Dodgers began our 2026 season with a trek out east to Hackney Marshes. Although the pitches here may be hallowed historic ground, our opponents from the Electoral Commission were making history of their own in their first ever cricket fixture- it was an honour to be their opening opponent!
Komy and Mike opened our batting in a slow-but-steady style, by their standards. Admittedly this had as much to do with a terminally slow astro pitch and a significant number of byes, wides, and other interesting deliveries than it did with any batting difficulties. Both expertly and patiently notched their way up to retire at 25*, but the combined six boundaries between them reveals the challenge in getting even to that score. Jack and Ed briefly shared the crease but Jack was caught well before he could really get motoring; Ed hung around longer, running a series of byes and wowing the crowd with a monster six that flew off the bat- highlight reel stuff. Fin also started his innings slowly but when joined by Charlie he worked his way up to a smart 14; the duo took our total above 120, again with good running that kept EC fielders on their toes. Charlie was bowled in the final over after a cameo of 10 runs in 9 balls, and Will wasted no time in showing off his well honed scoop shot as we finished with what felt a very defendable total of 132. Extras top scored with 42.
Early struggles from the Electoral Commission batters confirmed this quiet confidence. Charlie took a wicket with his third ball and conceded only 8 runs across his spell (and that with a speculative wide call). Jack had to wait until his second over to nab a wicket of his own, but also only allowed a mere 4 runs in a three-over spell, achieving a handsome economy of 1.33. Will and Finlay continued to twist the screw at first change, allowing only 9 and 7 runs, respectively, and each taking a well-deserved wicket to boot. Ed’s acrobatic catch off of Will’s bowling earned more applause, particularly in light of his wounded hamstring, and Fin bowled his target well with the final ball of his spell. Feeling confident, Ralph called upon Brendan (raw but improving) and Komy (who hadn’t bowled an over in the region of 15-20 years) at second change; Aamir was very unlucky to sustain an injury in the field just before his would-be spell. Komy showed very little rust with ball in hand, and produced a tight spell across three overs. Brendan did concede more runs than all four bowlers preceding him, combined, but with some super sharp work with the gloves from Ralph (and a comically delayed call from a rookie umpire at square leg) he did manage a wicket. That left one over for Ed, who again it should be noted hasn’t played cricket in more years than he can remember- he proceeded to bowl a pacey, accurate maiden over that it’s fair to say has Dodgers itching for another appearance soon.
In the end Dodgers won by a comfortable 61 runs, and the atmosphere as we walked off into the long shadows of the marshes is one of optimism for the remainder of the season. Credit to the skipper for getting everyone out, and in enough time to complete a game before sunset!
Man of the match votes
Komy 6
Ed 4
Scorecard: https://dodgers.play-cricket.com/website/results/7594805
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