After a comprehensive dismantling of the opposition last week, the 1s returned to the field with the quiet confidence of a team that knows exactly what it’s capable of—their next victims: Northampton Exiles 1st XI.

Match scorecard

Just as the sun decided to appear, the warm-ups were done but the skipper Devraj Ray decided to argue with the under 10s girls' team coach, telling her to get out of the nets as the game was starting. “It’s not 12 pm yet,” she said as Ray quickly retreated in fright.

Back to the cricket. Clearly, the opposition skipper didn’t see Play-Cricket’s stand-out performers email last week as they opted to bat first and they were immediately introduced to the harsh realities of Saturday League Cricket when the mountainous silhouette of Sam Smith appeared at the top of his mark. You don’t face bowlers like this in the nets.

From the off, Smith S was hitting those probing lengths and before long, the opening bat decided to drive it straight into cover’s hands. The scoreline read 0-1.

At the other end, Thomas Smith, refreshed from what we assume to be an early night, bowled with control and purpose - a vast improvement from last week’s performance, which had the consistency required. He asked genuine questions of the batters and their only answer was to waft at every delivery. He picked up a deserved wicket and looked like a man transformed.

Sam Smith, meanwhile, continued his rampage and after shouting at the first batsman he dismissed, you could tell the rest were scared. He finished off by taking four wickets for only 11 runs in 10 overs, which included five maidens. He was quite literally unplayable.

Northampton Exiles were already in deep trouble with their poor batting and the Village’s fielding was a boot on the back of their neck. It even got the approval of the watching legendary Village cult hero and ex-left-arm spinner Richard Downes: “The first 15 overs were bang on. Jay and Amit were all over it.”
When a man who’s seen more dropped catches than you’ve had hot dinners gives praise, it means something.

Next into the attack was Marcus Cara, still fuming from being robbed of Man of the Match in last week’s match report despite the vote. This week he continued his good bowling but cruelly, finished wicketless. At the other end, Obaid Ur Rehman threw down darts with the grace of a Pakistani Luke Littler and picked up one wicket in five overs for only 12 runs.

Next, enter Amit Chadha. Last season, after constantly hearing “Today’s your day, Amit,” today WAS finally his day. He came on and within 3.2 overs had obliterated the lower order with four wickets, all while barely breaking a sweat. The opposition folded for 91 in 30.2 overs and, honestly, it could have been far less.

As the teams trudged off, it was a great effort by the 1s, especially since the ex-1s skipper Dave Overturn was in the crowd shouting out nonsense throughout. It was clear the job was 90% complete - even Hank’s tail was wagging knowing the job’s pretty much done. All that remained was to avoid disaster with the bat... (But first, a short break and Hinal Gajjar trying to sell his kebab rolls and mango lassi: a lack of sales, but at least there wasn’t any shavings littering the outfield today.)

The chase began with Daniel Potter stroking a glorious cover drive for four - textbook stuff. Unfortunately, textbooks also mention wickets and the opposition showed some fight, removing Sumit Jadav (4) and Potter (10) himself soon after. At 24-2, the chase suddenly looked like it might get a little tricky.

Skipper Ray dropped anchor, channeling his inner Pujara, while Marcus Cara went full golfer, swinging away, threatening to finish the game in a flurry before inevitably edging one behind for 21. That brought Sam Smith to the crease, who’s been in top form. He continued this with calm, composed batting, supported via the captain to steer the innings towards its inevitable conclusion.

But it wasn’t always going to be that straightforward with Ray at the crease was it? The score: 91-3. Target: 92. The skipper, clearly accustomed to premature endings, shook hands with the opposition under the impression that the game was won. We were still one run short. Sigh. Trying to correct the error, Devraj Ray called an absurd run, nearly sending Sam Smith - an absolute unit sprinting down the wicket - to his demise. The throw missed, just. Sam Smith survived.

Victory. 30 points. And the unbeaten run continues.

A ruthless display with the ball, electric in the field, the batting - functional. Sam Smith took Man of the Match (rightly, this time) with excellent bowling and again steered the team to a win with the bat. Two games, two wins and beers truly deserved. We were so good even young Thomas Smith had a fan come to congratulate him after the game. All in all a very good win for the 1s and the excitement of it all got a little too much for Sumit Jadav, that he decided to give himself a beerkaki.

PS Thanks for coming Lee Cara.