In a thrilling encounter between Widmer End St Margarets and Great Missenden Pelicans, cricket fans were treated to a display of batting prowess and competitive spirit that epitomizes the gentleman’s game.

The match, played on a Sunday that swung between summer brightness and gloomy cloud cover, ended in a draw, but not before serving up a feast of cricketing action.

Great Missenden Pelicans, batting first, set a formidable target of 257 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets in their allotted 38 overs. The innings was anchored by a magnificent, unbeaten century from Amit Talhan, who scored 126 runs, punctuated with 21 boundaries. Yusuf contributed a steady 34 before being caught by Hatt off Talmer, while Amit Singh added a brisk 74 before falling LBW to Wyatt. Josh chipped in with a quick 5 runs at the end.

In response, Widmer End St Margarets showed great resilience and determination. Despite losing early wickets to a fiery spell from Richard Frank, who claimed 3 wickets including splendid catches from Vipul and A Singh, they fought back through a stellar century from Jason Talmer. Talmer’s 107 runs kept Widmer End in the hunt, but his dismissal by Josh Bailey in the closing stages of the match tilted the balance back towards the Pelicans.

As the sun began to set on this enthralling contest, Widmer End finished their innings at 242 for 7, falling short of the target but managing to secure a draw in this timed game.

Highlights:

• Talhan’s Unbeaten 126: A long due inning from Amit, who anchored the Pelicans’ innings with 21 boundaries, ensuring they posted a challenging total.
• Singh’s Solid 74: A crucial partnership with Talhan, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
• Frank’s Opening Spell: Frank rattled Widmer End’s top order with 3 wickets in quick succession, setting the tone early.
• Niron’s web of spin combined with Yusuf’s calmness to claim well set M Akbar’s scalp.
• Talmer’s Counter-Attack: A magnificent 107 from Talmer gave Widmer End hope, but his dismissal proved decisive.
• Bailey’s All-Round Contribution: After waiting 20 overs to bat, Josh contributed a quick 5 runs and later took 2 crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Talmer, which swung the momentum back in Pelicans’ favour.
• Dropped Catches and Balls Lost: Several balls were lost to neighbouring houses due to massive hits, highlighting the power-hitting on display. Keeping up with the expectations, catches were dropped, which could possibly be blamed on the changing weather conditions but most of them were dropped under the blue skies.

This match served as a reminder of why we love this beautiful game. From Talhan’s inning to Frank’s fiery opening spell and the late drama provided by Josh, it had all the ingredients of a classic Sunday cricket encounter. As they say in the Caribbean, “Cricket, lovely cricket!”

Back to Results page

Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.