In the ongoing absence of the official report your Fuhrer has sharpened his pencil to provide a view of the match from the Bunker. Obviously, the view from my Bunker is rather restricted so nuances and humour from the play will obviously be in short supply. Arrangements with Fenners had been tortuous as the pandemic cloud was presumably hovering dangerously low over the ground so it was a relief when the day of the match arrived and cricket could take centre stage.
In searing hot weather, the two skippers decided on a 40 over a side encounter rather than a declaration game. Rory won the toss and asked Nomads to take first knock. Their top order built the innings steadily, with opener Mr T Brockton making 91, but thereafter the middle order fell away against decent bowling with Finn Karsten being particularly successful taking 3 wickets for 20 in 7 overs. Rory Davidson with 2 and Freddie Perkins with 1 were the other wicket takers. The fielding was very good, especially so bearing in mind the temperature, with Henry Campbell’s 2 run outs helping the cause. The innings came to an end after their allotted 40 overs with Nomads on 220 for 8 wickets.
After the loss of an early wicket The Philanderers’ reply looked very assured with a 2nd wicket stand of 169 between Mel Ragnauth & Paul Leary taking the side to the brink of victory. Paul was dismissed for a well-made 82 whilst Mel went on to achieve an excellent 100 at his old stamping ground. A very minor wobble followed but the remaining batsmen got the team over the line reaching 221 for the loss of 5 wickets with just over two overs to spare.
So, our inaugural fixture with Nomads brought victory in, so I am informed by the players, a well contested and thoroughly enjoyable game. This view was endorsed in an email of thanks which I subsequently received from Michael Blumberg, the President of Nomads, who said that they are looking forward to the return encounter next year. He also requested contact details for Tom Picton-Turbervill whose grandfather had apparently captained Nomads in the 1950s. I acquiesced to his request on the strict understanding that Tom is not poached!
Phil Harvey
Century maker Mel Ragnauth leaving the field of play
Ben Cassels previously a player of talent now lists his main sporting achievement as doughnut eating!