2025-07-13_Flamstead

Salix vs Flamstead CC on 2025-07-13 at Flamstead (Season 2025)

Report by Sai

Thank you for the kind words Daveski, very much obliged (see the Whaler’s report from June 29th for context Ed). However, I’m no Nigella Lawson, Marco Pierre White or Heston Blumenthal; as cooking up an anniversary meal seems far too complex, but what I can do, is drive down to the dessert lounge, Indulge, located in the medieval hamlet of Pinner, to successfully appease the hunger pangs of my beloved partner, with a hefty portion of nachos, fire fries and a crepe topped with ice cream. Despite risking the onset of diabetes mellitus, this is a line-up, that I certainly would recommend to all; however, care must always be taken to avoid ordering the wrong items and subsequently throwing blame upon the recommender. The plight of CK comes racing to mind, who after hearing the name for many years, had finally journeyed to the  infamous TOL (Taste of Lahore) in North West London to order a catalogue of items that you usually wouldn’t touch with a barge pole. Grilled items provide security and safety for all those who seek refuge in them, as TOL had never earnt its merits, on the foundation of being a curry house.

If cricket was a culinary institution; and runs, wickets and a reliably safe pair of hands are being craved; then you can’t go wrong with ordering a Christy Kulasingam; the perfect epitome of security and safety, when it comes to his batting, bowling and fielding. CK’s passion for the game is nothing short of inspirational. His cricketing brain, has been a valuable asset and aid to countless captains. His reluctance to biologically age due to his cellular ability to repel oxygen free-radicals; a remarkable feature that is certainly worthy of research at any respected higher institute of learning. His most rare quality, however, is the ability to successfully negotiate spousal permission to play three cricket matches in a row, a feat which surely deserves some form of recognition in the latest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. Playing three games in a row, is particularly astounding, considering the large number of Salixites, who consistently struggle and fail to convince their respective other halves to give them permission to grace even a single weekend fixture, during the course of a season! If your missus doesn’t let you play cricket regularly, then feel free to have a chat with our CK – you may learn a trick or two!

Our opposition for today’s game was Flamstead CC in Flamstead; a village nestled between Luton & St Albans. A fixture arranged by Elvis, who explained that Flamstead was a rival village, across from the village, where he happened to live.

The ground at Flamstead, was aptly named the Friendless Oval, for today I was indeed friendless and driving solo; a quiet yet peaceful journey, my only companion, the roars emanating from a sports exhaust being coupled to a twin turbo V6 engine. As I drove into the unfamiliar territory of Flamstead, I soon passed three very British-looking watering holes, which graced the route towards the Friendless Oval. The village appeared deserted and eerie with no signs of life, reminiscent of a zombie apocalypse. A thought entered my mind; maybe all the villagers were gathered at the ground to watch the cricket? I was greeted by Baggy (Bhageerath Vulupala) in the Friendless Oval Carpark, a recent neighbourhood recruitment by Dils, who was joining us for his second ever match for Salix.

A one-week break between fixtures, should in theory, present our players plenty of opportunity to step up their match fitness, work on their technique or spend time recovering for the next game; but this is Salix CC & I was reminded there is no such thing as all of the above, when I bumped into TFC, who informed me that he was “hanging from last night”.

The recent trend of a father and son being named in the same Salix starting XI was continued, a debut for the 12-year-old, Nándor. A sublime name that brings about memories of characters hailing from the great Lord of the Rings epics authored by J.R.R. Tolkien. No one would have expected Nándor of House Ellis; Son of Elvis, to have such a crucial impact on today’s game, at such a young age, but with the blood & genes of a Salix Legend in Mikey Ellis inherent within him, you can’t really be surprised at what was to come.

The Professor had very kindly recruited his friend, Sandeep (nickname pending), who had kindly agreed to join us for a game, thus also making his debut for the club.

There was also a special appearance by Rog; who reminded us all that he had “not played cricket since August 2024”. Salix CC, however, is the kind of institution that would gleefully accept a decomposing corpse or the charred remains of any human that may have been capable of standing upright with bat or ball in hand. Having Rog within the ranks, felt almost like an unexpected luxury, especially when we have had to take the field with only 10 players in recent times this season.

