Sunday 30th August vs West Wycombe
West Wycombe 124 (Amir Jafri 5-21) Great Missenden Pelicans 125-6 (Asad Rehman 43)
WON by 4 wickets
Man of the Match: Amir
With the Pelicans gathering at WW ground it is fair to say that there are fields in the Pampas region of Argentina with shorter grass than what beheld us at WWCC.
Notwithstanding the verdant outfield which would be the same for both sides there is a very important rule when playing our friends in West Wycombe, make sure you win the toss and if you do make sure you bowl first.
With history running around Skip’s mind the coin was tossed, tails were chosen and unbelievably tails were indeed the outcome. The plaintive explanation of weak team etc etc you can bat first etc etc fell on deaf ears as Skip elected to bowl, I may be stupid but I’m not daft, or something like that.
Opening for the Pelicans we had the usual duo of Amir and Toobes, to save time after 16 overs WW had advanced to 26, Toobes and Amir had come and gone and Suranja and Rags had taken over. Suranja too finished his spell of 6 overs for no wickets and 13 runs, and was replaced by Panpet Van or that is what it says in the book, we though know him as Nico. Such was the torpid nature of the batsmen can I please give you an abridged version, Rags took two wickets for 30 runs off 13, yes that’s right 13 overs, Panpet Van took one wicket off 5 overs for 17 runs and Asad took 2 wickets off 9 overs for 22 runs but Amir on the other hand was on fire and took a mighty five for off 11.2 overs for only 21 runs, a truly fantastic effort and one which saved the Pelicans from playing into Bank Holiday Monday or indeed beyond.
Now let me go back somewhat, WWCC are renowned for a particularly soporific type of cricket and this Sunday was no different. Play started at 10 to 2 and, with the Pelicans bowling in a very timely fashion the overs soon mounted up. Raheel was like a coiled spring whipping those bails off like Alan Knott himself, a cobra could not move faster, unfortunately for the Pelicans in gully we had somebody who caught like a cobra, our very own Rupert who now holds the honour of dropping the easiest catch of the season so far. Nirons similarity to a cobra well let’s not go there, but Nirons similarity to something that moved fast was not apparent as he picked up the ball ten feet from the bowlers end wicket watched the WW batsmen take a ridiculous run, get stranded in the middle, run back to the crease, Niron finally then unleashed the ball that comfortably missed the stumps. The worst run out attempt of the season so far.
With the overs racking up and more importantly tea on the horizon the Pelicans doggedly stuck to their task to winkle out the WW bats. With 40 overs comfortably bowled the Pelicans requested a drinks stop which was begrudgingly given followed by mutterings of “we will add the time on at the end”. With the clock hitting 4.30 and 45 overs bowled there was 115 on the scoreboard Skip thought it was gettable but with the conditions it could be tricky, WW on the other hand decided to carry on, and on, and on, WHEN WOULD IT END zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz anyway with Amir two balls into the 51st over he finally brought the snooze fest to an end to general mummering’s of thank xxxx for that. Those extra 5.2 overs advanced the WW sore by 9 runs to 124. A very tired Peli team traipsed off the pitch listening to Rags demanding we go for the draw, Skip on the other hand was having none of it and demanded a victory or go down trying.
Tea……..
Opening for the Pelicans again it was those two Ninjas Raheel and Asad, with the long grass runs needed to be run, but a steady foundation of 57 once again was laid by the time Raheel was bowled, there then followed four quick wickets, first Amit for 11, then Asad with a fantastic 43, then Niron for 11 followed by Rupert for 6. Now these may not sound high scores but each run was worth its weight in gold as the WW score came towards the Pelis, but more importantly precious overs were not used up as the Pelicans were now into their final twenty overs, indeed as Rupert departed there were 10 overs left and 32 for victory. Joining Jalil at the crease following Rupert was Suranja, now to say his stay at said crease was brief would do a dis service to the very briefest of briefs going, indeed it was so brief his partner at the wicket Jalil didn’t even notice his attendance. Anyway, out strode Rags to join Jalil and needing funnily enough 32 runs off ten overs. Surely this would be over, not as quickly as Suranjas innings but quickly. Well, to say that Rags and Jalil the epitome of the slow single were on fire, if indeed slow single running were the benchmark, it would be then fair to say they were red hot, indeed like lava.
As balls were defended or smashed to the boundary only to result in a “quick” single the score board limped on with twos, ones and zeros. It is here I must say Jalil looked like Usain Bolt compared to Rags, and indeed the Pelicans were wondering whether the draw was the aim. Nine overs to go the scoreboard read 95, 5 overs to go it had progressed to 98.
As the Mogodon started to wear off 9 was taken off the 16th over, we were back in the game, and then 2 runs were taken off the next over, we were back out of the game, then 5 runs followed by 4 runs and here we were the final over 7 runs needed. Jalil ran a quick single and left Rags at the striker’s end, 6 needed to win 5 balls to go. Rags defended the next ball, and then the next and then the next until with one ball left, we were still on 6 needed for victory. To put things into context, so far, the Pelicans had found the boundary 4 times and all of them 4s, a draw was on the cards……..bollocks. But then Rags summoning his inner Chris Gayle stepped forward and smashed the recalled WW opening bowler straight back over his head and beyond the electric fence, for SIX and victory. What a finish. It is also fair to say everybody played a very important part in this victory.
Such was the pleasure of the victory that nearly all the Pelicans headed for the Swan with the oppo, where once again animosities were quickly forgotten and once again, we came away thinking pretty decent set of blokes. And they engineered as bloody close game which really is what we all enjoy.
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!
