Sundown Specials

Honours even versus Highgate as Specials stumble short in run chase

After the disappointing display and result against Palm Tree a far stronger Specials side pitched up for their annual trip to Highgate CC now captained by Matt Holly son of cricketing legend Dick. Having assessed my position as one of the busiest networkers in London I decided some batteries had to be recharged and Tony took over the captaincy. I did manage to fulfil my tossing role and inserted Highgate in to bat.

Tony faced his first problem when Dave 'the cat ' Cattell (2000 + wickets) needed 45 minutes rest before coming on first change. When he was cajoled into bowling Highgate were 71-0 due to some powerful hitting by Bowley and old fashioned nurdling from Dick. I spilt a sharp chance off Dom whilst the Cat dropped a regulation catch off Ringo at mid off.

The introduction of Cat restored some sanity to proceedings and then he wreaked havoc as he took the next 4 wickets for 7 runs and Dom yorked the dangerous Bowley. Highgate then fought back through Davis until two wickets for Luke and a fifth for the Cat had Highgate in trouble at 144 for 8.

Syed Karrar then proceeded to hit out and peppered the boundary for a sparkling 57 well supported by Aussie keeper Ebeer.For the second week running we had thrown away a good position and even non batsman Smith held us at bay until Cat got wicket 6 as Highgate were bowled out for 235. After the joke of a tea provided by Palm Tree the previous week where no quality control seemed to be exercised, it was a pleasure to sit down to a chicken and pasta salad. Gareth Williams (he of 6 ducks in a row fame) travelled four miles to tuck in as well and also put his hat in the ring for a call up later in the summer. Watch this space for any progress.

Tony rejigged the batting order by dropping me down to 5 and opening with V and Faisal. In the face of a good opening attack of Syed and Miller runs were difficult to come by at first .Gradually they got going and took the score to 98 before V needlessly ran himself out. We needed about 7 an over going into the last 20 and Cedric de Silva hit some nice shots before being bowled by Syed for 25. Faisal was next to go for 48-the first non 50 of the season for our run machine. Mick McGowan and myself kept up with the run rate until Mick was caught in the covers for 16. Tony hit some lovely shots before being caught for 26. Needing 20 of the last 2 overs Luke and I (28 n.o) fell short by 12 runs as Syed produced his best over of the match.

Nevertheless a good game of Sunday declaration cricket played in the right spirit .Satisfied spectators included Film Director Ivan Naisbitt and his 'animator 'father Roy no doubt speculating on the success of Ivan's debut film and how much it will fetch on e bay in the coming months plus assorted partners and children. On the other pitch a celebrity match between the Bill and East Enders had also come to an end. Next week we entertain Calthorpe with our two leading bowlers both on walkabouts for charity. The team were also anxious for the well being of tour stalwart Graham McGowan whose cricketing future is in the balance .We'll keep you informed of the progress of the dour scouser who hopefully will be fit to turn out for us in Upton.