Having received a bye in round one, Teddington’s National Knockout campaign began later than normal at home to Stanmore.
Despite the BBQ season being in full flow, we were able to field a side more than capable of progressing to the next round. At the close of the first innings (ours), some may have been wishing they had followed the example of others and joined them in various gardens across London for a burnt ‘dog and a bun’. Having been placed nicely on 112-2, we proceeded to lose the last 8 wickets for just 42 runs. The only highlights from the innings came from the Oxford duo of Winter and Williams who registered 55 and 42 respectively. 154ao from 44.1 overs.
At tea, the team remained upbeat despite the score. All who had batted for more than 16 balls, of which there were 3, assured the rest it was not an easy pitch for which to bat on. Ben Williams was adamant 40 was worth 80!! Despite a few raised eyebrows, more so from those spectating, the side took the field with much enthusiasm and belief that the score was defendable.
Having sent down six overs of half volleys on Saturday with the wind at his back, Pollock felt there was a need for change and cleverly chose to bowl into the wind. The change brought success immediately. With the wind blowing a gale the ball was dropping perfectly onto a length just back from that of the day before and he was rewarded with the wickets of both openers, both brilliantly caught by himself down by his ankles.
At two down the enthusiasm reached such heights that the officials asked for the volume to be lowered. As upstanding gentleman of the game the request was acknowledged and obeyed and surprisingly enough played into our hands. The morgue-like atmosphere that followed completely sweeded the Stanmore middle order and accounted for three more wickets all to the changed man that was Pollock (5-28)!!
There was a brief moment of concern for the Teddington faithful when a drop on 0 cost 16 in 5 balls but alas it was to be Teddington’s day and Stanmore succumbed for 66 in 22.3 overs.
Ben W was right: conditions were clearly very tough and Pol finally managed to pick the right end!
The cup run is off and indeed running!! Round 3 away to Twickenham on the 4th June. All support would be very welcome.