Village juggernaut rolls over local rivals

Another top draw bowling performance, led by the skipper, set up a comfortable victory against Totteridge Millhillians IIIs. From the outset, David Overton looked and felt right at home at the Maccabi ground in Rowley Lane, the setting for the 1st XIs latest victory. Winning the toss on a fine warm day, the opposition were inserted without hesitation, as is customary, whatever the weather. The decision was vindicated once again with early wickets falling, despite a strong looking opposition top order.

The skipper's usual opening bowling partner was out grazing the pastures and paddocks of Turkey, so the new ball was shared with Andrew Potter (2-28) on this occasion. The first 8 overs yielded barely a run an over and with extras making up most of this total, the batsmen found themselves under significant pressure. It was pressure that told, as both openers fell to catches behind the wicket from attacking shots. The catching in the early and closing stages of the home sides innings was good but once again some mid innings lapses saw several chances go begging. The Totteridge skipper began to fight back with shots down the ground and through the leg side but 47-3 and then 74-4 was as good as it ever looked for the hosts. David Overton bowled 15 overs unchanged and finished with figures of 4-35. He can consider himself unlucky not to pick up a 5 for, as his famous slower 'knuckle' ball, should have accounted for 2 more victims. A plumb LBW and a couple of simple drops meant his finishing figures were not even the best of the day.

Naz Asif, got a rare bowl in the absence of both Saahil Mehra and his brother. It may not be his last spell of the season, as figures of 4 for 8 in 5 overs speak of the devastation that he caused with his full and accurate wicket to wicket bowling. The lower order were blown away in rapid time, with the final wicket falling to a stunning catch in the slips by Kudzi Makopa.

Straight round then and once again, the game was finished before tea was taken. On this occasion it took the Village 15.1 overs to overhaul the 92 runs amassed by a side who before the match were in 3rd place in the Division. Naz Asif capped an excellent match with 38 rapid runs before joining his opening partner back in the Clubhouse. Two wickets were lost with Phil Smith (10*) and Marcus Cara (24*) the not out batsmen at the end.

The Village bandwagon rolls on up to Hexton next week. With 7 games to go the lead over Old Habs, the team in 2nd is 29 points. The team is full of confidence and looking to extend rather than protect this advantage.