Detail: 04-06-2023 - Kingstonian
Result: W by 109 runs
Kings College Sports Ground was the setting for a thrilling encounter between Kingstonian Cricket Club and The Blues on 4 June 2023. The crowd was buzzing with anticipation as both teams took to the field, ready to battle it out.
The Blues won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for a high-scoring affair. They got off to a solid start, with Harry Baker leading the charge. Bakes displayed exceptional skill and determination, smashing boundaries all around the park. He remained unbeaten on a magnificent 50 runs before being retired by Cef, who clearly wanted to have a nurdle.
Supporting Baker's efforts, Wardy played a slow and steady knock of 27 runs, providing stability to the innings. Cef added to the run tally with a well-crafted 43 runs. However, it was Sam Mirchandani who stole the show with an explosive innings. Mirchandani blazed his way to a scintillating 52 runs from just 29 balls, electrifying the atmosphere with his power hitting. Tommy Jackson and Charles Ellis also contributed with 22 and 24 runs, respectively
Kingstonian's bowlers toiled hard to break the partnerships, but The Blues managed to accumulate a challenging total of 267 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 40 overs.
In response, Kingstonian Cricket Club needed a strong start to chase down the target. However, they faltered early on, losing a couple of quick wickets. The pressure was on as they struggled to keep up with the required run rate.
The bowlers from The Blues were relentless. Among the bowlers, Digby showcased his skills by taking 3 wickets for 39 runs in his 8 overs, including a maiden. Charles Ellis also contributed with his tidy spell, grabbing 1 wicket for 23 runs in 7.5 overs, featuring 4 maidens. Verity showcased his bowling prowess, taking 4 crucial wickets for 33 runs in his 8 overs, including 2 maidens. Mumby provided excellent support, claiming 3 wickets for 22 runs in his 7 overs. But it was Glenn who grabbed the attention, bowling with style in his classy sunglasses, although he went wicketless, conceding 36 runs in his 8 overs, Moore's antics on the boundary, pissing like a race horse at cow corner amused the locals.
Fielding played a significant role in the match, with moments of brilliance leaving the crowd in awe. Jenkins took a sensational slip catch, displaying his agility and reflexes. In a remarkable display of teamwork, Digby, Bakes, and Cef executed a lightning-fast relay run-out, showcasing their coordination and athleticism.
However, the match was not without its share of drama. Verity, known for his explosive deliveries, faced an unexpected obstacle as he broke his shoes for the second time while bowling. Despite the hiccups, the game continued with intensity.
As the match progressed, controversy arose when several LBW appeals were turned down, causing outrage among the players and spectators alike. Many believed that the batsmen were clearly out, but the umpires' decisions stood, adding to the drama on the field.
In the end, Kingstonian's valiant effort fell short as they were bowled out for 158 runs in 39.5 overs. The Blues emerged victorious, triumphing by 109 runs. The match provided a thrilling spectacle of skill, power-hitting, outstanding fielding, and some quirky incidents that will be remembered for years to come.
[updated 21 06 2023]