Cryptics Cricket Club News story


Hampstead too strong for Cryptics

29 Aug 2016

The Club has played Hampstead for over 100 years and more times than any other opposition. At times in the morning it looked as if there would be no chance of adding to this record due to rain. The potential for more rain and a late start led to it being established as a 35 over match. Cryptics won the toss and inserted Hampstead. Seemed like a good idea at the time as the Cryptics attack seemed to comprise one seamer, three leggies and an offie. In fact two other seamers emerged as well! Three Hampstead batsmen made 50 (although one was dropped on 6) and the next highest scorer was byes to the embarrassment and annoyance of of the Match Manager (who was also the wicketkeeper). Sam Sargent beat the bat several times early on with good seam bowling, twice cutting the ball back only to see it fizz over the top of middle stump. Tim Forte, Alex Hutchinson and Mitesh Bhimjiyami purveyed their differing brands of leg-spin; each beat the bat a few times. Mike Stafford bowled his ever realiable off-spin. Unfortunately, although they had some moral victories there were enough loose deliveries which got hit to the boundary to keep the score moving at a good rate. Kurt Seercheran and Nick Hughes bowled some overs of seam but one of the most economical overs was bowled by 10-year old Samuel Seercheran. 231 off 35 overs always seemed like a challenge. However Tom Chappell with some brilliant strokes and Mike Stafford got us off to a great start with 72 in the first 10 overs before Raja changed the game. First he brilliantly caught Chappell low down at slip and then bowled his leg-spin for 7 overs for 12 runs and 2 wickets. Although now well behind the rate a fine 6th wicket partnership of 59 between Mitesh Bhimjiyami and Nick Hughes suddenly brought a faint scent of a possible assault on the target. But it was not to be. When Mitesh was out for 49 the tail end contributed not a lot and the Club was dismissed for 178. All in all an enjoyable day but perhaps a disappointing Cryptics performance.
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