This was yet another day to win the toss, the sun burning down relentlessly, threatening to severely overdose our Vitamin D levels. TFC had handed over the reins of captaincy to Elvis, who proceeded to win the toss and Salix electing to bat first. This outcome was greeted with delight from our side of the changing rooms, as the majority of our team could now take shelter and avoid the glaring heat of a 1.30pm start.

Our opening pair for today, were TFC and Baggy. Rog and myself had put our services forward to umpire. So we all took the field, with the game about to begin and words of Sinhalese filling the air, as fielders were moved into position by the Flamstead captain.

TFC had given us a firm insight into his preparation and psychology when walking into bat; “I always make sure I stare at all the fielders right in the eye. Let them know, I’m there” explained TFC confidently. Whether these stares were perceived by the opposition, as being sexual or intimidating in nature, would certainly be very interesting to hear.

TFC faced the first ball of the game, and replied with a very firm and resolute block. From my position at square leg umpire, the Flamstead opening bowler was no joke, appearing nippy and accurate. TFC showing M.Amarasinhage plenty of respect, by not attempting to play any shots, resulting in a maiden over.

The other Flamstead opening bowler, H Arambepola was far more inaccurate, spraying a delivery wide of off stump and then down the leg side, resulting in 3 wides, before offering Baggy a no ball for good measure, which was duly noted and signalled by Rog standing at square leg umpire. After an over of umpiring and finding myself imitating a scarecrow, Salix had got off the mark, Baggy having to not do much at all. 4 for no loss after 2 overs.

TFC was taking his time to adapt to the bowling of Mr Amarasinghage at the other end, despite offering a few shots that had either made its way straight to a fielder or having not made it off the pitch at all. Another maiden over.

It was Baggy’s turn to try playing some shots and with a style reminiscent of Daveski, Baggy certainly does not hang around, flashing the blade at anything that came his way. As with the last over he had faced, there was more wayward bowling, which resulted in 3 wides. 7 for no loss after 4 overs.

The fifth over finally saw some entertainment. TFC adding a flurry of boundaries. One which had to be put forward as the shot of day. KL Rahul is very fond of the cover drive, and so is our TFC, a beautiful front foot drive through the covers, which raced away to the boundary. TFC holding his pose, as if he had been asked to do so by a master sculptor. Despite umpiring, I really couldn’t help myself clap like a Sea Lion at SeaWorld. This TFC cover drive was truly a work of art and a mark of the batsman’s class. 19 for 0 off 5 overs.

In the next over, Baggy who may have been inspired by TFC, finally managed to put bat on ball, resulting in a single. TFC taking strike and dispatching the bowler for another two boundaries. The runs had started to flow for Salix.

Baggy was now faced with having to deal with the accurate Amarasinghage for the first time. Managing to score two runs off the first ball that he faced and continuing to swing the bat aggressively at his bowling, whilst also taking a few steps outside of his crease to try to negate the constant pin point lengths being bowled. The 4th ball of the 6th over crashing into the stumps, sending Baggy back to the pavilion and resulting in the debutant Sandeep, walking to the crease. Baggy having put together only 3 runs from 22 balls and Salix now, 30 for 1 off 7 Overs.

New batsman, Sandeep upon hearing the batting order, had requested to be placed further up the order, with Elvis kindly agreeing. His first two balls, were played very tentatively, to see out the over.

A change of bowler at the other end, literally made no difference to TFC, who continued his assault with an enormous hook shot for 6, which coupled with a run and a wide, meant that there were 8 runs off the over. Sandeep was still struggling to get himself into the game.

M Amarasinghage who was continuing at the other end, managed to stem the flow of runs for one over, before TFC returned in the next over to dispatch 3 consecutive boundaries in a row. 15 runs coming in the 10th over, to leave Salix on 56 for 1 off 10 overs.

