Cavs Win Inaugural SW15 Gentlemen's Cup

Words: Rich Else

This Sunday was unusual for the Cavs for two reasons. Firstly, they were playing away from the Heath travelling down to local rivals Putney. Secondly, they managed to bowl their opposition out for under 100 rather than being on the receiving end of it (stunned silence - Ed)

The SW15 Cup has been going since 2011 for the 1st teams, but we realised there wasn't a Sunday equivalent. So ourselves and Putney agreed to begin the SW15 Gentlemen's Cup - this being the first fixture.

Having lost the toss, the Cavs were asked to field first. On a pitch with some interesting bounce, Roehampton's opening bowlers Dhilhan Hannan and Hugh Gerlach looked dangerous and were quickly in the wickets. Two fantastic catches from Josh Bloom and Imran Rasheed were highlights in a strong fielding effort in the early overs. Gerlach finished with 4-9 and Dhilhan bowled a tight spell getting 1-13. Pukar Patel came on first change and caused Putney significant trouble taking 3-19.

Putney rallied in the later overs facing some 'interesting' bowling from Rich Else and George Buck and put on a few good partnerships after Joe Purnell shelled a dolly off Else. Purnell later went on take 2 wickets himself, one of which was the man he dropped earlier. Extras were top scorer for the opposition with Roehampton conceding a ridiculous 29 wides.

It's often said that chasing a small total can be tricky and Roehampton went on to prove that. Ducks for Buck, Rasheed and Bloom and Mo Saleem holing out to cover for 4 left Dave Mackay stranded for a while. Purnell coming in at 6 steadied the ship and put on a partnership of 48 with Mackay. After Purnell fell LBW for 23, Patel and Else supported Mackay to see the game out.

It was a patient and accomplished knock by Mackay who never really looked troubled despite his teammates falling around him. His 38 not out earned him the man of the match award and a shot of Thunder Bitch in the bar after the game.

PCC give out four awards after the game, so it felt rude not to give them out too (as well as the resulting Thunderbitch shot of whiskey).

MoM - Dave Mackay for his unbeaten 38
Dick of the Day - Joe Purnell for dropping a dolly off Rich
Thanks for coming - Imran
Champagne Moment - Josh Bloom (for a catch at gully)

A perfect weekend for RCC - wins for the 1s, 2s and Cavs. Everyone is very concerned.