Good run out for 2nds against Harrow Town

It was a bit of chilly day as compared to last week and Gaurav won the toss and elected to field on the pitch which promised something for both to batsman and bowlers.

Rohan making a comeback made a good start with line and length and was bit unlucky with catches getting dropped and lbw decisions not going his way. At other end, experienced Ronesh was welcomed with a towering six off his first ball which was later compensated with tight line and length. RCC got the first break through a run out and then later Ronny got rewarded by a dream wicket for a left arm orthodox with ball pitching outside leg and clipping the batsmans off stump.

Smithy replaced Rohan and was his usual pernicious self giving nothing away to the batsmen. At the other end Syam was making his debut in RCC colours and bowled quite well for his first spell in the UK. He was rewarded with a wicket with a fine catch in the outfield. Nayan ( another debutant ) replaced John and bowled a brilliant spell getting 4 wickets in his first match. Hanuman bowled well at other end without getting any success and was hit badly in his final over. The closing stages were left to Waheed and Lekshay as old-hands and they also bowled well to restrict Harrow to 198 off 40 overs.

As a unit the bowlers played well together and Ricky took some decent catches and made run outs when it mattered. It was a gettable score

Gaurav and Sohail started off the innings for RCC and Gee started off with a promising pull short which was followed by a loose one to be caught at mid off. Lekshay came in and played some good shots and at other end Sohail was getting his old form back. Both played quite defensively looking to build an innings. Sohail was bowled by Nikhil. Then Harrow brought on their quick bowler who made everyone look for a batting helmet. His good length balls were going above head height on a wicket that was holding together very well. Lekshay tried going for counter attack but ended up with his stumps all over the place and was out with a well made 16.

Owen who replaced Sohail made a promising start with 3 crunching boundaries, but was caught at mid off trying to catch up with the required run rate. At this stage Ricky were 80 for 4 and 18 overs left. Waheed and Rohan played a patient game and saw off seamer Dee but Rohan was unlucky to get caught at mid on. Another promising start that was snuffed out by a loose shot. Waheed made a well made 19 and was eventually highest scorer for the team and towards the end we had a decent partnership from Hanuman and Syam but eventually team was bundled out for 121 . It wasn't that bad a defeat but the chances were there for the Ricky batsmen to score more, but wickets were generally given away rather than being earned by the bowlers.

All in all it was good practice game for RCC team with all bowlers and batsman getting a chance against a solid team. Next week it is Hayes in another friendly before we start the league proper.