With Amaraginshage finally given a rest, the Flamstead skipper, S Maha Marakkala Patabadige, brought himself on to have a bowl. Sandeep managing to get off the mark with a run, following 4 leg byes. TFC, again taking time to process the new bowler and showing him some form of respect, after witnessing deliveries that came out of the hand like a seamer, despite the bowler having the deceptive run up of a spinner. TFC managing to adjust and steal a single. 6 runs coming off the over.

A Fernando had managed to keep the next over quiet, with only 2 runs being conceded and a very tight over for Flamstead CC.

The Rajborg having processed and analysed the bowling of Patabadige in his first over, brought an abrupt end to his show of respect, by spanking the oppo captain for 4 runs off the first ball of his second over. Stealing two runs off the next ball, TFC returned to take strike, before striding out to dispatch a six down the ground and hitting another boundary off the last ball of the over. 16 runs off the over. TFC bringing up his 50 in the process. Salix were 80 for 1 off 13 overs.

Relief for Rog and myself from the blistering heat, arrived in the form of Arsey & The Professor striding out to umpire.

A Fernando returning with another over of tight bowling to concede just 3 runs and managing to keep Sandeep under control.

Maha Marrakkala Patabadige, licking his wounds, returned for his third over, managing to keep TFC to a single. Sandeep deciding to join the run fest, by dispatching the oppo captain for a boundary. With the following delivery, Patabadige managed to exact some form of revenge by trapping Sandeep at the crease, resulting in a huge appeal and Arsey left with no choice but to pull the trigger and lift his finger, to send Sandeep back to the pavilion having made 8 runs off 21 balls. Salix were 88-2 off 14.3 overs, which meant it was CK time.

The Friendless Oval was home to an electronic scoreboard, situated at the front of an enclosed bunker. Elvis and Smutty had taken shelter within, to preside over the scoring. I wondered over to check on their well-being and to confirm the rest of the batting order, so that teammates could begin padding up. As I was sat in the electronic scoreboard hut having a chat with Mikey & Smutty. The sound of a very loud female orgasm rang through the air, interrupting our conversation;

‘Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh Ooooooohhhhhhh Aaaaaahhhhhh’ cried out the female voice.

Smutty, Elvis & myself, who I’m sure, are all very familiar and accustomed to this sound, looked at each other with quizzical looks on our faces. It was truly an unexpected and utterly bizarre moment. I wondered if a passing female had just witnessed another TFC cover drive or a CK sweep? To all our surprise, it was just a juvenile riding past on a bicycle, blasting porn on some speakers. Worried that smutty may now be sexually aroused, I departed the shed and headed towards the safety of my teammates, having used the excuse of needing to watch the match to write the report.

The Professor had returned from umpiring, having been relieved by Baggy and was padding up to join The Advocate in waiting to have a bat. CK, however was in no mood to give up his wicket that easily. Managing to get off the mark with a single and handing the strike to TFC, who punished the opposition bowler with a huge 6.

CK and TFC were batting nicely together, keeping the scoreboard ticking and being patient enough to see off the good deliveries and punish any wayward delivery with boundaries. This pattern continued, until M Kamaldeen managed to entice TFC into playing an aggressive shot, to a ball that was pretty much straight on, which resulted in the ball clattering into the stumps. TFC having to depart after a fantastic knock to contribute an important 83 runs off 60 balls, with 13 boundaries and 3 sixes. Salix were 118 for 3 off 19 Overs.

The Advocate made his way to the crease to join CK, his debut a few weeks back, not having gone to plan, after he had been dismissed very cheaply. Determined to put this right, the Advocate showed resolve by displaying a very confident forward defence. CK having decided to take the reins of attack, began producing attacking strokes on a regular basis, which resulted in plenty of boundaries. The Advocate soon played himself into the game, joining CK by hitting 2 boundaries and a very memorable 6, which sped fast and flat; just managing to avoid the opposition fielder at long off. The Advocate , who appeared very confident with his hitting, looked to take the attack to the Flamstead bowling, but unfortunately ended up mistiming a shot, that looped into the air and found the oppo bowler, who did not refuse the opportunity. The Advocate departing, having put together a solid 20 runs of 27 balls. The score sitting at 171-4 off 27.3 overs.

