Addiscombe 4s beat Epsom CC

Sadly, for the second week running, we had the opposition concede the league match against us. But like last week, we did not let that stop us getting some cricket. Thanks to Rochie who contacted Surrey, we got a fixture against Epsom. They were a good, friendly bunch and on a very hot day, the pitch was good and the outfield fast as lightening.

Epsom won the toss and chose to bat. New signing Mano bowled excellently, good pace and movement away from the bat. Young Danny Kuhrt, opening at the other end, was not at his best and got a bit of tap. He was replaced by Aaryan who bowled accurately and soon got a wicket with a high catch taken at mid-on by the skipper. Jack 'Beefy' Southwell replaced Mano and got two wickets almost immediately, both bowled. But the opener and the number 5 put on a good partnership of around 60-odd. Aaron Dias, when he gave it air and loop, bowled quite well. Rikky Mano, an U14 colt playing his first match for the 4s (following a 50 in last week's internal match), showed his all-round skills with some excellent leg-spin and ended a fine spell with 3 good wickets. Beefcake went in close at silly mid-off and took a superb low catch off a firm shot and later took another with a good, juggling effort at cover. He was at his all-action best, diving for another effort at short fine-leg and getting a clonk on the head.

Farooq bowled an accurate three overs and Aaryan and Danny came back on. Danny pick up a couple of wickets and got a smile back on his face. Epsom were bowled out for 142. Our bowling figures were:

Mano 6 overs, 0-12 / Danny 5.3 overs, 2-34 / Aaryan 5 overs, 2-20 / Jack , 4 overs, 2-7 / Aaron, 6 overs, 0-32 / Rikky, 7 overs 3-20 / Farooq, 3 overs 1-16

Beefo and U14s debutant Sumith Salluri opened the batting and immediately got the run rate going. The Beefster looked imperious, driving powerfully for six 4s and getting us off to a flier. Sumith was bowled by a good ball and then Farooq edged behind for a duck. The Beefeater then got stumped for 28 trying to hit the ball into the next field. Brandon edged behind for 5 and Aaron did not trouble the scorers. Rikky at 6 looked good with a couple of nice fours before also nicking off.

At 50 odd for 6 we were struggling but the 'experienced' pair of Martin Stone and Jon Kuhrt came together. Martin unfurled some powerful shots - including 2 big sixes in one over - and put the pressure back onto Epsom. Their young bowlers did OK but the run rate started to increase. Martin and the skipper put on 90 together before Martin was caught for an excellent 38. Having been accused of jug avoidance all season for repeatedly getting out in the 40s, Jon was informed by Mano that he was on 46. With just 2 runs needed, the skipper got a friendly full toss which was dispatched for 6 to win the game.

It was a nice way to end a good match and Addiscombe won by 3 wickets. Big thanks to Steve Hasler who came from his Father's Day lunch to umpire the whole of our innings! Next week, we are back to the league matches and lets keep the winning streak going!