Saturday 28th August 2004
Saturday 21st August 2004
Saturday 14th August 2004
Saturday 7th August 2004

Any views expressed in these reports are the views of the author, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Edmonton Cricket Club, its committee or its members. If you find anything offensive or inaccurate in the content of these reports, or if you have any queries reagrding the reports, please contact us via email, stating the report you're referring to and the date so that we can take any action deemed necessary.

Saturday 28th August 2004

1st XI vs. Polytechnic

Report by: Alan Barnard

This season really is going right down to the wire by all accounts; we've come close over the past 3 or 4 years, but have never been still in the running by the time the last game came around. This season would be different, assuming we could gain a win against bottom placed Polytechnic at home. Poly are a shadow of the side they were a few years back, where they had attacking batsmen and quick bowlers aplenty. Now they have 1 or 2 players, but should not pose a major threat.

The pitch, for the second home game running was going to be tricky to bat on, it had seen a lot of water during the week, due to the typical dodgy August weather, and was likely to be low, slow but fairly consistent. Having said this, I suspect on the day, it was the best prepared and best playing track in the league, so fair play to Camber for getting it as good as it was.

The skip duly won the toss, and elected to field, hoping (as ever) to restrict and chase down whatever total was posted. It was not a classic performance, Doddsey opened up, and bowled waywardly, but managed to pick up 3 wickets, all with bad balls, his good balls doing too much for the Poly batsmen. Matty was looking fluent from the top end, but there was a feeling of complacency as we knew we were facing one of the weaker sides in the league, which we have to shake if we're going to progress.

The Poly batting was unimpressive, and a series of mix-ups with their running almost led to several run outs, we rode our luck, and took our chances, and with the help of a couple of fortunate umpiring decisions, we managed to bowl Poly out for 110. I think it would be fair to say that if we had performed in the way we did against pretty much any other side in the league, we would have found ourselves chasing more like 200, and the post match team talk from Barney said as much.

Chasing, we were reduced to 20 - 3, as Rajesh took the opening slot as Tim was not fully mobile. Raj didn't last long, and neither did Dodgy at 3 or Billy at 4, so we were stuttering, although not in desperate trouble when Barney came to the crease to join Rochey.

In a near carbon copy of the home game against Lohana two weeks previously, the Edmonton batsmen set about knocking off the 2 runs an over, batting patiently, and within themselves to ensure that Poly didn't get a sniff, and steering the game to the right conclusion. Despite complaints about the slow run rate from the Poly fielders, the two Edmonton batsmen did exactly what we needed of them to win the game.

In fact, both batsmen gave a decent chance each, but neither were bagged and a 90 run partnership was enough to seal the 30 points with about 15 overs to go. With news filtering through of a Turnham Green defeat at the hands of Calthorpe, we knew that we were just 4 points away from a promotion slot with 1 game to go. We're definitely second favourites, but it's nice to go into the last game of the season knowing we have something to play for.

Willett, Roche, Rajesh, D Hinnigan, A Bilimoria, Barnard, Herron, Beeden, Worton, Dodds, Varley

Saturday 21st August 2004

1st XI vs. Ruislip Manor

Report by: Alan Barnard

Going into the game this weekend against Ruislip Manor, we realistically needed 30 points to keep our promotion hopes on track, but it was clear that a defeat would have put us out of the picture altogether. Stand in skipper Barnard proved that he was just about the worst tosser in the world, losing out, and being put in to bat, when we would clearly have been much happier chasing.

The line-up had something of a makeshift feel about it, with Dave Baker and Dave Smith coming in, and 2nd XI regular keeper Barrat Ganji taking over from the absent Adam Herron behind the stumps. Barney gave the team talk stating that 175 was the target, and anything more would be a bonus, on a track that had seen a lot of water in the week, and was a lot softer and greener than we’re usually use to at Hydeside.

