Following an impressive win over Hampstead in the League, the 1st XI travelled to local rivals Twickenham for their National knockout 3rd round clash. On winning the toss, captain Fear decided to allow Twickenham first use, or rather third use, of yesterday’s wicket, confident in his side’s ability to restrict and chase. The Twickenham openers started cautiously with the run rate scarcely rising above 2 an over for the first 10 overs. Pollock and Hopkins were miserly and both picked up an early wicket. Some rather lacklustre fielding gifted Twickenham’s middle order a number of chances of which Nash took most advantage by reaching 57 off 86 deliveries. However, Teddington’s new spin twin attack of Cato and Munday ensured that wickets fell at regular intervals which allowed Keightley to clean up to the tail with a minimum of fuss.
128 was the target and openers Keightley (21) and Winter (38*) started in aggressive fashion with the boundaries flowing from the first over. Keightley looked to be continuing his form from the previous day until a mistimed drive had him caught at mid-off for 21. This brought Tom Elliot (56*) to the crease who proceeded to carve the Twickenham attack around the park with some lusty blows down the ground to extinguish any hope that Twickenham may have had of an upset. He reached his fifty off just 33 balls and with the support of Winter made light work of the chase, reaching the target with 24 overs to spare.
As a result, Teddington are now through to the Group Final of the National which will be at home to Ealing on Sunday 25th June. A much sterner test is anticipated so please come and show your support and enjoy what promises to be an exciting day’s cricket.
Author: James Fear