Energy Exiles Cricket Club

Match Summary: vs. Agricola, Sunday, 03 May 1998

Ground: King's House Sports Ground
Captain: Wil Scott
Match type: Limited Time
Toss: Agricola elected to bowl
Weather: Very cold
Opposition: Agricola scored: 105 all out (36.2 overs)
Exiles Score: 177 for 9 (46 overs)
Result: Won by 72 runs
Man of the match: Andrew Thomas 5 for 55

Following the cancellation of the first scheduled match the previous weekend, the Energy Exiles began the season against the traditionally strong Agricola at the Civil Service Ground, Chiswick. This was a very cold day. So cold in fact that Keith Roberts said that even he wouldn't dream of wearing a skirt in such conditions.

Wil Scott lost the toss and was asked to bat. Keith Roberts was quickly caught behind to an uncharacteristically rash shot. Soon after, Wil Scott was bowled by a good in-swinger for nine, but not before he had been hit on the head by a fielder's throw as he attempted a quick single. Wil was bruised but unbloodied, and should have been more annoyed that the interception of the ball by his head probably cost him four runs in overthrows.

John Priestland entered with the Exiles in trouble at 19 for 2. Both John and Mark Bradshaw played steadily to see off the opening bowlers and add almost 80 runs before Bradshaw was caught at mid-off for 42. John, after also scoring 42, was stumped soon afterwards. During his innings John hit some fearsome blows including a big six over mid-wicket.

After some early scares, Robin Airey and Kristian Armstrong milked the slow bowlers at a very respectable run rate, adding over 40 before Robin was bowled for 26. After trying to run himself out on a number of occasions, Kristian finally succeeded when Steve Yandel quite reasonably refused to run on a shot that had gone straight back to the bowler. Kristian scored a useful 24 that included a number of his favourite sweep shots.

Steve Yandel ensured that the Exiles batted out their time with a very sensible 14 not out as the Exiles' wickets began to fall, including Naren Patel, who wore a rather fetching cricket "jumper" during his innings. The Exiles finished their innings on the very respectable score of 177 for 9.

Naren Patel and Andrew Thomas opened the bowling, with Naren bowling accurately and Andrew erratically. However, it was Andrew who made the initial breakthrough trapping one of the openers and the Agricola No. 3 lbw. The next pairing for Agricola batted very ominously, scoring at a very quick rate. However, both Naren and Andrew stuck to their task well and were each rewarded with a wicket to leave Agricola on 58 for 4 and with only the draw to bat for.

Gwyn Thomas steadily worked his way through the Agricola late middle-order to take three wickets, and Luke Butler bowled very tidily to restrict the runs. However, it required the return of Andrew Thomas to the attack to take the remaining two wickets and win the game for the Exiles as Agricola were dismissed for 105.

The Exiles can be very satisfied with this result as it was very much a team performance with everyone contributing to the win and included a good performance in the field with Wil Scott outstanding. Furthermore, it was achieved without four of the leading bowlers of 1997; Bunton, Hilson, Tarbuck and Creak. Andrew Thomas looked a more than adequate replacement for Nick Creak and his performance in taking 5 for 55 on his debut for the Exiles wins him the man of the match award.

Report By: Mark Bradshaw

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