Ses Jayasena opened up with Tim Beeden, and straight away set about piling on the runs against a wayward and rarely threatening opening bowling pairing. In fact, we were flying along at 5 an over when we reached the hundred mark, for the loss of Tim, who was bowled by just about the only ball that came back in from the opener all innings. Ses fell shortly after his fifty, and when Barrat was given out harshly for single figures, we were stuttering, and needing a bit of steadying.

Barney joined Dave Hinnigan at the crease, and started slowly, but both batsmen soon got into their stride, Barney falling for 50, and Dave seeing the innings through for an unbeaten 73. Rajesh came in at the end to crash a huge six over square leg, as we finished the innings on 255 from 55, a total that would be tough to chase, but something we thought Ruislip would have a stab at.

Mark Varley and debutant Archer Cornwall opened up, and whilst both bowlers beat the bat on numerous occasions, nothing managed to find the outside edge, as Ruislip set out their stall early on to make sure they weren’t going to lose – somewhat disappointing for a side that could potentially break into the top 3 given a couple of wins.

Rajesh was soon introduced, but it was the change at the bottom end where Jaya was replaced by Dave Baker that made the difference. Dave took a fortunate wicket with his first ball, which was a rank full-toss, and didn’t look back from there, taking 3 wickets, and turning the game on its head.

By this stage, wickets were tumbling, and a questionable run out by Tim Beeden led to a spate of wickets, Rajesh extracting a lot of bounce and turn from the pitch. The pick of these was a smart catch by Beeden at first slip. Ses Jayasena took a contender for catch of the season off Dave Baker, as he took a blinder, running full pelt with the ball dropping from height over his shoulder.

We ended up having 10 overs at the last 2 batsmen, which should have been more than enough, but unfortunately, one of the few batsmen to be consistently comfortable facing Rajesh was batting at 10, and Ruislip weren’t prepared to rotate the strike. With very few chances given, the game rolled out towards a draw, and we had to settle for 20 points, rather than 30.

All in all, a disappointing finish to what should have been 30 points against a team that despite our weaknesses, we dominated from start to finish. In actual fact, we scored nearly twice as many runs as them, and took nearly twice as many wickets as them, yet had to settle for a draw. If ever there was a game where the toss of a coin completely influenced the result, then this was it, but we shouldn’t dwell too much on this. There were a few positives to be taken from the game, the batting was excellent, the fielding was sharp, and given the fact the we were missing 6 regular players, 20 points could be worse. Now we must win 2 from 2 to stand a chance, we’re still in the hunt, but only by the skin of our teeth.

Team: Barnard, Beeden, Jayasena, D Hinnigan, Ganji, A Bilimoria, Rajesh, Baker, Smith, Cornwall, Varley

3rd XI vs. Highgate

Report by: Linserd Miller

Edmonton made the return journey to play Highgate. The captain (Miller) called incorrectly when the coin was tossed, so normal service has resumed the captain has lost another toss. On wining the toss Highgate decided to bat on fairly ordinary summer's day.

Ordinary is the best word that could be used to describe Edmonton's performance on the day. The two opening batsmen walked out, this was the oldest opening partners I have seen all season, and it must be the oldest opening partnership in the league. The bowling was opened by Adnan and Thomas, the opening pair bowling an accurate line and length, the opening batsmen could not get the ball off the square, but they kept their wicket intact. The opening batsmen kept plodding along, not playing any aggressive shots, determined to keep their wickets in tact.

Thomas got the first wicket Via the LBW route, when one of the openers played around a straight ball. The run rate continued to be slow as the bowlers maintained a good line and length. The fall of the second wicket brought in Highgate no: 4 batsman, who proceed to change the course of the game. The captain took off Thomas and Adnan and replacing them with Coombes and himself. The Captain immediately found his rhythm, putting the ball on the spot, the batsmen unable to get him off the square. The captain bowled his first 7 overs for 4 runs, and in the process bowled 5 maidens. After he conceded 16 runs in the next 2 overs, the captain took himself off and brought on McArthur.

