2nds win at 3rd attempt

Looking for a morale boosting win before the league season starts next week, Ricky Captain Paul Blackwell decided to gamble and bowl first in order to take a close look at a number of bowlers close up.

New player Naeem Khan started brilliantly inducing an edge first ball off Dandey which was put down by a startled Eugene to his right. After that Naeem and Prasanth both settled into a good line and length. After 8 overs the score was just 16 but no wickets had fallen. 13 year old Raunak Khanduja then bowled a super spell of 4 tight overs for just 12, whilst the original Bilal Mohammed at the other end made a breakthrough by bowling one opener and then getting a lifter caught at 2nd slip by Prasanth. With a stunning direct hit run out by Waheed dismissing the Northwood ~4, Ricky looked to be in control at drinks with the score 44/3. After the break, Ronesh Nathwani took control, bowling a stunning spell of 7 overs, conceding 24 runs for 2 wickets, and at the same time producing something every ball. Without doubt the best bowling spell of the game. Once Waheed had bowled skipper Samit for a duck, Northwood had fallen away to 75/6. In order to open up the game, Ricky turned to some part-time bowling but the plan rather backfired as the Northwood Town tail wagged ferociously and the part-time bowling disappeared at over 10 an over at one point. Northwood's final total of 156 in 40 overs was a decent target and perhaps 20-30 more than Ricky were hoping for.

In reply, Ricky's experimental top order failed to fire, however despite a score of just 14 for 3 after 8 overs, Ricky had plenty of experience and batting prowess waiting in the wings. Bilal 'Boris' Mohammed held an end well for a competent 16 before the arrival in the 12th over of Kamran Shah. Kamran averages 10 for Ricky with a top score of just 34, but what was to come next was an astonishing display of top class power hitting. A partnership of 36 with Bilal was followed by one of 40 with skipper Blackwell. Kamran went on to a match winning 66 before departing trying to push for an unlikely first century. With 44 still needed to win, Rickyt were grateful to have Billy Mohammed and Waheed Mahroof in at the crease and with 28 and 20 respectively they saw Ricky home to what turned out to be a comfortable win, with overs to spare.

Man of the Match : Kamran Shah - welcome to the 50 club Kammy !