3's lose high scoring game

The 3's were at home against St Albans 4's on an overcast day.

The skipper won the toss and decided to stick the opposition in.

Andrew Godfrey (1-31) and Matt Hawkes (1-21) opened the bowling and both started well with Hawkesy getting the first wicket of the innings thanks to a nick behind to Farzan Dulker Nain. Godders got the next wicket as he caught and bowled the number 1 batsman to leave the oppo 22-2. In Hawkesy's next over he induced another edge but this time Farzan dropped a regulation chance, which was to prove very costly as the number 3 batsman was given a life. The opening pair had bowled nicely and after 16 overs the score was around the 50 mark. James Thompson (0-60) and Mohamed Salahudeen (2-35) replaced the openers and both where on the money from the start. Mohamed picked up his 1st wicket after the number 4 batsman was a little unlucky to play on to leave the score at 74-3. The number 3 bat started to open up and got good support from the number 5 batsman. Mo struck again in the 30th over as the number 5 batsman skied one to Paul Simpson who took a good catch at mid off. The next batsman was clearly in a hurry as he dispatched the skipper's last over for 20. The score was 140-4 with 8 overs remaining but the skipper did not have too many options to call upon. Kudzai Makopa (1-38) and Paul Simpson (0-21) replaced Mo and the skipper but both batsman were beginning to free their arms and runs were starting to flow. Paul unfortunately pulled his groin so George Downes (0-15) had to bowl the remaining 4 balls of Paul's over. Joe Ellis (1-20) then replaced both Paul & George for 2 overs. Kudzai finally got the wicket of the number 3 batsman who departed for 84 when we had dropped him on about 5 by bowling him round his legs and then Joe got the last wicket to fall with the last ball of the innings thanks to a superb catch from Godders as the innings finished on 239-6.

James Thompson (22) and Farzan Dulker Nain (18) started the innings and got off to a flyer as the skipper crashed 12 runs, all boundaries in the 2nd over. Farzan's first scoring shot was a typical Farzan effort which got the maximum 6 runs. The pair were going nicely and were beginning to enjoy the batting friendly conditions, with both knowing a big contribution was needed if they were to win the match. Farzan was the 1st wicket to fall as he was caught on the boundary. Kudzai Makopa (83) was next man in but the skipper was soon on his way as the 1st change bowler got the skipper's edge as he was caught behind to leave the Village 42-2 off 10 overs. Matt Hawkes (4) was next in hoping to continue where he left off at Frogmore and things were looking good as his first scoring shot was a drive back down the ground for 4, but unfortunately he was bowled next ball. Mohamed Salahudeen (27) was next in to join Kudzai who was beginning to look good and was finding the boundary with ease. The pair got the score to 94 before Mo was caught which brought Joe Ellis (14) to the crease, who managed to stayed with Kudzai who was showing the rest of the side the way to score runs. Kudzai was hitting some lovely shots and with Joe able to rotate the strike and put away the bad ball the Village knew that this partnership was key to any hopes of victory. The pair had stayed in for 9 overs and had put on a healthy 57 runs before Joe was out caught and bowled to leave the Village 151-5. Andrew Godfrey (0) was next in and with 13 overs to go and 80 runs needed there was still a slim chance if Kudzai could stay in and others could bat round him. He brought up his 50 with another boundary before Godders was caught behind. George Downes (1) was next in but he did not last long as he was run out trying to get Kudzai back on strike. Priyan Perera (4) was next in and hit a boundary before being adjudged LBW to leave the Village 190-8. Kudzai had reached 83 and with only 5 overs remaining he tried to smash everything and was bowled. Paul Simpson (16*) and Femi Erbahor (2*) were the last men in and Paul batting on 1 leg and with Kudzai running for him managed to crash a few boundaries with one a straight 6 over the bowlers head but the overs ran out and the Village could only muster 210-9 off their 40 overs.

A decent game in the end but the lack of bowling at the end of St Alban's innings and crucial dropped chances cost us a victory. Godders and Hawkesy were excellent with the new ball and were both unlucky not to pick up a few more wickets. Mo was also very good in the middle overs and deserved his 2 wickets. Only Kudzai really showed any fight with the bat with an impressive knock which brought him his 1st 50 of the season, with the only other contributions coming from the skipper and Mo. 15 points in the end was not bad but coupled with the fact that both Southgate Adelaide & Boxmoor both won relegation is still a real possibility especially with those teams facing each other this week.