The Professor had been sat on the sidelines away from his teammates for a considerable period of time, seemingly in some form of a trance. As it turned out, The Professor was simply visualising the destruction that was about to ensue out in the middle of the pitch.

The Shakespearean classic of Romeo & Juliet is a popular, yet tragic tale of Love; True Love can never be kept apart. Salix having its own version of Romeo & Juliet, in the form of CK & Chetan, who both never seem to stop professing their love and fondness of batting with one another. CK finding himself reunited once again with his “True Cricketing Love”, The Professor. Fate had decided the union of this couple, with tragic consequences; only for the opposition.

With 7.3 overs remaining, CK and The Professor set about annihilating the bowling, as balls began flying around the pitch. The 28th Over being dispatched for 14 runs. CK bringing up his 50, with The Professor, in no mood to hang about, threatening to surpass the total CK had amassed, with some brutal striking of the ball.

The 33rd over was particularly eventful. A Fernando starting the over strongly and only conceding a run. The second ball was crunched to the boundary by The Professor.

The oppo desperately appealing for anything that hit the pad, which led to TFC having to make an important decision under severe pressure. The decision favouring The Professor, who then proceeded to rub salt into Flamstead wounds, by ruthlessly dispatching Mr Fernando, for a straight six, which travelled far out of the ground. The Professor mercilessly sending Mr Cricket Ball into retirement and onto the FBI’s Missing Person’s List. You’d think the cricketing Gods would have some form of mercy on this poor bowler, but on the last ball of this already expensive over; The Professor had stroked the ball to long off, only to be intercepted by an opposition fielder who then threw the ball aggressively into the wicketkeeper, but with no player backing up the throw, the ball continued past the keeper and made its way to the fine leg boundary for 4 runs, which resulted in 6 runs being conceded.

“Imagine getting hit for a 4, then you get an appeal turned down, get smashed for 6 the next ball and then your fielder does that….you’d be furious” joked The Advocate.

Indeed, you’d be absolutely fuming. Even more so, when a potential run out in the next over, was again declined by TFC, who was now standing at Square Leg Umpire. To give TFC credit, he was actually watching intently; stood, hunched in the squatting position, with both hands on his knees, as the ball careered into the stumps.

The Professor continued to attack, bringing up his 50, which backed up the fact, that he does enjoy batting with CK. In the final over, the oppo finally managing to bring an end to the onslaught, by getting rid of The Professor, who was caught trying to play an aggressive shot. The Professor & CK had successfully managed to put Salix in a great position. Salix were 251 for 5 off 34.3 overs. The Professor having made 58 runs off only 31 balls, with 8 fours and 2 sixes.

Rog headed out into the middle and despite having not held a bat since last August, proceeded to make batting look very easy, by getting off the mark facing his very first ball, handing the strike to CK.

On the sidelines, Arsey was sat padded up, pondering whether his services would be required, this thought also running through my mind, but with only 3 balls remaining in the innings, I decided to back the skill of both Rog & Arsey to see out the game and continued to watch a live stream of the 4th Day of the Third Test between England Vs India, in the company of Baggy, on his iPhone.

Confidence in my teammates, was rewarded, as CK pummelled the penultimate ball to the boundary for 4, before running two with Rog, off the last ball of the innings. CK finishing not out on 60, off 55 balls, with 9 boundaries. Rog finishing on 1 not out, off the solitary ball that he had faced. Salix bringing the innings to a close, having compiled 258 off 25 overs, with only 5 wickets lost. The oppo had been set the target of 259 to win the game.

Most of our team had taken refuge in the changing rooms, trying to spend as much times as possible out of the burning sun, which was still glaring down on Flamstead, with all its might. As we were getting ready, Mikey approached to confirm that he would like your reporter to open the bowling. Despite having experience in this role in the past, as a seam bowler, it was an unusual request during my current times as a spinner. However, having experienced previous games, where seam and spin had worked a treat, with Dils opening the bowling as a spinner, I decided to accept. Finding a seam bowler to open the bowling, wasn’t quite as easy for Mikey, who decided to approach Arsey.

