Detail: 26-06-2022 - Claygate

Result: L by 88 runs
MATCH REPORT: Blues at Claygate
Blues' first ever trip to Claygate in the leafy Surry suburbs, turned out to be one of those days from which, as the former England coach Chris Silverwood said after losing the Ashes by an innings and 14 runs in Melbourne, to 'take the positives'.
So here they both are:
BLUES FIELDED A FULL XI
This did not seem likely on Tuesday when it transpired we would have more members at Glastonbury watching octogenarian crooners than in London. Selection options were further depleted by another scheduling clash that ruled out several Blues as they would be confined to bed/sofa/toilet bowl after Saturday's Latchmere/Barbarians cricket & drinking contest.
However, some keen recruiting produced three debutants, Naga, Roger and Owen. With a phalanx of all-rounders Blues headed south, battling through the rail replacement bus network, full of confidence despite a nagging feeling we were light on genuine batsmen.
We found an excellent venue, with cafe-bar, changing rooms, nets and a mini-marquee sunshade to prevent Rory from burning, and a dry-looking wicket.
BLUES BOWLED AND FIELD WELL
Having lost the toss we were put into the field. Despite being denied a series of very strong lbw shouts a solid bowling display backed up by sharp fielding dismissed the hosts for 140 in the 31st over (so much for being told we had to play 40 overs).
Blues used seven bowlers and two keepers. Tom took three wickets in four balls in his opening over (Metto taking catches in successive balls at mid-wicket, the first one a flier). Glenn, Ali, Naga, James and Rory grabbed one each. Sumit would have had one as well, but Owen missed a hard chance at mid-wicket, redeeming himself by chasing after the ball and firing in a pinpoint throw from which Sumit was able to effect a run-out. Ali and Harry also combined for a run-out while Roger showed good hands saving runs in the gully/point region.
Special mention of Rory who, like fellow ginger Bairstow, takes motivation from being doubted, the fiery pacer responding to being denied the new ball with an excellent six-over spell. Alistair backed up last week's bowling with another impressive burst while Naga's leg-spin was a very enjoyable feature of the attack - and with DRS would have had several wickets.
We did not even need to bowl Owen, who by reputation was our best bowler but wanted a bat. As it turned out this was perhaps not the wisest decision by batter or skipper.
ERR, THAT'S IT FOR THE POSITIVES
Blues then batted abjectly, with the prime exception of Ali who made the best four any Blue is likely to make this season, blocking out their star bowler, only to be run out by a direct hit from 40 yards. Mention in dispatches too for James who top-scored at No.9 with 11 - the only batsman to make double figures.
Blues started well, reaching 14-0 in the second over, but then lost seven wickets for four runs in 38 balls to be reeling at 18-7 with batters scrambling for pads and helmets as wickets tumbled.
The wicket was tricky and the bowling accurate, but neither were unplayable. Seven batters bowled, three for ducks, tells its own story.
James and Naga took us past the record lowest score of 20, set in the 1960s, and into the 40s avoiding the ignominy of a 100-run defeat. Glenn then slashed a four over slips to bring up the 50 and at least get us to the 20-over drinks break. But he edged onto his stumps leaving Blues all out for 52, beaten by 88 runs.
CONCLUSION
As with England, there is only one solution, bring in an Antipodean to change the mood music. And with perfect timing Brando is charge next Sunday at Putney, England have Bazball, Blues will have Brazball.
DETAILS
Bowling: Tom 3-16 (2 ov), Ali 1-3 (2), Rory 1-14 (6), Glenn 1-20 (6), James 1-25 (5), Naga 1-32 (6), Sumit 0-19 (3.5).
Fielding: Catches Metto 2, Ali 1, Jenks 1. Run-outs: Ali/Jenks, Owen/Sumit.
Batting: James 11, Owen 9, Glenn 8, Naga 7.... bar 4

[updated 16 08 2022]