Washington Cricket Club - 40th Anniversary Year

A century by Pete Demetri and 49 from captain Shawn Hill set up a steady victory for the Washington on Sunday in Crouch End.

Demetri (103*) carried his bat through the 40 overs and was always in control of the bowling during his chanceless and measured innings. Hill (49) was much more aggressive in his usual style hitting seven 4s and a 6. Demetri and Hill shared a 99 run partnership over 16 overs.

When Washington bowled the victory was set up more by tight bowling than anything else, particularly from Peter Kloss (1-27) and Shawn Hill (1-28). Northfields left themselves too much to do in the latter part of their innings and 10 runs per over from the last ten was beyond them. Mooney (69*) played well and made a gallant effort, ultimately in vain.

Earlier Northfields won the toss and put Washington in on a worn, dry pitch and in lovely sunny weather, although the day was blustery. Demetri and Yogesh Bhatt (13) made a bright start, but Bhatt ran himself out in the 10^th over. Aff Naseem (1) them departed quickly and Demetri and Hill crafted their almost century partnership. Hill went LBW in the 26^th over, a slightly dubious decision, before Peter Kloss (1) inexplicably ran himself out on his first ball, going for a suicidal second run.

Max Murrian (4) didn’t last long and Damien Bastick (16), making his Wash debut showed promise with a couple of lusty blows for 4 and 6 before missing a straight one and being bowled. Dave Monger (22*) and Demetri then took 60 from the last 8 overs, keeping the scoreboard ticking over with 1s, 2s and the occasional 4.

Tea was, unusually, ratatouille and rice, adding to the list of surprising dishes at North Middlesex. Actually it was rather tasty. In addition to Kloss and Hill, the other Wash bowlers were Murrain (1-38), Monger (2-41), Pendry (2-54) and Monard (0-11). All bowled well and it was a creditable team performance in the field, although 30 extras, including 13 byes, does betray one or two weaknesses.

Skipper Hill was happy after the game and said “a good victory, reasonably comfortable in the end. Well done to Pete for carrying his bat for a century – great to see”

Man of the match: Pete Demetri for his 103 not out

Packing the kit: No contenders this time

Washington:  Pete Demetri, Yogesh Bhatt, Aff Naseem (+), Shawn Hill (c), Peter Kloss, Max Murrain, Damien Bastick, Dave Monger, Pieter Monard, Leo Demetri, Russell Pendry