“Will you open the bowling Adam” queried Mikey.

“Who me? Is there no one else” replied Arsey with a concerned look on his face.

“Well it’s either you or it’ll be me that will have to open” explained Mikey

“Well in that case, I’ll open” chirped Arsey.

Salix had decided to approach the defence of the 258 total, in T20 style. A spinner and seamer to open the bowling. Skipper Elvis having asked your correspondent to open the bowling, which resulted in Salix finding itself in a very strange and unfamiliar situation.

The first ball of the innings around the wicket to the left-handed H Arambepola resulting in a wicket, as the batsman tried to hook a delivery that spun towards the off side, which looped high into the air following a top edge and was caught by our keeper for this match, The Advocate, who had positioned himself carefully under the high ball to snare the opportunity. The batsman departing for a golden duck and Flamstead were 0 for 1. The new batsman at the crease, M Kamaldeen was expectedly cautious and played out the next two balls for no runs, before attempting to play an aggressive stroke to the 4th ball; a cut shot that was well struck, but heading straight to The Professor, who had been positioned at point. The ball appearing to dip at the last minute, which meant that The Professor would have to get low, very low in fact, which The Professor managed to do, dropping it low, to dive sideways and scoop the ball into his hands. As he got to his feet, he shouted in delight and looked towards the umpire, who signalled for the wicket to be given. Your reporter had unexpectedly struck again in the first over and following some magical fielding from Chetan, Salix were in an unimaginable position; having Flamstead 0 for 2 off 0.4 overs. If anyone had stated before the game that Salix would have the opposition, 0 for 2 wickets in the first over, there would have been laughter and requests for TFC to refer the individual for an urgent CT Head.

The new Flamstead batsman, K Masqood, can’t have imagined himself out in the middle so soon and showed caution, by playing out the rest of the over, to hand over the strike to the captain, S Maha Marakkala Patabigide. Two wickets and maiden over – not something I’m accustomed to experiencing whilst bowling for Salix, but not something I’d turn down when offered.

The Flamstead skipper seemed determined to put an end to the calamitous showing from his side and took guard to face the opening spell from Arsey. Salix had a noticeable stride in their step, there was energy, noise and belief amongst all our players on the ground. The opening ball from Arsey, who had recently recovered from a shoulder injury, was expectedly rusty, coming out of the hand and flying through above waist height, past the batsman and beyond our keeper, The Advocate, with a no ball being signalled and Patabadige managing to scurry a single. Arsey returned to his mark and stared into the eyes of K Maqsood, who was taking guard. The well-oiled machine taking a deep breath before rambling in to produce an absolute stonker of a delivery. The batsman attempting to play all around it and seeing his stumps disperse in all manner of directions, as Salix collectively yelled in delight and ran in to celebrate in the middle once more. The opposition surely could not have seen this coming and this was backed up by the fact that there was a resultant delay in the next batsman turning up to the crease. With the sight of a new batsman finally making his way to the middle, Salix dispersed to their fielding positions. Flamstead CC were 2 for 3 off 1.1 overs.

Arsey returned to his mark and finished off the over very strongly with 5 dot balls in a row. Patabadige, having seen his teammates arrive to the crease and return back in the same amount of time, decided to turn the tide. In my second over, he proceeded to block the first ball, before unexpectedly taking the attack from the second ball onwards. His cross bat shot, finding the boundary. Seeing the batsman play across the line, Elvis and myself had a quick chat and moved Sandeep to the square leg boundary in reply. The third ball could have worked out to be a master stroke in fielding placement, with the same cross bat shot repeated, the ball flying directly to Sandeep, who had the misfortune of stepping in from the boundary. The ball flew past his head for six and ironically, had he remained in the same place, the ball would have landed at exactly the spot where he had been positioned. Taking Sandeep’s apology on board and processing the misfortune, I made my way back to my mark for the third ball of my second over. Patabadige was batting very aggressively and it almost seemed like he would get himself out, but the next ball was swept away for 4 runs. 14 runs had already been conceded off the over and damage control was desperately needed, something that I managed to achieve, with two dot balls off the final two deliveries.

