Putney CC XI vs Lords Sports Club

The Barbados tour kicked off with the first game of the tour against the Lords Sports Cricket Club. Based in the north part of the island, it had a picturesque view. To the right the lapping waves and to the left the rolling hills. Hensh required a pre-match stop off to chunder in the lush sugar cane crops after the previous nights antics but this didn't dis-suade the determination of the team.

An intense warm up complimented by Aash's 50 laps of the ground was fundamental to the success of the tourists. Unfortunately the toss was lost and the opposition chose to bat. After a rampant thrash against Putneys finest in Hensh, Wendy and Rodders the tourists were 100 odd after 10 overs. JP dropped a high dolly which he would have caught 51 times out of 100, but Aash showed him how it should be done after a sublime catch on the boundary much to Wendy's disgust. However the clever introduction of spin shattered the progression of the locals. Tin Tin's line and length coupled with the turn and burn of JP proved difficult and the wickets began to tumble. The long grass made the running difficult but Putney toiled in the heat and to their fruition. Fine spells from Peachy (16-2) and Gareth (24-3) limited the tourists to 173. Catches went down in traditional Putney style but a reasonable effort by the lads, who did well to not be distracted by a large toad at mid on.

Tiny sandwiches were served in advance of the 2nd innings but the game recommenced with Aash and GP at the crease. It was somewhat of a turgid start and the first wicket fell after GP was caught LBW. This was shortly followed by Aash, Gareth, Doug and Peachy in quick succession. Caught at 33-5 Wendy entered the frame and scored an impressive 36 off 37 balls including 3 fours and a towering 6 over mid on. He was caught by the athletic opening bowler J Hinds (Brother of Wavell the prolific Windies opener) at cow corner. A last wicket stand of 40 by Devon and James pushed Putney within touching distance of the total but we fell short with a total of 132. The locals shouted the recommended approach of two steps but this fell on deaf ears but a respectable effort nonetheless.

A special mention goes to the tour scorer otherwise known as Graeme Swann who consumed a great amount of rum before chundering everywhere much to Michaela's disgust (Opposition GF and assistant scorer).

The locals were great hosts and treated us to a great meal with plenty of Banks beer. Hats off to them and game on with the tour!

Woody

September 27, 2011