Hurlingham 233-5 dec (39 overs) beat Buccaneers 188 all out (37.1 overs) by 45 runs.
The Buccaneers arrived in full force in blazing sun at The Hurlingham Club for our much anticipated 2024 fixture. An agreement was reached of a hybrid format with 80 overs in the day, the team batting first able to take up to 42, or declare prior to that with the team batting second given the remaining overs to make up the 80. Hurlingham won the toss and elected to bat.
Hamish Robertson and Eric Wedge-Bull opened up the Buccs seam attack, bowling some good areas and keeping the scoring fairly tight, given the traditional shortness of outfield at The Club. Hamish took an early wicket in the sixth over with a regulation feather edge to Jim Harcourt with the gloves.
Leech and Moules came in first change with Leech taking a wicket in his first over and Moules bowling out their remaining opener with style. Hendrick Robyns came to the crease for Hurlingham and started to nudge the ball around very effectively, forming long partnerships with two different batters holding up the other ends. Hendrick went on to make 112 not out, setting The Buccaneers a good total of 233 to chase with 41 overs to use following Hurlingham’s declaration after 39 overs.
Tea was taken, comprising a few sandwiches and cakes.
Chris Leech and Eswar Kalidasan were given the task of opening up on the hard, flat, dry wicket and they got us off to a strong start, looking solid and pushing the ball around for 1s, 2s and the odd 4 flashing across the croquet lawns. Eswar was eventually bowled out leaving the Bucc’s 48-1. James Marsh quickly followed LBW. Sutton and Leech then put on a 50 partnership before Chris eventually threw his nailed on 100 away, getting bowled for 65. Then the trademark Bucc’s mini collapse ensued with 4 wickets falling for 9 runs. Jim Harcourt stayed in trying to steady the ship as those wickets fell around him, posting a handy 33 runs. He was supported by Eric and Hamish and after he fell in walked Will Metcalfe with a pristine new bat. Will and Hamish crunched a few 4s and 6s to start to get the Bucc’s hopes up, but alas Hamish was bowled out leaving the Bucc’s 45 short with 4 overs to spare.
Further drinks were taken with the opposition in the Rose Garden. A great day was had by all.
Scorecard is below.