Sunday 27th September vs Kensington
Great Missenden Pelicans 277 (Kunaal Kankate 99*, Josh Bailey 97, Asad Rehman 42) Kensington 202 (Josh Bailey 4-41)
WON by 75 runs
Man of the Match: Josh
Kensington, our old friends came to the Meadow, the sun was out and let’s be honest all was good in the world.
Skip and Neeraj toddled out to the wicket discussing all things not cricket, stood, surveyed the strip below our feet and tossed the coin. With heads called by Neeraj both captains watched closely as the coin landed and revealed tails. “We’ll have a bat” suggested Skip, and with that hands were shook and the gladiators of war suited up in their finest white armour,
Raheel and Asad went forth to do battle with the best that Kensington could throw at them. Such confidence against Kensington can usually provide you with a smacked botty and today was no different as the Minister of Mayhem in his finest woolly hat David Behar bowled firstly Raheel for 10 swiftly followed by Hasan for zero. Skips plans were looking a tad problematic. Now elevated to number 4 having sat in his pads all day Saturday Josh “Shadup” Bailey strolled out to bat with all the purpose of a Sherman tank, a rather lanky streaky looking Sherman tank but a Sherman tank all the same that resembled a daddy long legs with leg extensions.
I must confess having watched Josh many times his innings tends to be a bit on the edge of your seat affairs as one moment of brilliance can swiftly be followed by one not so moment of brilliance. And with his first scoring runs being a 4, 2, 6, I must admit that once again I was expecting the expected, i.e. 6 followed by bowled, BUT NO the 6 was followed by a block which brought a mighty cheer from the crowd and a defiant hand raise from Joshy Boy.
It was not until the 24th over that what was starting to look like two batsmen became one batsman trudging back to the clubhouse, not Josh Oh no but our very own Prince of Chesham Asad, out for a paltry 42………..loser. Josh was now joined by Kunaal, playing because Rags had decided to stand down, a random decision that was to have far reaching effects. With the Pelicans score on 115 Kunaal decided to play himself gently into the game with seven singles and a two, Josh similarly had slowed down to singles, but safe singles.
With 30 overs gone and 10 to go the Pelicans score was on 159, Skip announced par would need to be at least 220 and even then, those pesky Kensington’s would cause us some problems. Josh sensing a bit of a hurry up coming on decided something must be done and unleashed in his own imitable style hell, if indeed hell was to be found in the Pink Flamingo Bar at the end of Pier 143, 4 followed 4 followed 6 until on 97 and so close to a hundred he was finally caught, what an innings. The Pelicans were now on 193 after 34 overs, 6 to go, surely, we could get another 30.
With one Bailey coming back to the clubhouse the Pelicans sent out the Old Bailey or the Hanging Judge as he is known in no parts, looking a fine athletic specimen that loosing 2 stone makes you look. Judge Bailey demanded his guard from Nico, confidently he raised his bat, like the finest swordsmith this side of Constantinople, chopped it downlike a gladiator, and watched his wickets disintegrate as he was bowled first ball. Thankfully, he was replaced by a proper batsman Niron, ably supported by his cousin who told everyone he was rubbish. Bails meanwhile incredibly unlucky in his wicket loss explained something about Nico giving him the wrong guard, the tooth fairy being in his line of sight or something like that, anyway it wasn’t his fault ok. So where were we oh yes 35 overs 201 runs. With Skip looking for hopefully another 20 or so runs Kunaal decided it was time to step it up not only another gear but actually a good 23 gears. There then followed the Meadows very own version of Blitzkrieg as hell was unleashed from a knackered split old bat. 6 followed 6 followed 4 and so it went on as the most destructive spell ever witnessed by this individual sent the Kensington fielders to all four corners of Bucks.
With 3 balls to go Kunaal was on 83, he hit a 4, followed by a 6 followed by a 6 to end on 99 not out. Now some would say that the last 6 was hit off a no ball, indeed all the players would say that, let’s leave it there. Anyway, with the help of Nirons nurdling and fine back up display the Pelicans had finished on 277. Unbelievable.
Tea…………….euch
With tea finished the Pelicans made their way out to try and stop what all felt was coming, a Kensington fightback. Opening for the Pelicans we had Toobes and Hasan, Toobes well ok usual fodder, Hasan on the other hand first over first wicket, unbelievable. The Pelicans celebrated but there was still plenty more batting to come.
