Clever plotting between Reyhan and Hammer which prevented Irv from tossing up meant that we were able to 'choose' to bowl first on the hottest day of the year. Bhupi and Vijay took us back to the glory days of the ‘Doyle and Bellingham Period of sustained dominance award’, clamping down on any Beckenham attempts to score. Most notable features of the period of sustained dominance were Bhupi’s full length diving caught and bowled, alongside his 4 consecutive maidens. His figures were 9 overs 5 maidens 1 for 18, exemplary, backed ably by Vijay’s 9 overs for just 30. Beckenham crawled their way past 50 around the 20 over mark – whisper it – there was some good fielding on display too (Reyhan being the exception). Bushy replace Bhupi – presenting a significantly different challenge, and the boy’s still got it – pace and bounce at College Meadow – who’d have thought it. Unlucky not to take any wickets in his 3 overs, Elliot came on at the School End bowling a very tidy 8 over spell and breaking Beckenham’s second wicket partnership, that hadn’t threatened but got quite dull, thanks to an exceptional diving catch from Josh coming in off the boundary. 8 overs, 1 for just 44 at a time that Beckenham really were trying to get a move on was excellent. Irv took the Pavilion End and his spell of 8 overs, 3 for 29 included his very own leg spinning ball of the century. Abhishek came on at the end to maintain the tight grip we had and managed a wicket in his 3 overs. For those who are counting, Beckenham ended up seven down – the missing wicket being Josh’s run out, created by his cunning mis-field.
With a fast outfield, a little more bounce than usual at the Meadow and a target that felt distinctly below par, OE’s confidently began their reply, with Irv slashing hard at his 8 balls for 15. Hammer, opening for unknown reasons, was second out with the score on 36 (off 4), bringing Akshay to join Abhishek, who had already started motoring, despite selecting some lower risk shots to dispatch to the boundary. These two put on 50, taking us to 86 and featuring a sumptuous VVS Laxman flick off his legs for four from Akshay. Abhishek continued, stylishly as ever, now joined by Keeran. Their partnership added another 49, with the highlight being the two consecutive sixes that Keeran struck before unluckily falling to a smart catch at extra cover for 22. Things started getting a bit silly then, with the captain’s instructions to incoming batters focusing on attempts to win within 20 overs. Reyhan swished, then got run out, Josh swiped, then skied one – but Beckenham were a ice bunch of chaps who deserved the bonus points. Abhishek had passed 50 and continued to wend his merry way to an undefeated 76, with Bushy smacking the winning boundary in the 21st over – missing the overs target by 3 deliveries.
A pleasantly comfortable victory for OE’s taking us back into the promotion slots and building up well to a top of the table clash against London Knights next Saturday.
MOM – Bhupi
DOD – Reyhan
Nicola Fuller Safeguarding award – Josh the young leader
Mappy Magic Finger – Bushy
Champagne Moment – a hotly contested award this week with nominations for Irv, Akshay, Hammer, Bhupi and Keeran was finally awarded to Josh
The Doyle and Bellingham Period of Sustained Dominance award – Vijay and Bhupi
Positive Race Relations – Keeran (it involved horses somehow)
Hammer Supersupporter award – Kent legend Les Ames’ cousin – didn’t catch his name
The Blockbuster video rentals 30 yard circle award – Sam Pope