Roehampton CC 2s disappointing against Putney CC 2s.

Roehampton failed to put up a competitive target on a lively pitch freshened up by some early morning rain. RCC’s top order initially played well to be handily placed on 66 for 1. A number of questionable decisions, backed up by a lack of application from the middle order left the 2s reeling at 84 for 6 and placed well and truly behind the 8-ball. Putney were well on top from that moment in the game. Despite the best efforts of Stuart Turner (12) and Darcy Wright (12) RCC couldn’t dig themselves out from under that particular latrine and succumbed there-after to a solid Putney side.

In hindsight, a total of 170 would have been competitive on a traditional slow, damp early season English wicket. A few big 4s are not really enough to post a winning score. Instead, the team need to think on their feet and according to the match situation, realise when a period of consolidation is required. On a pitch where timing is difficult, working the ball into the gaps for 1s and 2s can be vital in pushing the score along before a final assault comes towards a competitive total.

Putney got a fast start to their innings until good spells from Gaurav Patel, Stuart Turner and Chad Potter made the game look as difficult as it should have been for Putney’s batsmen. By then it was too late. RCC made the cardinal error of bowling too many full-tosses when the pitch should have been taking the strain. These gifts were dispatched well to the boundary and left Putney needing a paltry target to win the first league game of the season. It was to RCC’s credit that 6 Putney wickets were taken – a couple more and it would have been a very interesting game…

There is much to learn and digest for the 2s before next Saturday. Practice midweek is where to put these things right.

(report by H Gunasekara)