The other Kensington opener Keleher decided attack was the only form of defence and started to unleash his own version of hell, primarily off the bowling of Toobes, naturally all unbelievably great shots. He was ably supported by Rohan who we know from old can bat a bit. With Toobes commencing his final over and ramping his speed up to 32 kph Rohan was deceived by the quality of the 5th ball of the over, actually on the wickets, such was his surprise that he watched it hit his wickets, not in slow motion, that was the actual speed.
I would like to say the Pelicans started to smell blood but actually we didn’t we knew things were not over yet especially with Keleher slapping the ball around. With Toobes out to grass Skip called the Chesham Prince himself into bowl, and after changing into his party frock he watched his first two balls go for 8. Hasan meanwhile into his final over unleashed his inner man and let rip with a low bouncing stunner that took out the Kensington opener on 53. The celebrations were a little more exciting but still muted, “cant trust them” muttered Skip.
With Hasan now joining Toobes the Joshmeister came on to do battle, and what a battle it was as he ripped through the middle order of Kensington and returned figures of 4 for 41 off 8 overs, what a performance, and following his batting heroics what a day. Meanwhile Asad now with warmed fingers did what he does best and suffocated the other end, unusually he didn’t get any wickets……loser. With Asad and Josh finishing their spells it was time to bring on the big guns, Adam (there aint no bigger gun) and Niron (no one has a bigger gun). Adam as usual took his customary wicket off 6 overs for 38 but Niron with the hands of Shane Warne but without the grip took two wickets for 11 off 3 overs and brought the game to a close with Kensington finishing on 202.
With hugs all around and Cobras to drink the two teams mingled and shared stories of tales of derring do, or just discussed what a great occasion it was. Meanwhile in the clubhouse Suranga assisted by Thilli prepared a Sri Lankan feast that was enjoyed by all those that took part or indeed watched the game. A fantastic tea produced by two of the smiliest, newest Pelicans who have added such a great deal to the club in the short time they have been with us.
With the 2020 season ending what a fitting and wonderful way to sign off, great company, great food and no rain.
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.
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!”
The important thing is that the Pelis got to bat first, on one of the hottest days of the year, fortunately moderated by a slight breeze.
Asad and Amit opened. It was quite apparent from the off that this wouldn’t be a belter of a pitch. Too much uneven bounce, and not even Asad could find his timing. Iceman, who has form with Middleton Stoney on LBWs, turned down a confident appeal by the opening bowler against Amit. Just as well, since the Pelis innings had to be built around Amit’s vigil – 54 in 35 overs.
It wasn’t long before JG was exercising his finger, in favour of occasional midweek Pelican Ollie Ross and against Asad. Josh then batted fearlessly for 34 runs. However, immediately after striking his first 6 over the pavilion, he appeared transfixed by a ball from the elderly spinner.
Ali came and went quickly, sportingly walking having gloved to leg slip. Like Josh, Hasan looked to be getting going, but again like Josh, followed a fiercely struck 4 off a 13-year-old spinner by then bottom edging onto his stumps.
Little to say about the other batsmen, with the exception of Alex Hill’s 34, mixing striking out and shepherding the tail. Though it’s questionable whether 13-year-old Vrishab felt shepherded as Alex insisted that he set off on a suicide mission. Thanks to Alex’s efforts, the Pelicans posted a still sub-par 159, rather than a pathetic 130-odd.
It was still hot when the Pelis went out to field. Lacking a regular keeper, the gloves were taken by Josh (whose shoulder was crocked anyway). Being permanently in the centre of the action allowed Josh to exercise one of his favourite pastimes – chatting. In between he did take two catches.
The Middleton Stoney openers did a professional job of taking the game away from the Pelis, with a stand of 100-odd. Try as we might, Vrishab’s economy, JG’s swing, Amol’s pace and Hasan’s guile came to naught. It was only when spin was adopted that we started to make inroads. After taking an over to find his line and rhythm, third-change Alex bowled impeccably for 3-25 off 8 overs. The season’s surprise bowling package Ali also picked up a wicket. Sumit distinguished himself in the field, with 3 catches at mid/long on, including a huge steepler. And if we’re looking for Champagne moments at the end of the season, ct Sumit Khanna b Vrishab Khanna must surely be a candidate.
Eventually, Ollie Ross performed the last rites, with a 6 into the sightscreen. But it must be said that the Pelis persevered admirably in the heat, defending a sub par total and eking the match out into the last 4 overs.
With us already indebted to the opposition Toobes decided to ignore the coin toss and let them bowl first. And so it was the time of the Amit’s. After much confusion with the scorer as to who was the better Amit, Amit S decided to face the first ball.
