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Saturday 1st XI - Match Reports
1st XI vs Linden Park - Saturday 27th August 2005Orpington - 142-10 (49.3 overs - P Sheddon 38) Linden Park - 107-10 (27.2 overs - N Bradford 5/28 , P Schmidt 5/49) Orpington won by 35 runs The day begun with the champers being snuck into the fridge for a good chill through the day. A team who reduced us to a rather one sided losing draw the year before was not one to be taken lightly. The coin went up to the oppo's call of heads. It did not spin and the skip one step wiser, after the Wanderer's skipper wanting a respin, called a no spin in the air. Just as well as it came down in the oppo's favour who then subsequently lost the toss. The oppo skip knew his team would not be happy being out in the field, with as it worked out 9 players. Onto the game and the familiar opening pair marched out in the form of Gooch and Sheds. Some fortune was attained in their best bowler being one of the two absent from the start. As this looked one of the best attacks in the league, bar ours of course, they did leave one wondering how they were well entrenched near the bottom of the table. Gooch came back to the clubhouse early and Pabs, newly promoted back to his number 3 spot strode out. The skip, after playing 36 holes the day before with Pabs (the less said about the golf the better), figured out a new plan to motivate the greatest ever OCC player back to form and soon the partnership. A spread bet on drinks for runs over 20 seemed to have Pabs back showing some determination not to have to pay out. The runs began to pour on and at 60 for 1 the team had the unusual pleasure of feeling comfortable that the OCC would go on and post a good score, as the batters dominated the quick bowlers. On came the doppers and the runs dried up. Pabs showed increasing frustration and 1 run away from his first pint and applause from the bench, could not hold out any longer. His dismissal at 66 for 2 was the beginning of a situation OCC were more familiar with... a steady stream of wickets leaving the tail scratching for enough of a score to give the bowlers some chance. Although a mention must be given to Sanj who should be congratulated on his first double figure for the 1s this year. Not a lot more to be said for the batting, other than another great rearguard effort by red ink Doker and Alex to use up the overs a get us up to 143. Alex eventually given on another dubious LBW showed his soccer skills as his helmet took a pounding. One felt that although not a great score it should be enough, especially with Bradders back (lightened with his a seriously depleted wallet) to strengthen the attack. One has the feeling that when the OCC goes out there is a silent element of desire to destroy the oppo in the team. The will to fight has definitely increased through the year as the confidence and refusal to be beat has entered the mentality. The opening few overs, as has also been a fairly regular affair, might have shaken most sides as the batsmen took the sword to it. However it seemed to bring increased focus into the attack and soon Bradders started to demolish the top order. It was very pleasing to see the wickets of one of the openers get rocked bringing the end to the early on slaughter. This was followed by an LBW which brought the top bat of Linden Park to the crease. A few big, Goochie type swings, showed some early intent as he swung and missed. After some debate about no 3rd man the skip slotted himself into the covers. Another swing, but this time connecting, saw a diving catch being taken to continue the series of superb catches the OCC have being holding of late. In the context it was a vital take as one knew it was just a matter of time that the limited batting of Linden Park would hold out. Bradders having taken all five of the top order bats for 28 had broken the back of the oppo leaving Schmitter to take the cheap bottom half 5 wickets. A little scare at the end took off some of the shine of the win, but it was finished off most appropriately by Pabs taking a good high catch thereby removing half his nail. Sympathies to Pabs who will still be feeling the pain of that promotion winning catch. (I have just discovered this morning that he has actually broken the finger) Well the skip has been known for being a bit of a stats man of late. One stat which is certainly worth mentioning is the incredible run of wins leaving us undefeated since June. Not only that but no side came within 30 runs of our targets, most being some distance away.This shows the degree of domination we had, including over some of the better sides. This gives one confidence that we should be able to put up a good fight in the division above. The champers came out at what can only be described as a little nibble before the serious celebrations began. It does feel good to be able to look forward to a high standard of cricket again and anticipate it eagerly. Well done to all the lads, especially on the degree of availability this season. It is important in any season that if one is to achieve that the top 11 players be available. As some of the lads enter their twilight years (we all know who we are talking about here) it is encouraging to see some of the younger talent developing. With some good networking, leading to improving the squad, hopefully it will not be to long before we are knocking on the premiership door again. One last game to enjoy playing together in a more relaxed fashion, although another 20 points will need to be taken with Dartford having lost on the weekend. You never know stranger things have happened! Champions? Well done lads top season! Bring on DIV 1! Report: Paul Schmidt • Back to top |
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