Arsey returned for his second over and started off well with two dot balls, before finally conceding two runs and a boundary off the final ball of the over. Flamstead were 22 for 3 off 4 overs.

Following my atrocious last over, your reporters third over was somewhat markedly better; managing to handcuff Patabadige for a single and then keeping the left-handed new batsman D Fernando stuck at the crease; unable to get off the mark.

Arsey returned for his third over, to face the fury of Patabadige who hit him for consecutive boundaries and milked runs for the remaining deliveries of the over, to take 11 runs. Flamstead were 34 for 3 off 6 overs. During this over, The Professor, channelling his inner Daveski, managed to get his hands onto a difficult opportunity whilst fielding at long on, before appearing to throw the ball away and thereby safely securing his name within the book for dropped catches. However, despite being regularly accustomed to seeing Daveski spurn an opportunity and gain an injury, this dropped catch did not result in any damage; The Professor managing to escape unscathed, to live another day.

Elvis had questioned earlier as to the reason why Chetan was called the Professor;

“It’s because he has a PhD” came the reply.

The Professors logic, was soon to be on full display in the 7th over, as I returned to bowl my 4th over of the opening spell. Patabadige, the Flamstead skipper, was showing fight and determination. He seemed to only have one shot – a cross bat slog, but it was an extremely effective weapon. Despite fielders being positioned on the leg side, he always seemed to manage to find the boundary, which was frustrating for the bowlers.

Any delivery on a good length and line, was being pummelled towards the leg side and this was again the result of the first ball of my 4th over. As players went to retrieve the ball, The Professor glided across from his position at point to join me at the stumps and postulated a thesis;

“Brother, this batsman, only has ONE shot; he plays cross bat. I don’t think he has any other shots. He seems like he can’t drive to save his life; so pitch it up there, but keep it outside of off, don’t worry about it, let’s see what happens. I think we can get him out” exclaimed The Professor.

With a new surge of bravery following this advice, I strode up to deliver a ball, exactly how The Professor had suggested, outside the line of off stump and pitched up. Patabadige, with no hesitation and with minimal effort, blasted the ball, straight back over my head for a six, so big, that the ball was never to be seen again. This led to the final conclusion, that Mr Patabadige, did indeed, possess other shots in his arsenal. As a bowler, there isn’t anything more embarrassing than losing the match ball, but this also spurred me on, to reply and hit back. Quicker deliveries managing to keep the destructive batsman, quiet for the rest of the over. 10 runs off the over and Flamstead were 44 for 3 off 7 Overs.

Elvis had opted to give Arsey a rest and turned to the Professor to make an impact. The Professor, steamed in to deliver a maiden over to D Fernando, who was unable to deal with the pace, swing and movement generated by our Chetan. There was a glimmer of hope, that The Professor may be able to subdue the flamboyant Flamstead captain and bring some form of control to this game for Salix.

Elvis brought himself on at the other end, which allowed your reporter a rest. Our skipper attempting to take on the challenge of subduing the seemingly uncontrollable Patabadige, who cautiously played the first delivery, before carrying on with his carnage, by hitting the next two deliveries for consecutive boundaries. Young Nándor was putting himself about bravely on the pitch attempting to aid his father by stopping the ball and despite putting his body on the line, unfortunately couldn’t stop the ball finding the boundary, due to his slight frame. A great effort nonetheless and greatly appreciated by the entire Salix team, who applauded with delight witnessing the passion and commitment that exuded from Nándor.

Chetan returned to try to replicate his first over of brilliance, however the oppo were ready for the challenge and started to milk the bowling, a few runs and a boundary, adding up, to result in 8 runs off the over. Flamstead continued in this manner, somehow managing to sneak boundaries, which was aided by some typically disastrous fielding.

