SIMBA to 209 off their 40.
It was always going to need a good start from us to chase down 210 and as has been his way this seen this the skipper hit a boundary and got out, what a ****
The skipper was followed back to the pavilion in quick succession by Rouse Snr and Anmol, a great effort to steady the ship the youngest Colby and Steele, however we managed to lose wickets steadily.
Without the efforts of Billy, who batted sensible throughout and got a well-deserved 66, we wouldn’t Achieved 160 and the vital 7 points to take us temporarily off the bottom of the table, although Bexley Park have a game in hand.
On to Elthamians next week.
Match report by Mark Coles
Sunday Development XI v Sidcup
Match rained off after 25 overs of the 1st Innings with ODs 179-6
Fantasy Cricket Standings
The top 10 is very close! See the full breakdown of teams and player performance here:
Training times
The following times are designated for club training sessions. Nets will be available to use for club members outside of these times, and if there is no game on the main square.
Group | Day | Time |
Senior Nets | Wednesday | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Additional 1st XI squad nets | Tuesday | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
U15-U17 | Tuesday | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm |
Under 11 and below | Sunday | 10:00 am - 11:15 am |
Under U11s to Under 13s | Sunday | 11:15 am - 12:30 pm |
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