Washington Cricket Club - 40th Anniversary Year

The Wash arrived with a deep batting line up and a powerful bowling attack even without 2008 Washington Bowler of the Year Russell Pendry. Arriving early enough to soak in the atmosphere (and the odd pint), Skipper Hill lost the toss and the Wash were sent in to bat.

It was a tight duel as Aldenham's Bala & young Charlie tested the in-form Cumming and Matthews before the latter retired hurt with a pulled hamstring. Joined by White, the pair continued their partnership from Old Elthanians and started to find the measure of the attack. White's subtle strokeplay along with Cumming's cracking shots saw the Wash at 0-118 at drinks.

Cumming's innings continued to cause desperate searches for the ball in the fields before a lapse saw him stumped on 97 trying to bring his century up in style. While disappointed, Cumming noted that he had 250 runs for one wicket* which was a great effort. The bowling change also saw White (32) depart bowled to Danny Morgan as the first of his 3 wickets during a fiery spell. Hill signalled his intent with a first ball 6 but only added one more run before popping up an easy catch.

Sandeep 'the Colonel' Kuckreja continued the assault and after the departure of Cruickshank (caught 8), was joined by Fogerty. After a slow start, Fogs changed bats and joined the Colonel in hammering the attack before the Skip, mindful of getting a result, declared the innings at 218 (Kuckreja 44*, Fogerty 13*).

While new Kiwi debutant (copyright Washington CC 2009) MacGregor missed a bat (and the opportunity to do so in frilly ladies panties bought for him by Mark (Yes, he only has boxers...No, i don't know why Mark is underwear shopping for him)), his opening spell generated both speed and movement and he was extremely 'unlucky' not to have Bala LBW.

Mariner's wily bowling and movement saw 3 slips in place and he was soon rewarded with a catch at 1st slip by the injured Matthews. He quickly followed up with Burrows caught at 3rd slip by Hill thus getting good reward for his efforts finishing with 2-21 (9). MacGregor's efforts also soon paid off when he found the edge and fortunately saw the ball lodge between keeper Cruickshank's gloves & man-boobs.

MacGregor then bowled Fane for the addition of 2 and finished with an impressive debut of 2-24 (10). A bowling change saw Coyle (0-27(5)) and Kuckreja continue the attack with some very good bowling by the Colonel (perhaps a little...too good? but seriously, they didn't know what to do with him as shown by his return of 7 overs for 9 runs and he was very unlucky not to get a wicket).

Debutant Guy then continued the pace onslaught and while sometimes wayward, also had the measure of the Aldenham bats trapping Munroe LBW for 35 and finishing with 1-25(6). Hill joined the attack late to try and get the last wickets and quickly knocked over Bala (finishing with an also impressive 1-2(2)). However, despite a dominant Washington display and Matthew's cries of 'we deserve this Wash!', the Wash ran out of overs and had to settle for a draw.

Skipper Hill afterwards noted that 'it was a dominant performance with both bat and ball but it can be challenging to dislodge a team solely intent on survival'. Nonetheless, it was another great fixture at the picturesque Aldenham. (*where bad innings are excluded)

Man of the Match - Mark Cumming for yet another outstanding performance with the bat. The club statistician has started dusting off the old scorebooks to see what the single season Wash record is.

Packing the Kit - Mark Cumming - after standing at 2nd slip a few weeks ago and watching the 70yo Glucky chase a ball from 1st slip to the outfield, this week Mark stood at 2nd slip and watched Matthews chase a ball from 1st slip with a torn hamstring.