Sunk in Shepperton

Words: Purnell De Jour – JP

RCC descended on a very wet Shepperton for round two of the league season - roll on covers can be fantastic but work best with a full chorus of groundstaff (which would be a sight to see in Fullers 2nd XI cricket).

RCC lost the toss and were put in to bat. The RCC top order then duly proceeded to lob up catching practice to the Shepperton infield, who may not have known how to operate covers, but had figured out catching. Purnell Jr (18) and Snr (21) attempted to settle the ship but both soon departed. Fahad (16) continued to steady the ship but the lower order continued where the top order left off and lobbed up some more catches, just to check if Shepperton had forgotten how to catch - they hadn’t. RCC fell to all out for 116. Not ideal but not an impossible total to defend given the ‘sticky wicket’. Credit where credit is due: Shepperton bowled well, forced Roehampton into the shots and backed their bowlers up with some excellent fielding.

A cracking spread was laid on by the Shepperton tea ladies. The chicken nuggets were particularly well received. As were the scones.

RCC set about bowling. We made a good effort of getting them 4 down for limited damage, through tidy bowling from Shahid and Zak. Out came number 7. Fahad thought he got him gloving through to Stu Allen. The umps disagreed. Roehampton then proceeded to fall apart and give said number 7 the legal equivalent of throw downs into the slot and he used his heavy bottom hand to swing through the line at everything. He did it well and his 50 odd seeing Shepperton comfortably over the line.

Back at base Rich Else had a few and agreed to manage the bar next year. Congrats Rich. Cider for everyone!!!
(Is this how we get people to volunteer at RCC now? Ply them with booze? Genius! - Ed)

Match Award:
Joe Purnell - for winning the match day battle of the Purnells (he scored more and hit a 6 over extra cover)
Fahad Hassan - for service to the team in a losing cause (he scored runs, took a sharpish catch to get us underway in defending a small total and took two wickets with the ball)