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Reports 3rd July
1st XI
Despite an opening partnership of 134 Cheam slipped to their first time game defeat for over 2 years in a complacent poor performance against bottom of the table Purley. Late team changes saw Ollie Ersser drafted in, due to food poisoning, for the in form Adrian Jones. Steve Clark returning from his Egyptian holiday was also not keen to field too far away from the facilities.
Danny Miller won the toss and gave Purley first use of a good wicket on a warm day. Clark and Harrison each took an early wicket and a break down in communication saw another sent back while stranded in the middle of the pitch. Keith Medlycott joined opener Fuaad Syed (104) and between them they first consolidated to lunch and then built a century partnership. Medlycott’s dismissal saw wickets fall at regular intervals but Syed continued to an excellent century as Purley posted 244 in 65 overs. Mark Burns 4 – 65 and Tim Scott 3 – 68 were the most successful of the bowlers.
In reply Cheam started solidly with Houpapa (96) again dominating the opening attack. Dan Johnson (60) weathered the early onslaught with courage before flourishing as the bowler’s tired. Both batsmen passed fifty with little alarm as a season's best opening partnership of 134 was posted. Despite taking some early punishment from Houpapa, Medlycott eventually enticed Johnson down the track and started an alarming collapse. Poor shot selection, poor running and inability to keep the score board moving combined with an inspired spell from Purley’s overseas professional Fayyaz Hashmat left Cheam needing 7 to win from the final over with one wicket in hand. Sadly for Cheam, and to the delight of a stunned Purley crowd, Harrison could only find the hands of backward point with his firm drive.
So far this year the side has failed to reach even 80% of its potential. Improvements must be made in all facets of the game if the side are to maintain their challenge for the premier league. Cheam welcome Pyrford to Peaches Close on Saturday for what we all hope will be a backlash to this shock defeat.
2nd XI
Round 9 of fixtures saw the arrival of Purley to Peaches Close. A top of the table clash, which as expected was a sell out!
Purley started the game 18 points ahead of Cheam top of the table having demolished everyone they came across and arrived in a particularly confident mood. Nick Blackman having gone to collect his knee brace had some road rage with their opening bowler before the game had even started, start as you mean to continue Nick!
Coxy, guesting as umpire this week turned up sober and looking the part. Remarkably looking like Howard Cohen from a distance!! All the gear, no idea some thought.
Cheam won the toss and elected to bat on a belter of a track and with a batting line up capable of scoring in excess of 300! Drib's mentioned during the opening over, "This is the 2nd fastest outfield in the world, after the WACCA!" Some statement!!
The crowd were rolling in with fights in que outside to get in for the first ball to see Dylans 2010 debut! Those who got in on time were not disappointed, with Dylan and Marcus putting on a patient opening partnership. At drinks Dylan had just got to 50, and Cheam were 96-0 after 20 overs. Circus told Dylan to start again from 0 and make sure he made three figures. 5 balls later, he walked past one and was stumped fom a well made 53. Enter Crouchie. MJ fell shortly afterwards and Cheam were suddenly 100-2. Circus and Crouchie rebuilt slowly with plenty of singles and putting away the bad ball. Crouchie getting to 50 before giving out LBW sweeping by the 'slim lined' Coxy. By this time Cheam were 220-3 with Circus starting to crank up proceedings. A six over midwicket hitting a sliver Vauxhall Corsa in the car park got things going. If that Corsa belongs to you, don't ask for any money for the damage, I can't afford it, i'm still waiting for some match fees!! Circus carried on in similar vain smashing his way to 93 before being caught on the boundary. Blackman and JP finished the job smashing the last 2 overs for 23 and declaring at 284-5 off 53 overs.
The aim was simple, 10 wickets and Cheam are 5 points behind Purley, the title race is on!
Blackman, still upset by their opening bowler not giving way at a junction came steaming down the hill! A first over which had everything... pace, bounce, aggression, oh... and a tantrum when hit for 4! JP bowled well and in the 4th over Cheam were up and running. Picture the scene.... JP pounding up the hill, full ball, catches a thick outside edge. The ball doesn't get more than a foot off the floor. Crouchie, stood at backward point takes two steps to his left before diving full stretch to his right, grabbing the ball inches off the ground. Camera's were flashing all over the ground. The roar caused the bar to empty as Crouchie threw the ball in the air before doing his 'Alan Shearer' celebration round the outfield. The batsman passed out on the wicket and Coxy thought he was drunk. Unbelievable Jeff!!!!
2 overs later, JP catches the edge and Blackman took the catch at 3rd man. 4 balls later, the rolls were reversed. Bowled Blackman caught JP at mid-on, and Purley were 22-3. The 4th XI/ 3A's (depending who you speak to) were watching in disbelief, despite Fergie making his debut for the season on the 2nd square opening the bowling. Number 5 came in and the only thing in danger were Coxy's toes at square leg as the batsman stepped away at every delivery! Somehow he found some foot movement and steadied the ship taking Purley to 68-3 at drinks. In reality, Cheam failed to win the game in the next 15 overs. A lack of intensity and poor body language allowed Purley back into the game as both batsman passed 50, before Dylan made a 2nd bid for 'catch of the season.' Yes thats right... DYLAN!!!! Last year he had the turning circle of a P&O ferry in the field, this year, he's had a bionic arm fitted and is much more agile. A clip from the batsman over midwicket, Dylan turns, chases away from the batsman and dives to take the catch. 2 overs later, Smokey (fielding with one arm) misfields before running out the batsman with a direct hit, suddenly 2 new batsman and game on!
In came number 7 who wasn't having the greatest of day. missed run out, 4 over throws, 2 dropped catches and god knows how many missfields. This Cheam side are never backwards in coming forwards, and didn't fail to disappoint in reminding him. In short, he didn't last long and was out for not many after trying to knock Blackman's head off at short leg, instead missing a straight one from Drib's. Smokey took a wicket to make the last 2 over's nervy for Purley but they held out for a draw, finishing on 198-7 from their 47 overs. Winning draw for Cheam.
Plenty of positives for Cheam to take from the game. 3 batsman got to 50, JP and Blackman's opening spells were brutal and some great catching. On the negative side, some more intensity needed when things aren't going right, it takes one ball, one moment of magic to take a wicket, you need to hold in there.
Table looks as follows; Purley 82 points, Cheam 67 points, Pyrford 61, Camblerley 50.
Cheam visit Pyrford next week on their 2nd square as they are hosting the annual flower show at their main ground. Shame to miss it really! For those of you interested i believe it starts at 1pm.
In other news, i went to the coast of Sunday, bought 2 99's from the ice cream van, and they cost me almost £4 and not £1.98. Can anyone explain this for me?
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