With the August heatwave building, Dodgers returned to Chiswick to face the Ministry of Justice. The outfield was as arid as could be expected, but due credit must be paid to the ground staff for maintaining a decent square despite the lack of rainfall.
Dodgers took to the field with a first bowling partnership of Christian and Chairman John, the latter celebrating his birthday by being hit for six over the midwicket boundary. Once the MOJ opener Tom had retired with his 25*, the run rate dropped dramatically in the face of tight bowling from Dan, Diego, Matt and Captain Ralph. Able keeping behind the stumps by Mike Mc ensured that we did not leak too many extras. The MOJ total of 113 looked distinctly light on such a fast outfield.
And so it proved. Dave H and Mike Mc built a solid response for us with some nice hitting and excellent running between the wickets, so that by the time both had retired with their respective 25s* we were well ahead of the curve. The MOJ bowling became more erratic and despite some immensely lenient umpiring Simon and Diego saw us through to a 10-wicket victory with overs to spare. Special commendation to debutant Brendan, playing his first game of cricket in any format - sadly the margin of our win precluded both him and Dave B from getting a bat, but we made up for it with celebratory drinks in the pavilion afterwards.
Man of the Match votes: Simon 4, Diego 3, Mike Mc 2, Christian 1, John 1
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NB this was the MOJ total, not ours! |
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