Eltham CC

Match Report

Match report Eltham CC Vs Churchleigh CC

This week's match report is from Imran, and as those who have played in a match with him would expect, it's very appealing...

Seven in seven wins for the season was the backdrop, no pressure boys. This was the message by the Skipper of Eltham to everyone before the game. It was particularly tricky game (as was the way to the ground), not only given the performance put together by Churchleigh last season, but also the pride of keeping the winning run going was on the stake. But for Eltham there was huge boost that our great Chairman was passed fit to play the game.

All set and both teams were roaring to go. The Churchleigh team captain won the toss and decided to bat first. It was cloudy and outfield was a little wet. Tanveer and Richard opened the bowling attack for Eltham. As usual they were bang on target. The openers started cautiously and soon started asserting their authority. The morale of the Eltham was great with every one cheering and backing up but the opposition openers were equally up to the task answering with the few glorious shots. The Eltham were getting a little edgy and Captain Matt was changing the field positions to put openers under pressure.

Finally the moment came which all the Eltham mates were aiming for. The batsman Dyal played a lovely shot on the square leg and ball was racing towards the boundary. The fielder Imran gave everything to chase the ball down and stopped the ball near the boundary line. The batsmen ran for the second run and Imran spotted the opportunity of run out. He sharply threw the ball from the boundary line with precision to hit the wicket and there was leap of joy among the Eltham when the leg umpire raised his finger. Every one from Eltham was over the moon and relieved the danger man was out. The Eltham Chairman was particularly impressed and he came to Imran and said "Well done son, next time try to look at the wicket before you throw."

This run out set the tone right from the start and Eltham went strength to strength. Richard was little unlucky with the ball. He bowled with great speed and passion but was unable to pick up any wicket. On the other hand Tan was lethal with the ball and his devastating spell of accurate bowling destroyed the opposition batting order. A return of 4 wickets for 22 run in 8 overs tells the storey. He was equally supported by the Skipper Mathew who led from the front and kept all the team on the toes. The brilliant Skipper bowled with great economy and never let any batsman settle down. A remarkable bowling figure of 3 wickets for just 9 runs sums up the lovely performance. When we talk about performance, it would be criminal not to mention the name of Colin who has been such a consistent and solid performer all round through out the season so far. This match was not an exception for him. He bowled really well but only thing was that he has to help himself as always on his bowling. He is definitely chasing all time Eltham caught and bowled record.

It was an overall great team performance of bowling and fielding by Eltham which restricted Churchleigh to a total of 139 all out. But pundits of Cricket were regarding this as competitive total given the pitch was quite difficult to bat and variable bounce.

Imran and Asjad opened the batting for Eltham. It was very cautious and watchful start as the wicket was very difficult to bat and some exceptional bowling by Wilkinson Lee. Eltham could only make 24 runs for 1 in first 11 overs. It all started to change when Skipper came on the crease following Imran's departure with some mighty blows; he really put the foot on gas and took the game to the opposition. On the other hand Asjad played a solid innings punishing only bad ball, quite uncharacteristic.

Skipper played marvellous strokes all round the ground including a hatrick of Sixes. A number of times the ball had to be fetched from the bushes. Asjad also picked up the pace with the bat after seeing the onslaught from the Skipper. Matt reached his fifty and elegantly raised his bat. The interesting bit of the match was that Asjad was on 49 for long time with only 12 runs required to win. Matt hit a six and a four to bring the winning margin to 2 runs. It was such suspense to see whether Asjad could hit the winning runs and make his well deserved fifty. Eventually the moment arrived when Asjad hit the ball high on the long leg out of the boundary to earn his fifty. What a way to win a match and complete the fifty.

Another great win for Eltham and brilliant team work. Congratulations to every one on straight eighth win, another Eltham record...

Keep going Boys, sky is our limit (Sky? Are they bringing the cameras to BGS next week? - Ed)

Signing off your reporter: Imran