A Dodgers squad bolstered by several Putney players took on the combined might of the Treasury and Cabinet Office on a sunny but still chilly Chiswick evening. In contrast to the previous week, we managed to start soon after 6pm and agreed on 18 overs a side, with the aim of finishing before the light was totally gone. Having won the toss, Chairman John (deputising as captain) decided we should bat first - notably because we were still a couple of players short at the start.
Manav (on debut for us from Putney) and Charlie opened our account brilliantly, permitting the first over to pass as a maiden before launching a fearful barrage of shots to all corners of the ground. As a result of this onslaught, which saw both batters return unbeaten to the pavilion in quick order, we raced to 75 without loss off just the first five overs. Also guesting from Putney, Ehsan was unlucky to be trapped LBW by one that kept low, at which point Sid and NJ took over the attack and pushed us past 100 before each passing 25 and retiring in their turn. Spurred on by a group of his personal supporters, Brendan hit out with aplomb before being bowled for 10, at which point Suj (also on debut from Putney) and Amit steered us towards a powerful total of 158 for 2.
Jack and Suj launched our bowling attack with pace and accuracy, the former claiming our first victim in the opening over, but HMT dug in and built a steady response without losing another wicket until the half-way mark. Will and Amit took up the reins on first change and kept the run rate under control; yet the opposition were by no means out of the game as we headed towards the final third. With Manav and NJ sharing spin duties between them, the decisive intervention came through Sid's bowling as he claimed three key wickets and thus put an end to any hope of a last-minute HMT come-back. In the final analysis, Dodgers won by something over 20 runs - a great team effort, with contributions across the board.
Man of the Match votes: Sid 5, Charlie 2, Manav 2, NJ 2
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