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A sunny Sunday afternoon in early June saw a depleted Superstars (with only 10 players,
including 4 debutants from various sources) take on St Anne's Allstars in the depths of South West London. Stand-in
captain Mike followed in Barry's footsteps and lost the toss, meaning Superstars were put in to bat on a pitch that
rivalled Richmond Green for its unpredictable bounce. |
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Despite the testing conditions and the early loss of George for 7, debutant Diego batted
aggressively and was well supported by Dave as Superstars made a strong start, reaching 71-1 off 11 overs. Diego clearly didn't
fancy running much in the sunshine as he hit 10 boundaries in his 45, but holed out to a good catch at long-off when aiming
to reach his 50 in style. The wicket didn't seem to faze Dave, who continued to play the anchor role as his mate Sam took up
the role of aggressor in a 51-run partnership for the third wicket. |
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Sitting at 122-2, Superstars were on track for a competitive score and perhaps a first win of
the season, but the pitch had other ideas. Firstly, Dave received a snorter of a delivery which he could only glove behind for 20,
before Aaron was clean bowled next ball by one which looked like it rolled, rather than bounced. The two quick wickets quickly turned
into a collapse, and Gary (5), Sam (42), Jason (4), Konrad (0) and Mike (1) all fell in quick succession. Aaron, as lowest scorer,
was able to come back in, and narrowly avoided a same-innings king pair as his first ball burst through the hands of mid-off and
went for 4. Aaron and Brazilian debutant Gabriel saw out the rest of the innings to finish on a competitive 156-9. |
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Following refreshments, the Superstars opening bowlers began tidily, with Gary bowling two
successive maidens, and both Gary (1-22) and Konrad (1-24) picking up a wicket apiece. Diego (0-49) and Sam (2-14) continued applying
the pressure, with Sam bouncing out the no. 3 batter; until the final over before drinks where Diego lost his length and was hit for 21,
including a couple of waist-high full tosses, swinging the momentum in St Anne's favour. |
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After drinks, the momentum promptly swung back towards Superstars, with Sam picking up his second wicket
in the first over, and Jason (1-14) removing Nick Knight (not that one) for 40, smartly caught at point by Dave. When St Anne's no. 6
pulled a muscle and retired hurt, and Mike (1-22) bowled their no. 8, Superstars were in the ascendancy at 115-6. However, despite a
number of vociferous LBW appeals from Sam, Jason and Dave, and an appeal for a glove behind off Gary, Superstars weren't able to take
any more wickets, and Biss and Arnott (despite a blow to the head) were able to see St Anne's home, winners by 4 wickets. |
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All-in-all, a good, competitive game played in good spirit, but Superstars perhaps came up short of
a winning total by 20 runs or so. Alternatively, one can imagine that having an 11th fielder available could have made a significant
difference to the outcome. |
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Michael Duggan (c), Aaron Harris (wkt), Gary Plahe, Konrad Chodzko-Zajko,
George Warren, Jason Marchant. |
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D'Souza, Sam K, Gabriel, Dave Hoggins. |
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