Washington Cricket Club - 40th Anniversary Year

Frequent rain showers dominated the morning with some concern being voiced on the group chat as to the go ahead. However a hungry Washington team, having been denied a game the previous week, were not to be denied this week - especially as so many had gone to great lengths to make themselves beautiful for the game. The chosen eleven amassed at our neighbours Crouch End Calthorpe for a 40 over encounter and despite a brief delay due to a shower before the first ball was bowled - Clint won the toss, chose to bowl, and the game got under way.

Before that however there were a couple of important pieces. Firstly a few words were said in memory of our friend and ex team mate Ruan. Introduced to the Wash by Toby, Ruan sadly passed away last week. Our thoughts go out to Ruan's friends and family. Secondly an award of a cap - to Ian Moore, 007.

Mitch and Apollo opened up, both bowling well, and taking a wicket apiece. It became evident that the pitch was slow and low and, with a fast outfield and slope, anything loose was being put away. Max took first change again bowling very well, and was only bettered by Clinton who had a super spell once he'd warmed up and got into his rhythm. Some notable moments in the field, Max's LBW to remove a threatening batsman, decent run out from Aftab into Max, a good slip catch clung onto by Aff, and Walshy with a chipped up caught and bowled. Mike remains very impressive behind the stumps with very lttle getting past him. The theme however was a certain lack of control of proceedings by the Wash, similar to other games this season, when we had the oppo in a fix with the pressure on - loose deliveries and fielding lapses allowed them to get off the hook. Crouch End finished their innings on a very respectable 169 off 40, so certainly not unattainable, but perhaps 20-30 more than they should have got.

Both teams tucked into the fantastic tea, rice and daal and chicken curry. And spice certainly was the tone of the Washington innings with a bit of heat and some rash strokeplay. Cragoe and Walshy opened up and both continued to look in good touch before Walshy reached for a wide one and was gone caught. This wicket brought Matt Holt to the crease - who despite a lengthy absence from the game - bedded in quickly and started to play his shots. His rust was evident but his skill with the bat was undeniable and the runs soon started to come. Cragoe was dismissed and Aff and Matt Holt started to dominate, Aff's timing was impeccable, cracking shots away effortlessly, and the more Matt got his eye in the more wristy strokes began to flow.

A bowling change introduced a junior colt into the fray who rapped Matt on the pads to a huge appeal and up went Cragoe's finger. The scorebook was marked, Matt walking off on 49 with some veteran classic jug-avoidance, but no - Cragoe explained that he was simply indicating that the ball was missing off stump. The fact that he had used a crooked index finger to do so was irrelevant. Billy Bowden did the same thing in his first match officiating but no one believed him - this forced Billy to pursue the rest of his career with his trademark crooked #truestory. In this case however there was no one within a 417 mile radius to challenge Cragoe's intellectual credibility - the Prof said it was not out, so it was not out - a broken hearted youngster - and Holty was obliged to buy the team a jug.

With 50 needed off 12 overs, things appeared to be under control therefore but then the wickets began to fall. Matt went for a very well played 51, Aff went for a bit of wander and was stumped, Clinton was evidently very hung over, and some clean strikes by Aftab before he left his bat hanging and offered an easy chance. Some vindaloo laced with Dave's Insanity Sauce saw the end of Mike. With the core batsmen gone and 25 needed off 5 overs we were still very much in the game but it proved too much for the tail this time. Max and Ian and Apollo chipped in, and with some Klusener Donald-esque running from Mitch, the final wicket fell with the Wash short of the target.

An unfortunate collapse saw the end to what was a very enjoyable game with a great oppo. It was one we should have won but then again there have been quite a few the season when we've shaved through. Some food for thought and not to detract from Matt and Aff's partnership.

The team retreated to the Washington in good spirits where there was a live band playing, some Hawaiian topless action, and a very welcoming Antonia, always keen to see her boys. Clint and Aff had one of the longest debates ever as to what they were going to eat for dinner that night (KFC v kebab v Nandos). Walshy just chundered down a burger, come rain wind or snow he ain't no pussy. Max was all over birthday boy Clint forcing him to drink various shots, with the latter managing to keep up. The night was young and we were already looking forwards to meeting the Vagabonds next week....