09/06/2024
HWG CC secured their first-ever win in the Chess Valley League in a high-stakes match between two teams fighting to stay in the league. Senior player Nee's writing beautifully captures the intense emotions, brilliant performances, and the profound relief felt by the team.
So a league match 45 overs per side. whcih started half hour late at 130, and finished at 830. Saif won toss and elected to bat at BB. Good decision and opening partnership 52 Dhaniyal and Saif in quick time, 7.2 overs. Then 3rd wicket 80run partnership between Omar 64, in quock time, and Sha a brilliant centurion 101 was aided by Asif 10 Ranjit 36no and Abdul 52 (with a rapid half century) ensured a proper challenging target set at the end of innings. Potten End bowling was oddly captained, they had pace and talent but could not make inroads and didn't rotate. Then after Omar had to leave at half time, for family illness (hope all is well), we took to field with 10men. This would be tough.
Ed bowled admirably but it was Asif who applied some control and chances came off his bowling, 2-44 off 10 overs. Some drops and also some dodgy decisions, big edges and catches not given, even apologised for by Kais umpiring (who plays for us in the Norwich Steele tour). Then considerable delays due to bad behaviour and poor sportsmanship by Potten End. Perhaps some choice words from HWG under duress. They chased hard - Seaton 48 and opener Akhtar made 152, having not walked for 2 edges and a bump ball off the bat as adjudicated by umpire when he was walking off, called back. Fowles was applauded for a fine 50. Ranjit bowled well. Abdul proved to be very effective with a super allround performance. While there was a chance with 10overs left in the game, Rana took 2 wickets to curb any ambition. A creditable chase 312 off 45. Glad we won, we lost 4 balls, and 7 hours match was tiring. Hope the other league matches will be played in the right spirit. โ
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Written by Nee Wijeyesekera