Sanderstead vs Frimley Green Cricket Club - Sunday 10th July 2011, 14:00

Today's match against new opposition for FGCC in the shape of Sanderstead is just as likely to be remembered for the events that preceded the start of the match. After a fine FGCC social organised by Social Sec Dave Brown, strike bowler Nug pulled out before the game had even begun (a text to the captain at 7am to say you've woken up on the kitchen floor is a poor excuse and will be punished accordingly), and Vice-Captain JP decorated the opposition's dressing room with his own blend of technicolour yawn. Good on everyone for turning up though and making the long journey to Croydon. Skipper Jim won the toss and decided to bowl on a grassy wicket on a pleasantly warm July afternoon. And his opening bowlers did not let him down, with Nick and Mike bowling good opening spells in this timed game and taking 3 early wickets thanks to some good catches by Josh, Rich and JP. Rich came on first change and kept up the momentum with some hostile, tight bowling, ending with fantastic figures of 8-5-4-2. With Jim dismissing top scorer G. Jackson for 37, the tail wagged a little before Mike came back on and finished them off to leave Sanderstead 110 all out after 41.1 overs. With a win on the cards and plenty of time to knock off the runs, hope turned to horror after Gordy was LBW off the very first ball of the reply with a delivery that must have bounced about 3 times. Neil and Josh went soon after, leaving FGCC facing embarassment at 5-3. Things could have been a whole lot worse were Rich not dropped at slip soon after, but luckily Al Hammond and Rich batted sensibly and shared a 56 run partnership, Rich hitting a glorious 6 over the deep square leg boundary and into the car park. Once Al had departed at 61-4, Sanderstead brought on 2 very quick young bowlers to try and sneak out FGCC's batsmen, but again sensible play by the ever-reliable (and now sober) JP and aggressive hitting by Rich saw FGCC home with overs and time to spare, Rich bringing up the win with a 3rd 6 of his magnificent innings. A good win played in great spirit against a very hospitable Sanderstead side, whom hopefully will provide many more exciting encounters in the years to come.