The Long Barrier is a fielding technique taught to many young cricketers during their earlier days. An effective contortion of the human body to form a barrier between cricket ball and boundary, thus effectively preventing a four. One that must have been omitted from the Oxford University Curriculum, as Arsey decided to go for the lazier, ‘bend down right next to the boundary and try to stop the ball’ – which he didn’t – resulting in a four for the opposition. Arsey could certainly learn a thing or two from young Nándor, who was making an impact in the game, by beginning to stop balls that were certain boundaries, doing so, by utilising the long barrier of course. This didn’t happen once or twice, but multiple times – priceless – when defending a total against a team who were threatening to chase it down.

Elvis, at the other end, was working tirelessly to change the game, with some clever bowling, by varying his flight, delivery speed and lengths; the batsmen managing to still keep the score board ticking. Elvis deciding to call upon the experienced Rog, in attempt to secure a wicket, but Rog, who started well, was also unable to stem the flow of runs, the batsmen showing no mercy to any change in bowling. Salix, did themselves no favour, by continuing to selflessly feed the batsmen with deliveries to their areas of strength.

A key moment in the game, was where The Professor had enticed the rampant Patabadige, into a rash hook shot, that travelled directly to Arsey at square leg; in slow motion the entire Salix team saw the opportunity begin to present itself and prayed collectively for Arsey to take the catch and put us all out of our misery; but alas, the chance was dropped! Our punishment was to continue and Chetan denied a well-deserved wicket. Salix had plenty more karma to burn out in the field. The win absolutely not guaranteed, with Patabadige still at the crease and reaching his 50.

More running around for Salix ensued, with players having to recover the cricket ball multiple times, having witnessed the ball dispatched to the boundary. The mood had most definitely dropped. Flamstead had dragged themselves back into this game, due to the efforts of their captain. Particularly depressing, was seeing The Professor being treated with disdain in one over, with the oppo skipper hitting 4 boundaries. With 16 runs conceded of this over, heads were hanging low and barely any chat from the Salix players could be heard. Flamstead were 125 for 3 off 18 overs. We were all cursing the fact that we had let Flamstead escape from the position of being 2 for 3.

D Fernando had also played his part in helping his skipper steady the ship, with an important knock, always punishing the bad ball and getting himself to a well-deserved half century. Patabadige continuing to pile on the runs and looking completely unstoppable, taking 14 runs off the 19th over being bowled by Elvis. This was not helped by some lacklustre fielding, which included the ball nutmegging your reporter, on its way to the boundary.

The experiment involving the Professor, was clearly not working and Elvis decided to call upon the services of a Salix legend, who was itching to have a bowl; the one and only CK. An instant impact was seen in the 24th over of the game, with only 5 runs being conceded. CK arriving to the crease with his leash to reign in the batsmen and establish control.

Elvis had also decided to give Rog a rest and bring on your correspondent for his second spell, in the 25th over of the game. The second spell starting strongly, by seemingly keeping the dangerous Patabadige quiet; only conceding 4 runs off the over.

CK had a bounce in his step. He set his field very smartly and stuck rigidly to bowl to his field, managing to stem the flow of runs. This put pressure immediately back on the batsmen, who despite being well set, finally led to some success, in the 26th over. D Fernando took 2 runs off the first ball, before returning to face the second ball, resulting in his stumps being rearranged by a superb CK delivery. D Fernando having to depart, having made 67 runs off 72 balls. The partnership finally broken. The pain finally over. We rushed into the middle to celebrate with CK, who was roaring with delight. Belief started to course through our veins. We were back into the game. It was a key wicket to take, at such an important time. The score now sitting at 190 for 4 off 26.2 overs.

CK was not done yet. The new batsman taking a single, and leaving Patabadige to face an energised CK. The outcome was epic, Patabadige running out of luck, and skying the ball right into the air. Baggy had his eyes on the ball. The Advocate also had his eyes on the ball. With no name being put on the ball. I closed my eyes, in anticipation of the almighty collision that was undoubtedly going to take place. I’ve read this script before. Salix players clashing into each other, trying to catch the ball and we would then go onto lose the game. Surprisingly, when I opened my eyes, I witnessed The Advocate comfortably taking the catch. The prized wicket had been taken. Patabadige had been finally dismissed. An epic knock from the Flamstead skipper, who had punished Salix with 107 runs off 77 balls. CK had swung the game towards Salix with some magical bowling, but Flamstead CC were far from done. The score was 191 for 5 off 25.4 overs, but there was still batting to come. The new batsman S Dassanayake hitting a boundary immediately and taking two runs off the last ball of the over. 9 runs and two wickets in this memorable over.

