GCCC vs. GCC Match Report

With the Lions triumphant and the 1st XI’s Australian contingent taking likely the first of many well-deserved pastings this summer, GCC journeyed to top of the league Guildford City (GCCC). The fixture began in predictable fashion, with Harold winning the toss and electing to field. However, when it became apparent that the globetrotting Steve Horne was in fact, well, still globetrotting (Essex to be precise), the visitors took to the field a man down.

Nonetheless, with Elgar and O’Day hitting their straps, the home side were under pressure from the off. Regimented discipline on a two paced track induced a number of false strokes, before Elgar drew first blood and removed Rehman.

Although the stiff breeze initially troubled Agge with his length, after a few overs the wily Big Ears began using the elements to great effect. The sharp spin and dip in the air caused all manner of difficulties, eventually proving too much for Ahmed as he edged behind. The seasoned John Milner greased the joints to run in for a tidy spell of military medium, trapping Peiris in front to give the visitors their third.

One veteran then replaced another, with Churaman entering the fore and producing a catalogue of fine swinging deliveries. Having played a number of crisply timed strokes, Dissanayaka looked poised for a significant contribution, only to see a defensive prod roll back onto the stumps. However, no luck was required for 6th wicket, when Churaman got a beaut of a delivery to rise sharply off a length, taking the edge and well snaffled by Clarke. Given the quality of the opposition and size of the outfield, the visitors were performing admirably with a man short. When Shepherd took a balletic catch off Agge to remove the intimidatingly named Dilshan, GCCC had amassed just 156-7 off 41 overs.

However, come the final 15 overs, the home side found both the boundary and gaps with greater ease. Qaisar, who had gone about quietly constructing a substantial innings, accelerated through the gears, reaching his century off 107 balls. Frustratingly, after such a positive start, GCC were reduced to damage limitation. The target of 236 was by no means out of GCC’s reach, but certainly constituted a major shift in momentum.

The chase got off to the worse possible start when Coalface Milner was out sweeping in the first over. Mayne and Shepherd re-grouped, with the Malteaser showing good touch. However, when he snicked off, and Mayne was pinned in front, the home side were very much on top. Agge was forced to restrain his typical aggression, although still took the opportunity to plant a maximum back over Hai’s head. However, attempting the same feat the very next ball, the Trinidadian could only sky a catch.

The returning Bryant and reliable O’Day looked to atone for their countrymen’s earlier poor showing in the rugby, battling hard. With the win slipping from sight, both had to curb their attacking instincts. However, with Dissanayaka finding prodigious turn and Hai hitting a probing length, GCCC sniffed victory. When Bryant was lured into a big drive, Hickey and O’Day steadied the ship for a time, before the former was undone by a big full toss outside off. Again.

Stumper Clark’s overbalancing issues continued when he was stumped for a second time this season, before O’Day (incredulous) was adjudged lbw offering no shot. Churaman and Elgar rallied for a valiant rear-guard, until Dissanayaka claimed the 9th and sadly final wicket with another stonking delivering. To quote one of the GCC veterans – “spinning it both ways, at pace, on a Saturday. Not on really is it.”

While the visitors can take great pride their tenacity with a man short, it was scant consolation. GCCC ran out deserved victors, widening the gap at the top of the table.