Hurlingham Club 120 all out (35 overs) lost to The Buccaneers 121-3 (26.1 overs) by 7 wickets
As ever, with Hurlingham comes gloriously sunshine. This year we were invited to play a timed game format, starting at 13.30 with 20 overs from 18.00. The Buccaneers lost the toss and were put into the field. After the liberal application of factor 50, the Buccs took to the field with Hamish Robertson and Ludo Milne opening up the attack with the new ball. Both bowled well but had little luck with catches not reaching or streaky edges through the slips. It was looking like it could be a long stint in the field until the first wicket fell in the 13 th from the first change Stephen E Moules. The middle stump cartwheeling towards Fletcher as Steve bowled the opening bat. A few overs later Moules struck again with an LBW and Simon Leefe added another through Tom Fletcher’s fast handed stumping. Moules continued his form with another bowled and a couple of catches behind reaching an excellent first five-for of his playing career! (7 overs, 5-30).
Chris Leech soon came to the fold with his tweakers mopping up the tail with a keen three wickets in 4.4 overs. This left Hurlingham all out for 120 in 35 overs.
We were all set to head back out to play following a 15 minute changeover, when we all heard the tea trollies clinking down the path. At which point, a tea comprising sandwiches cakes and refreshments was taken.
Berry and Kalidasan were tasked with opening up for the Buccs and, like Hurlingham, our opening pair got off to a solid start reaching 48 runs without loss before the first wicket fell in the 15th over. It was Berry walking back to the pavilion with an admirable 26 runs. Michael Harms (centurion in the most recent fixture between these two sides) came and went fairly quickly with one run from his five balls faced before blocking one with his pads in front of the sticks. Eswar remained the steady constant for the Buccaneers as Charlie Leefe stepped up to the crease dispatching his first ball for four through the covers.
As ever, Charlie continued to see ball, try to hit ball and a few more crushing fours came off until he missed a straight one and was bowled for 26 runs from his 21 balls faced. Ludo Milne came in to support Eswar to his wonderful 50 no out, sending the Buccaneers to a seven wicket victory. Further revelry and Pimm’s was enjoyed in the setting sun.
The full scorecard can be found below:
Steve Moules’ analysis can be found below:
Eswar’s batting stats can be found below: