2025-07-27_Quokkas

Salix vs Quokkas on 2025-07-13 at Barn Elms (Season 2025)

Report by: Dills

We won, coming back from behind against one of our biggest rivals, against all the odds. Inspiring future generations for years. That’s the Lionesses victory against Spain on penalties which we were able to watch from the pub after being annihilated against the Quokkas.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, skipper Raj opened the batting with CK. The Quokkas bowled well and took the early wicket of CK, bringing Yov making his second special guest appearance of the season. This previous opening destructive partnership looked to take the attack to the bowlers and started well, with Raj in particular finding the boundary off anything short pitched. Whilst Yov looked slightly short of his fluent best, Raj continued to bat well, which was important for two reasons – one the team needed his runs to build a competitive score and more importantly he had brought his girlfriend for the very first time so had to ensure he showed off his full range of shots.

A 77 run partnership, ended after Yov found the fielder on an elevated drive. Bhagee fell shortly after not troubling the scorers, before Raj was beaten by a slower ball to be bowled. 94-1 had become 109-4. SJ (Sai Jnr) and Krutik, rebuilt the innings and put on 35 run partnership. Both fell within relatively short periods, and with the score 165-6 in the 31st over; Salix was in trouble. However, Arsey and Amar batted brilliantly – running well and Arsey in particularly finding the boundary very regularly. He smashed a quick fire 41 and Salix finished their 35 overs on 204-6.

Protecting 205, it was important we started well, and Sai Jnr picked up a wicket in the fourth over, a lofted drive finding the safe pair of hands of Yov. Few overs later Original Sai (he’s far too young to be called Sai Snr) picked up another wicket; so Quokkas were 53-2 after 11 overs. Game was close and in the balance, or so we thought. Their opener Irfan and their number four Faggy batted really well and put on an incredible unbeaten partnership 152; with Irfan finishing 114* and Faggy 72*. A special mention to Amar in the field – the book is a cruel mistress, and it may say two drops but they were both incredibly difficult chances that not many Salix fielders would have got their hands too. Plus his ground fielding was exceptional – saved 20+ runs on his own – a great effort!

Massive thanks to the Quokkas for a fun, competitive game. We’ll see you again next year—when hopefully the report starts with “We won” and actually means us. Until then, we’ll take solace in the Lionesses doing it for the team.