Ripley CC vs Kingstonians CC 11th May 2019

The 2nd XI's kicked off our season at home to Kingstonians who in previous seasons have provided stiff opposition and once again participated in a close encounter. After the week of rain it was always going to be a difficult pitch to bat on. When we got to the ground it was clear that whilst the pitch was wet, the skies were clearing. Upon winning the toss we put the opposition in to bat and began brightly with both Khurram and Aaron producing very good opening spells of tight lines and lengths leaving the opposition on 33 for 1 after the first 12 overs taking full advantage of the two paced wicket in applying their variations of length and slower balls. The skipper himself had not one of his better days with the ball at first change but at the other end, Nad produced a spell of bowling that left the batsmen in a spin. He finished with figures of 10-3-12-3, an outstanding spell keeping the batsmen at bay at the same time chipping away at the wickets column. By the end of his spell, Kingstonians were left on 86 for 7 after 34 overs. It was then the fightback occurred with one of top scorers for Kingstonians last season, Kashif, finishing on an unbeaten 72 after some big hitting helped by some loose bowling to 199 for 9 after their allotted 50 overs. Nad with 3 wickets, Khurram with 2 wickets along with Aaron, Jay and Yasir (Yes, Yasir Arif!) all getting a wicket a piece for their efforts. The fielding was of a very good standard, supporting the bowlers at all times, something which I hope we can maintain going forward.

The Ripley innings began calmly, if not spectacularly, but 2 quick wickets in the same over leaving us on 26 for 2 after 9 overs. Kingstonians set about trying to starve our batsmen for runs. With all of our batsmen getting starts, it showed the wicket was showing signs of getting easier to play on until the dark clouds and spatterings of rain descended upon the green. Stand out batsmen on the day for us was Mo Khan, a new arrival this season, who had shown composure at the wicket finishing on 54 not out being ably helped through the middle overs by Jay (12), Toby (19), Kash (13), Khurram (23) and Yasir (20). As time wore on the run rate climbed from 4.00 p.o at the start of the innings to 54 runs being required in the last 9 overs. Mo and Khurram put on a 50 partnership to edge closer to the target when the rain started to come down. When Yasir arrived at the crease to partner Mo, we still needed 46 runs off the last 6 overs. Some good boundary hitting and urgency in running between the wickets turned the game in to a climactic last over requiring 14 runs to win.

Drama ensued in the final over, with one of the opposition bowlers, who had conceded just 3 runs in his first 3 balls, retired hurt, leaving the captain to take responsibility for the last 3 balls with our score at 189 needing 11 to win off 3 balls. 2 full toss no balls and some quick running between the wicket brought the total down just 2 runs needed off the last 2 deliveries. A single was tucked away to the leg side by Mo leaving Yasir to play the last delivery. The fielders all inside the circle. Bowler bowls. Batsmen swings. Misses! Keeper throws the stumps down leaving Yasir stranded and the game tied!

All in all a roller coaster of a game, disappointed not win but relieved to come away with a draw and not lose ground against a potential rival for the league title. Well done to Nad, Khurram and Aaron on the bowling front and well done to Mo, Khurram and Yasir for their valuable contributions in ensuring an unbeaten start to the season.

Harry Jamil.