|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Can't find it? Site Map Site Design by AustenOsborne.com ©2003, Dulwich C.C. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Match ReportsDulwich 3rd XI v Reigate Priory (Home) – Surrey Championship 13th May 2006
Dulwich 164 all out (T.Howe 45, S.Heath 26) in 52.4 overs Result: Dulwich lost by 3 wickets
The second round of the third team’s opening season in the Premier League ended in defeat against the 2005 champions Reigate Priory, and yet Jeff Mascarenhas, our very own special one, reflected that it could have been so different. As sometimes happens Jose (or Jeff) had a slightly different squad but the side travelled in good heart.
Having been inserted for the 2nd time in a fortnight, Dulwich were forced to send out a different pair to open the innings. Sunil Mahey’s success at number 3 the previous week could not be replicated at the top of the batting order, but Stephen Heath showed good timing particularly through the covers in compiling a rapid 26 before being abruptly halted when adjudged lbw with the score on 44.
Tight bowling combined with a strong fielding performance from the visitors prevented the Dulwich middle order from taking control, with only Tom Howe - scoring 45 in his first appearance of the season - showing any ability to dominate through use of his long reach and powerful hitting. Sadly there was minimal support for Howe, as Jeff Mascarenhas (19) and Ejaz Khan (24) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.
After the match Jeff made mention of the support given by 15-year-old Patrick Carnegie whose straight bat and mature approach at number 11 assisted a last wicket stand of 34 with Khan. This partnership allowed the Dulwich total to reach a more competitive 164 on a seaming wicket.
As difficult as the chance was, the dropped catch in the first over after the turnaround meant that the 100% conversion rate achieved the previous week would not be reached in this game. The Reigate opener was not to capitalise too greatly as Keith Dawkins removed him shortly afterwards, but as more chances were spilled before the fall of the 2nd wicket, of greater concern was the apparent lack of concentration and application in the field. Whereas our attitude as a fielding unit had nearly brought us victory the previous week, the unwillingness this week to match the assertiveness shown by the Reigate batsmen as they raced to 87 was allowing the game to slip away.
Two wickets from youngster Patrick Carnegy, coupled with a drinks break which allowed the team to re-group and re-focus, invigorated the fielding performance and the pressure began to return to the batsmen. A tidy spell by Stephen Heath and some timely aggressive bowling from Neil Arendse allowed Dulwich to work through the Reigate middle order. Ejaz Khan, having caused trouble with the new ball, now returned to remove their remaining opener and at 126 for 6 their lower order was exposed.
However, only three an over was required at this stage and despite the loss of one more batsmen, it now only took a couple of lusty blows to bring victory to the visitors by a margin of three wickets.
In the post match reflections in the bar senior members of the side may have felt that a score of 164 was probably below par for the pitch. However it was clear that the game was nevertheless still there to be won in the field. Jeff was able to suggest that it is important for Dulwich that we learn from that issue. Going forward, Jeff stressed that his team remember not to wait until a third of the innings has elapsed before starting to perform.
Unlike his Portugese hero, Jeff is able to look on the positive side- he noted that apart from a lack of focus for a crucial period of the game, there was little difference between last year’s champions and Dulwich. Further, Tom Howe came through his first game with some runs under his belt, the team is demonstrating that even with players missing it does have all round ability with bat and ball, and Patrick Carnegy showed that he has a promising cricketing future ahead of him. Although the season is only two games old, Jeff will look for more fight and hopefully some positive outcomes. Jose’s braves travel to Spencer in a local derby next week.
|