Sat Sep 9th Grannies won by 18 runs.
Match report
The Grannies batted first on a beautiful late summer's afternoon. Despite losing Tahir early, Rob Finn set upon the bowling, using the pace (at least from one end) and his not-insignificant reach, to flay the ball through the offside, eventually making 41.
He was joined at the wicket by Muhammad Ahmad, who only two minutes earlier was screeching down the A28, desperately trying to find the ground. Undeterred by the swift change of gear, he and Finn built a steady partnership, punctuated by some sumptuous flicks from the no.3. Those of us in the pavilion were settling in for a fine stint as well-watered spectators when some true Grannies cricket unfolded. Finn struck the ball firmly to a certain J Dare (a Granny when not playing for F&S) calling his partner through on a kamikaze run, barbequing his partner in the process.
After Finn was dismissed it was down to Tim Chandler and Gabriel O'Brien to rebuild an innings, tottering at 79 for 3. They approached the task with great enthusiasm and residual ability but little by the way of form. Both were coming off the back of serious leg injuries, (Chandler batting with a runner throughout) and it showed early on. Lately, as they get back into the groove both struck some excellent boundaries and kept the score ticking.
It was then over to Oscar Robert and the Grannies' very own Australian overseas Ben Chiam. The pair set about depositing the bowling to all parts. Into rivers, into passing cars and into a pizza establishment owned by the angriest man in Kent. For each massive hit, the men were rewarded with 4, regardless of whether the ball came down with snow on it or not - due to a local quirk which no one could remember having agreed to. It stipulated that a ball could only go for 6 if it returns from the river wet, and presumably if it dispersed the copious leathery sunbathers on that side of the bank.
This rule doubtlessly denied both 50s but they finished with more than adequate 37 not out and 45 respectively, with the Grannies finishing on 201 for 6 from our 35 overs.
The Grannies' opening pair of Richard Wade and Tahir Khan bowled beautifully. Reducing the F&S to 34 for 5. Tahir bowled with energy and control, extracting late swing that Starc or Akram would have been proud of. Achieved without the sandpaper too!
Wade was metronomic at the other end, lulling the batsman into a false sense of security with a lack of movement. Only for Chandler, at a sedentary but stoic first slip to exclaim, 'I reckon I'm in here.' The very next ball he was, Wade produced a steepling delivery, leaving the left-hander and finding the shoulder of his bat. First slip eagerly took the chance.
Tom Robinson and Gabriel O'Brien then bowled well in tandem, Robinson's pace complementing O'Brien's F and G. Young Asjad Khan, made his debut for the Grannies as an unscheduled impact sub bowling some encouraging leg spinners, foxing batsman 3 times his age.
The innings was finished off by wily spin from Matt Siebert and genuine pace from Muhammad. Employing the tried and tested 'you miss I hit' strategy to great effect, finishing with 3 wickets and helping to secure a Grannies win by 18 runs.
Match info
Also playing: Tahir Khan, Rob Finn, Oscar Roberts, Gabriel O'Brien, Ben Chiam, Tom Robinson,
Location
Newenden Cricket Club,
The Wharf,
Rye Road,
Newenden,
TN18 5QG
How to get there
On A28.
If coming from London on the M25 take the A21 Exit off the M25 at Jct 5 (the slip road is actually after a very short bit of the M26)towards Sevenoaks/Hastings. At Flimwell, take a left turn on the A268 towards and through Hawkhurst and Sandhurst and then continue on to A28. Cricket ground is on the left just before humpback bridge and traffic lights.