Farley Hill CC (09/07/2023) (40 over game)

Result: Weekenders Lost by 39 runs 

 

AFTER SPIRITED CHASE, ENDERS FINALLY FACE THEIR WATERLOO IN THE DUKE’S MANOR

 

Farley Hill CC 224 for 4 (40 overs)

 

M. Orwell 8–0-48-1, Douglas 6–2-19-0, Cloete 6–0-14-2, Sackville 5–0-24-0, M.Husaini 6-0-52-0 B.Husaini 6–0-28-0, J. Orwell 3-0-19-1 

Extras 20          

Catches: B. Husaini, Cloete

B. Hussain 77*, D. McCarthy 58

 

WCC 185 for 9 (40 overs)

M. Husaini 5, J. Orwell 1, Chagule 16, Leal 65, J. Lyons 3, McCullum 15,  Cloete 41, B. Husaini 2, H. Husaini (+) 8, Douglas 0 not out

DNB -   M. Orwell, d’Inverno, Sackville

Extras 38

 

 

In a feat of masterful match-management, our Hon Sec turned the bitter disappointment of the Stoke Row cry-off (with its accompanying Cherry Tree Inn) into a laser bolt of excitement as we played a new fixture, hastily arranged in leafy Berkshire. Just a musket shot from the Duke of Wellington’s pile; the ground and pavilion were pleasantly-appointed next to a pine forest, on a hot early-July Sunday.

 

Farley Hill fielded a ‘friendly’ side which comprised a sprinkling of 1st XI players, with some old lags and more recreational players - but the standard was an ideal match-up for WCC. The Weekenders fielded first and found the pitch to be dry and dead after a few days of strong sunshine. There was no swing but a couple of nicks early on that didn’t quite go to hand. The bearded Hussain brothers gave the seamers some larrup until Dave Cloete regained some control with his sharp off-breaks. Pick of the bowlers was John Sackville whose ‘you miss, I hit’ approach bore the most fruit. 

 

Spin claimed another wicket as James Orwell got one through the gate, but Max’s normally threatening leg breaks were rather savaged by a batter who loves the sweep almost as much as Hoggers. After one brutal slog-sweep into the roof of the pavilion by McCarthy, Duggo couldn’t help but enquire as to the vintage of his County bat which was covered in opaque white polyurethane; as was the fashion in the late 1970s and early 1980s. A few Enders of a certain vintage paused momentarily as poignant nostalgia welled-up from deep inside. 

 

M. Orwell finally cleaned up the warrior with the antique blade but Farley Hill had amassed an imposing target that would require 5.5 an over in this limited over contest. 

 

After a shaky start, where J. Orwell was run-out by some electric fielding, Chagule attacked briefly in energetic fashion. McCullum dropped anchor to steady the warship. But it was not until our South African duo of Leal & Cloete combined that we set after the total with any purpose. The Jo’Berg natives dismissed the UK’s puny attempt at sunshine and clattered the bowlers to all parts as the home-side wilted. 

 

Sadly, we ran out of overs and despite some desperate efforts by the tail,  the total could not be reached. A truly intriguing match against a fun opponent, how lucky we were!