Having now learned not to pay any attention to weather forecasts, Dodgers assembled at the delightful Roehampton ground on Putney Heath for an afternoon game which fulfilled all expectations.
Dodgers went in to bat with an opening pair of NJ and Jack, and from the outset the two showed their scoring potential. The very first ball went for a gorgeous four from NJ, caressed with exquisite timing to the long-off boundary, and after a quick single Jack cut another to the ropes. The Roehampton bowling was of a good line and length, with several youngsters demonstrating excellent technique, but NJ and Jack were now into their stride. The partnership built handsomely until both had reached their respective half centuries, and was only broken on 132 when Jack (who had carried a hamstring injury from early in the innings) was caught hitting out for the team.
Komal strode to the crease where he had prospered in last year's memorable game, and the rapid scoring continued until NJ notched up his maiden century for Dodgers in imperious style with a pull to the legside boundary (captured on video below). Now freed of pressure, NJ started hitting out liberally, peppering the trees with sixes and finishing on a magnificent 152* - the second highest innings in Dodgers club history. Komal added his own 43* to take him past 600 career runs for Dodgers, putting on a second wicket stand of 133 which duly joined the first wicket partnership on the club's virtual honours board. Three great individual performances with the bat, with NJ's the standout achievement, had amassed the highly creditable total of 265 for 1 off 35 overs.
Roehampton came out to chase with good intent, the wicket-keeper Saqib looking particularly strong as he took advantage of the short boundaries. The Dodgers bowling attack had experience in depth, however, and all six bowlers contributed as we made our way steadily through their upper order. David picked up three further wickets, including his 50th in Dodgers colours, while Dan, Ralph and John bagged a brace each. Komal excelled again behind the wicket (this time wearing a helmet) with two stumpings and two sharp catches, and special mention must be made of Jatinder's run out, a side-on bullseye with just one stick to aim at. We took their final wicket in the 30th over, and won by 106 runs.
A final treat came at the end of the game with the appearance of Dodgers legend (and Roehampton regular) Sacha Hatteea, accompanied by his blue-eyed baby son. The victorious team repaired to the Roehampton club house to drink NJ's health and bask in the glory of another good win.
Man of the Match votes: NJ 9, Komal 1
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The tree-girt Roehampton ground |
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NJ triumphant |
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Dodgers celebrating their win |
Some further videos from the match can be viewed here, as we were test driving a GoPro.
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