Washington Cricket Club - 40th Anniversary Year

As disappointed skipper Peter Kloss said afterwards:  ‘we have a tradition of very close finishes between ourselves and Great Gaddesden, but our batting today just didn’t click. It’s very disappointing.’

It was in fact a rather curious Washington XI that took the field after Gaddesden had won the toss and decided to bat first:  for the first time in five or six years there was not a single Australian, South African or New Zealander in the team as key players rested before the 20-20 finals at Mitcham on Sunday.

Nevertheless, Washington’s bowlers began well with Max Murrain turning in an inspired 8-over spell for just 30;  he was well supported by Dominic Butcher (0-18), and Peter Kloss (0-29) who troubled both the openers with some delicate swing bowling.

However, the breakthrough eluded Washington, and the Gaddesden batsmen, having built a secure platform, became more expansive in their stroke play as the innings wore on.  Sandeep Kuckreja eventually persuaded Gaddesden skipper John Cheeseman, sr., to drive a ball to Peter Kloss at mid off, but his fellow opener, Phil Warren completed a magnificent, chanceless century:  by the time he was run out, Gaddesden had well over 200.

Washington hadn’t bowled badly, and the fielding had been reasonably good – Aff Naseem’s debut behind the stumps was particularly notable.  Moreover, an asking rate of 5.5 should not have been beyond the Wash;  however, their reply was over almost before it began. 

Chris Davies (0) lost his off stump in the first over (0), and he was quickly followed back up the pavilion steps by Aff Naseem (9) and Matthew Cragoe (1).  Young Jack Roberts (9) played some nice shots on his debut and occupied the crease well, and Butcher (9) was looking well set before getting himself bowled.

Kukreja (65) was the only Washington batsman to really master the home attack.  He played some glorious shots, including a superb cover drive off the left handed John Cheeseman, jr. in reaching a well deserved half century.  His freakish dismissal – flattening his stumps when a hay-making swing at a leg-side wide got out of control and came full circle – marked the effective end of the game as any kind of a contest.

Max Murrain (4), Taran Persaud (4) and Eric Stoughton all glittered briefly in the deepening gloom, but the inevitably moment of defeat finally arrived when Kloss, who had struck some nice blows in reaching 32, was caught at point.

Washington:  Kloss, Naseem, Davis, Cragoe, Roberts, Butcher, Kuckreja, Pendry, Persaud, Murrain, Stoughton.

Man of the Match:  Sandeep for excellent batting and effective use of the slower ball.

Packing the Kit:  Sandeep for hitting his own wicket!!