Tom Whitrow, who has the Roehampton badge stamped on his heart (we assume), led his team of relatives, friends and neighbours onto the field against the RCC Cavaliers: the reunion match of 2019.
The Cavs batted first and scored slowly as the Whitrows' opening bowlers proved to be more accurate and faster than initially thought. No problems, the 30-over match became 35 overs and the Cavs made good use of the extra batting. Batting shout outs to Boagie and Fahad.
Tea: spectacular. (League captains take note: offer spectacular teas to oppo who need to field afterwards. After that spread the Cavs were in a food coma! - Ed)
Messrs Hugh Gerlach and Tom Dillon - with Tom on his senior debut - opened the bowling and after a spell of 5 overs each the Whitrow's were poised at 41/2 with Hugh and Tom grabbing a wicket each. Tight change bowling from Stephen Broad, Ekaan, Fahad and Harry Farley (also on his Cavs debut) left the Whitrows with a steep run chase.
Hugh and Tom finished the bowling with Tom snagging a wicket in his first over of his second spell. Pressure on the Whitrows!
However the Cavs had not reckoned on Alex Bushell. Alex, who left the crucible of RCC Cavaliers cricket some years ago, battled the Cav’s finishers and something of a hangover, to leave us with a simple equation: one over, six runs to win, two wickets in hand.
Ball 1: OUT! A good catch by Hugh and now the Whitrows are 9 down, 6 to win off 5 balls, however the batsmen crossed and Alex is on strike. Unfortunately the winning runs were scored with a shot that went just over Harry Farley’s head, and a request for more vegetables for teas (or taller fielders).