2022_07_24_Whalers

On another glorious sunny Sunday, the boys headed to Kings House to play an away game against the Whalers. The Whalers our local rivals who we have been playing since 2001, but not had a win against them since 2016 (although we had a timed draw against them in 2017), could 2022 be our Redemption Song?

At 12:56, 4 mins before the schedule start of play, we barely had Three Little Birds, as a combination of traffic and missed instructions meant most of the team turned up late and left the Whalers Waiting In Vain. However after losing the toss, Salix were in the field trying to Stir it Up with an outstanding opening spell. Captain Raj & Azfar bowled beautifully, with pace, swing and control, meaning that after 11 overs the Whalers where 30-3. Sacha then as first change bowled with real venom and took a wicket in his first over, bringing the score to 44-4 in the 14^th over. I evened wondered at this point Is this Love? As Salix looked to go for the jugular, Whalers countered and made the most of the bad balls, quick outfield and tiring fielders (only 10 of us in 28 degrees). Although credit to the fielding we didn’t even have One Drop. CK1 helped bring back control from one end and Azfar came back at the death to take 3 wickets and finish with 4 in total. CK1 took an excellent catch in the deep to bring Azfar his fourth. In the end Whalers finished their 35 overs with 193-8. 

Post tea, the usual selection of sandwiches and cakes, although none had any Jamming (stretching my luck here!). Raj & Jacob opened the batting. As Jacob walked to the crease, he gave his brother Sacha the clear instruction not to give him out LBW, unfortunately for Jacob, Sacha was at square-leg whilst I raised my finger to a plumb LBW on his first ball. This was the start of a usual Salix Exodus, and we where 16-3 after 5 overs. Raj & Amar helped consolidate and put on a 50 run partnership before Raj & Amar fell in successive deliveries. Raj holing out in the deep, and Amar hitting a full toss back to mid-off. CK & Sasha batted well, giving hope, but they also fell in close succession; and whilst the tail wagged we were always just a little short and finished 21 runs short. Mention to Dan from the whalers who took 4-13 in a great spell of bowling.

As always great to have played the Whalers in really good spirits, and hopefully next season we can Get Up, Stand Up and get the win. Until next time One Love x