Quickly the runs started flowing and the Amit’s were looking strong. But it wasn’t long before the scorer learned who was the lesser Amit, with a difficult ball onto the pads Amit S had no choice but to walk off.
And so next up, Jim. With strong words of “stay out there” by the captain he took up stance and as always started swinging a little too keenly. But no matter he had the better Amit to rely on. Before long Amit was in the swing of things knocking balls all over the field racking up our runs almost as fast as the oppo’s extras. Jim, with some wise words from Amit, quickly decided to stop swinging like a wild ape and let Amit do the work. Before long Amit made a truly classy 50.
However, with the lesser Amit umpiring at the other end and possibly still regretting not taking full advantage of the beautiful batting conditions an unfortunate lbw brought an end to Amit’s run.
Ali decided to join the party and follow in Amit’s inspiring innings. Knocking several boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking over at a great rate, almost as if he didn’t like running the singles… Jim decided to again let the other batsman keep the run rate up and continue at his slow and steady pace. Finally learning the skill of leaving the good balls and knocking the bad ones for boundaries. To the dismay of the crowd he did not decide to face the difficult opener at the end and Ali heroically took him on until a mighty ball on the pads again had a Peli walking off.
With the last over up it was all eyes on Jim, could he make his first 100? No. Knowing he’d lost his chance he let our superb loan player Mehul knock a great effort of 11 runs on the last over before a top edge and caught in the slips ended the a great batting performance by the Pelis. A daunting score of 286 for the oppo to chase.
With our own teas taken care of it was time for the bowlers to show their worth. An excellent spell from both Hasan and JG kept the batsmen on edge, but neither getting any luck. Hasan even made a superb and for all of us a blindingly obvious runout, only for the umpire not to give it on the grounds of ‘the batsman was in the way I couldn’t see’. Don’t worry Hasan you will eventually contribute to the game. The captain decided to take things in his own hands and have a go.
Deciding that short and wide was the obvious technique. With the opening batsman bewildered with the luck off the first ball decided to take the opportunity… passing it so kindly to the safe hands of the better Amit. Toobes further continued with the great work and took the next batsman with a superb lbw getting us 2 down.
Knowing his work was done it was time Toobes decided to bring on Vrishab. With an excellent spell of bowling the batsman were scared. Quickly deciding to toss a ball straight up and to our other loan player, Sid. Off goes the third batsman. But Vrishab wasn’t finished, soon following up with an another quality out swinger edged to keeper. Now was the turn of Niron. First coming down the hill he played to his field perfectly. Soon forcing the batsman into a poor shot to square leg where a man, still dreaming of his own batting performance, quickly woke up and chased it down. Only to drop it in his usual style, good thing this man bought Niron a pint just an hour before. Niron deciding to remove umpires and fielders from the equation clean bowled the batsman and had him packing his bags.
Next up was our loaned player Sid, after performing excellently in the field the Captain kindly put him in to bowl. Sid instantly filling us with confidence when he kept shouting “put your helmet on!” to the batsman. Turns out he didn’t need a helmet but a foot stool to reach the ball. But this is the great thing with village cricket, everyone gets to play and Sid still produced some excellent balls once the height was fixed. Vrishab wasn’t finished and with the request to change ends down the hill took another great wicket with a catch to the lesser Amit. He almost achieved the better Amit status! Almost.
It was time for the opening bowlers to come back. Hasan finally it was your time, finally you contributed to the game! Coming back on to finish off it wasn’t long before a quick ball allowed the ever impressive Vrishab to take a catch, 7 down! JG wanted in on some of the fun and quickly followed taking an excellent clean bowled wicket that was just too good to touch. Hasan though, wasn’t finished and with the end in sight produced another difficult ball allowing the batsman to hit straight to the safe hands of Ali.
Finally one more wicket to come and with the pressure ramping up to hit the bar early the lesser Amit decided enough was enough after a poor shot off Has’ bowling a quick pick up and very gentle underarm to the stumps had the last man walking. An excellent performance from the Pelis to round off a demanding win.
A special thanks to the oppo who year on year are a great sport and without their kind donation of players we wouldn’t have played. Also a shoutout to Vrshab who put on an excellent performance of class bowling and showing the Pelis are in safe hands in the future! And lastly, as I get to write the match report I also want to pass a special thanks to the better Amit who managed to keep a very keen and excitable child level headed to achieve his best score while also putting on a fantastic performance to take his own personal best at the Pelis. Great game chaps, onto the
next!
