Oakwood steal the day
Specials had new oppo in the form of newly formed Hertfordshire team Oakwood, who visited the Southover slopes in what turned out to be an enthralling contest.

Strongroom pulled out earlier in the week and the Middlesex Cricket Conference turned up this team, playing for only the third time. They looked young, but also like footballers. With maybe one or two cricketers.... Oakwood skipper Chris Griggs won the toss and put the Specials into bat on a damp wicket.

Faced by a very useful and youthful attack Specials openers Medlock and Herlihy played carefully against some tricky swing bowling from N. Burrows (one of four brothers in the team) and the more hostile pace of Willingham. Gradually the openers got on top and started to find the boundary and got past 50.

Medlock was first to go for 33 trapped lbw. Golding soon followed the same way for a duck having travelled all the way back from Singapore. This could be a new record. Herlihy and McGowan took the score to 115 before Herlihy was caught slogging for 38. The returning Mohammed was then sensationally caught by Willingham, and McGowan bowled for 34.

The newly engaged and still 'lovestruck' Jani, and Ned, did some late hitting, putting on 43 and Medlock declared the innings at 164-6 a decent total. Jani not out on 21-answering his critics from the previous week

After a tremendous tea the Specials set about winning the game. Oakwood's openers struggled against the pace of Pilgrim (opening with five successive maidens, the only blemish in the sixth being a harse wide) and some wily bowling from Ned Ghaghda. Eventually Ned got the breakthrough with the wicket of A Burrows, and Dom then removed Higgins.

Oakwood raised the tempo with some of their younger stroke makers going after Luke Vassay who then removed N. Burrows for 24. This brought the talented 18-year-old Willingham to the crease who then proceeded to play some fine shots. Some sharp chances were missed before Griggs was trapped lbw by Naisbitt.

The deciding moment of the game came when Medlock dropped Willingham off Naisbitt at mid on who then hit successive boundaries. Ferdenzi (below), a bowling hero from the previous week, took some stick.

The return of Pilgrim pegged Oakwood back and he took two wickets. Ten were needed off the last over and Philpin was carelessly allowed a single to bring Willingham back on strike. He calmly scored 8 of the next 4 balls. A single was needed to win the match and he drove Pilgrim through the covers. A tremendous end to a very sporting contest with wild celebrations from Oakwood and their supporters. Pilgrim finishing on 3-21, Willingham unbeaten on 87.

It was quickly agreed that a return would take place in 2007- this was one Conference game that was evenly matched.

The Specials returned to the club house chastened but not too down hearted. Bagmaster Cotzen, the Web Master Pilgrim, young Vassey and Jani played the quiz machine whilst the senior pros mulled over the missed opportunities and lessons for the future.

This was Willingham's day (below). We later learnt he had scored 134no in the previous game.

© Mike Herlihy 2006