UWMCC lose in genuine nailbiter
The UWMCC 2nd XI made the trip north up to Birmingham to kick-start their outdoor campaign. Skipper Josh Thomas, after a careful examination of the green wicket concluded that ‘I hope I don’t win the toss’. Faith would have it that the Birmingham City 1st XI skipper did indeed win the toss and opted to insert UWMCC into bat.
Fresher Jonny Bradshaw made an impressive statement first ball of the game as he stroked a cover drive for four. However, things went downhill from then onwards. Luke Robinson feathered a ball to the keeper and Josh Thomas soon fell thereafter. Persistent rain further dampened the pitch and balls were soon shooting over the batsmen’s’ heads and rolling through to the wicket keeper. Bradshaw then received the ball of the match, as his persistence defense was finally beaten. Club stalwart, Robert Taylor, was also caught playing a little too early as he drove upishly to cover. UWMCC 2nd XI 16/4. It soon fell to Miten Khatri and Anish Wadhwa to rebuild the innings. After patiently seeing out the new ball, Anish embarked on a destructive warpath as he launched 3 6’s and expert flicks that travelled to the boundary. However, after trying to send one back to Cryfield pavilion, Anish was caught at deep cover. Alex Bennett only managed a duck (the first of 3), and it was left to Khatri and Srikanth to rebuild once again. Unfortunately, Khatri fell soon after reaching his half century and Srikanth managed to chip in with a valuable 26, as UWMCC folded at 166.
Things started dramatically in the second innings as, Jonno Frayman’s doppelganger launched Arjun Dogra’s second ball out of the ground. Cries for ‘we want five’ were met with equal hostility as Frayman’ continued to find the boundary, with UWMCC’s recently purchased second new ball. However, a smart bit of captaincy ensured that Frayman’ and his opening partner were caught out on the boundary. Birmingham City 1st X1 100/2. The UWMCC bowling lineup looked rusty up till this point, with numerous extras, dropped chances and inconsistencies allowing the release of pressure. However, the ball was thrown to Taylor, who used all his experience to keep a tight accurate line. Skipper, Thomas gave himself the ball at the other end as the pair tried to tighten run scoring options. It worked spectacularly. Taylor grabbed an incredible 5 wicket haul, and pulled Birmingham City to 150/9. Victory was almost assured, as Bennett and Robinson chirped away at the batsmen. “All he needs is a U and a T” said an anonymous fielder when he spotted the initials “CN” on the number 11’s shirt. However, UWMCC’s incredible fight back ended in heart break, as Birmingham City’s no.10 edged a couple boundaries and swung wildly at balls that were not there to be hit. A somber bus ride ensued as the UWMCC 2nd XI look to rebuild and take their opportunities heading into their next clash against Birmingham 2nd XI.
By Miten Khatri.
Man of the Match – Rob Taylor
Champagne Moment – Anish’s 6 into somebody’s back garden
D*ck of the Day – Thomas, for not knowing the biggest city in the UK