The decision to bring back your correspondent, being repaid in the 26th over, as the dangerous Dassanayke was removed from the game; attempting to hit out to cow corner but completely mistiming it. CK who was not yet done, again influencing the game, running in to snare the opportunity and give your writer his third wicket of the game. The momentum had shifted heavily towards Salix. Only a few overs ago, we were depressed, downtrodden and staring at another potential defeat. We suddenly started to believe, that we could win this game, with the score at 205 for 6 off 27 overs.

Ck kept up his tidy bowling, conceding only 3 runs in the next over. 208 for 6 off 28 overs.

The 29th over, was my 7th and final over, that your correspondent was permitted to bowl. The second ball of the over, being mistimed by Rajamanthri and flying high into the air, where Elvis was positioned at midwicket. There was no mistake and the catch was comfortably taken by Elvis, thus giving your writer his 4th wicket of the game. 209 for 7 off 28.2 overs. Flamstead, not yet giving up the fight completely, hitting a boundary in the penultimate ball of my final over.

This is Salix CC. All games are tense and full of drama. CK returned to bowl the following over, with the batsmen going gung-ho. This led to two boundaries and 10 runs coming off the over. 223 for 7 off 30 overs. Flamstead needing only 36 runs off 5 overs to win the game.

Elvis returning once again in the 31st over and kept things very tight, only conceding 3 runs off the first 4 balls, before beating the batsman with a quicker delivery that put an end to the Flamstead fight. Their one last batsman, A Fernando, sent packing, having made 19 runs off 16 balls. All that was left, was for Salix to administer the final rites to Flamstead CC, with the score sitting at 226 for 8 off 31 overs. If there’s anyone that had earnt the right to administer the final rites; it had to be CK.

CK continued on to bowl and keep things tidy. The 5th ball of the 32nd over, being hit along the ground to square leg, where Arsey was positioned. We all watched on, unsure as to whether Arsey would manage to stop the ball, but to all our surprise, Arsey had not only managed to stop the ball, but had reacted quick enough to then pick up the ball and fire it towards the bowlers’ end, where CK was waiting. The batsmen who had already taken a single, were urgently trying to steal a second, but Arsey’s throw had caused utter confusion, with both batsmen now staring at each other down one end of the cricket pitch. CK glancing over at them both, before swiping the bails off with ball in hand. A run out, following a smart and sharp piece of fielding. Flamstead were 230 for 9 off 31.5 overs.

This match was nearing its conclusion. The next ball bringing an end to the game. With the new batsman immediately hitting out at CK, which skied the ball into the air, Mikey running in to gladly accept the opportunity and give CK, a well-deserved third wicket of the game.

Salix CC with the win!!! A hard fought and well-earned victory, to bring smiles and joy to all our faces. There was even time for a team photo, something that doesn’t happen very often these days.

Great batting from TFC, CK, The Advocate & The Professor. Wonderful bowling from CK, Arsey and Elvis. A commendable effort in the field from all our players, especially Nándor, with his energetic and effortless fielding. It will be an absolute pleasure to see this young man grow up and put forth even more inspiring performances for Salix CC, for many years to come. Some brilliant catching from CK and especially The Professor, for making a very difficult chance, appear far too easy. Michael ‘The Advocate’ Gration deserves credit for keeping tidily behind the stumps, on a day when we were short of a regular keeper, whilst Sandeep, Baggy and Rog, all helped contribute to the win, with their efforts in the field and with their batting.

Yet another memorable game to be involved with and another fantastic result, this time achieved against new opponents, Flamstead CC. Long may the winning streak continue, especially at our next game against Heteroi CC at Winchmore Hill.

Much Love

Saiborg