Match Report: 2s vs Nottingham 2s
The 2s bounced back from losses to Nottingham 3s and Nottingham Trent 2s with a convincing win over a previously unbeaten Nottingham 2s side. The day started brilliantly as Tom attempted to injure Rikhil in the pre-match football by rugby tackling him, Matt effectively broke his finger in some catching drills and one of their lads had a shit in the woods.
Luckily, things only got better from there as Nottingham’s skipper won the toss and decided to do a Nasser Hussain, bowling first in 25c heat and on a hard Cryfield deck…Mark and Josh walked out to open the batting, making a positive start against Nottingham’s opening bowlers, reaching 22-0 after 6 overs. Unfortunately, a dubious run out decision following which Nottingham’s fielders apologised for the umpire’s decision, resulted in Mark departing.
Sachin came in alongside Josh who progressed through the gears, dispatching their spinner for 15 in one over. The score reached 69-1 at the drinks break with Warwick looking set for a big score on a Day 5 Karachi pitch that would only deteriorate as things progressed. Josh reached his 50 after the drinks break as Nottingham decided to make the changes and bring on… more spin *surprised Pikachu face*. These changes worked as Sachin and Josh fell soon after each other as the traditional Warwick collapse ensued.
Middle order batter after middle order batter continued to slap long hops or full tosses to short cover/midwicket as 150 looked a far way off at 105-5. Luckily, Tom, Rikhil and Zain all chipped in with cameos alongside some handy hitting from Zac and Angus saw us reach 175.
Tea came and went as Josh discovered the umpire was a fellow Leeds fan and set about softening him up by reminiscing about the glory days of the early 2000s. Angus and Zac opened up with some tight bowling that left the outside edge quivering. In a move that shocked no one, spin came on both ends as Tanmay and Zain brought down the run rate whilst regularly taking wickets to stop any momentum Nottingham could gather.
In the end, their combined 20 overs went for 4-35 as both bowled excellently (despite Tanmay not turning a single ball on an absolute dustbowl). Following their spell, Oli and Rikhil continued to take wickets at regular intervals despite Rikhil trying his hardest not to as he hit off peg, but the bails didn’t come off. Zac was brought on to finish off the rabbits (and because Oli had a turtle head) as Nottingham were bowled out for 110 for a convincing 65 run win.
After the game, beers were had, max fines were given and 00George gave us his views on Brexit, Pret and female driving. Overall, a great win for the boys who were brilliant throughout and a credit to the captain.
On to Leicester in a friendly next Monday before Loughborough 4s in the final BUCS game of the season next Wednesday.