This is where the fun began, the no: 4 batsman decided to take on the bowlers and all hell broke loose. He started smashing boundaries to all parts; he made Chris Gayle look like Geoff Boycott. He was not only hitting fours, but sixes, except for the wicket keeper, a mid wicket and a cover, everyone was protecting the boundaries, but to no avail. At the other end the batsman was just blocking and getting a single when he could. There is a rumour that the captain took himself off, when he saw that the batsmen was set and he was about to target the bowlers in order to protect his bowling average.

After the no: 4 batsmen had satisfied himself by getting a hundred, he started to get over confident and was bowled by Maish for 109. At the fall of his wicket the score was 180 for 3 wickets. Edmonton was able to restrict Highgate for 235, a good fight back by Edmonton.

After tea, the batting was opened by Captain Kirk and the captain (Miller) as his regular opener Panchal had been promoted to the second team. The captain decided to lead from the front, as he knew it was going to be difficult for Edmonton to win this game and he knew Edmonton could not afford to loose to Highgate who are 4th in the league and fighting for promotion. The first task was to try and obtain maximum batting points and then assess the situation from that position.

None of the things that the Captain was hoping for happened; Edmonton had to fight to get a draw from the game. Captain Kirk was bowled early in the proceeding, who was replaced by Bennett. The Captain and Bennett put on a partnership of 56, with Bennett contributing 42. At the fall of Bennett's wicket, Gosai, came in, he did not last an over, before he was out. The Captain knew he had to play a captain innings in order to save Edmonton from defeat.

The Captain leading from the front as usual proceeded to play a dead bat to every ball bowled, while wickets were falling at the other end. Finally the captain was joined by Adnan who played very sensibly putting the ball balls away and defending when required. At last the captain found someone, who realise the situation the team was in and played accordingly.

The captain had negotiated everything thrown at him, Highgate seeing that the game was drifting towards a draw decided to bring on the pie chuckers to buy some wickets. In a moment of aberration the captain forgets his mission and was caught trying to slog his opposite number for six. The team had 10 overs to negotiate, which they eventually did, for the loss of 8 wickets. In fact it was actually, the last pair at the wicket, as Thomas had gone AWOL (apparently he had to leave early, he had to take his parents to the airport, so he was not around to bat.

Edmonton was able to secure a draw thanks to the batting of the captain and Adnan, who stayed until the end, and was 46 not out.

It transpired that Highgate no: 4 batsman would normally play for their 1st team, but he was unable to register before the deadline for registration of players, hence him playing against our 3rd team.

Man of the Match: Adnan

Team: Miller, Bennett, Captain Kirk, Coombes, Maish, Adnan, McArthur, Sohail, Thomas, Brown, Gosai

Saturday 14th August 2004

1st XI vs. Lohana

Report by: Matt Worton

After a relative slump in recent weeks, we have found ourselves with a pretty simple equation: 4 games/ 4 wins and we have, despite ourselves, got a very good chance of getting promotion. So to the task at hand: Round 1 Lohana.

Once again there was a good turnout for morning nets (although Barnard was late!) and I feel that this shows a deep level of commitment from the boys to our cause. What particularly impressed me was the fact that some of our first-teamers were present despite not getting home until 5 o clock that morning!

Wills won the toss and opted to have a bowl, which was a pretty easy decision to make. Special mention has to go to camber who, in the absence of Brent, prepared the most bowler-friendly track of the summer. "Can we have him every week?"

So we set out to get amongst Lohana as quickly as possible so we wouldn't have to chase too many. The plan worked well and Matty soon nabbed the first 3 wickets. Lohana regrouped for a while and found themselves 75-4 and, I would imagine, feeling reasonably confident on building a respectable score. In the space of four overs, they were 75-8 and we swiftly wrapped things up bowling them out for 92. Matty finished with 4, Mark with 4 and Raj 2.

A special mention must also go to Mark who finished with 4-11 from 7 overs, a spell that probably only included 2 or 3 bad balls. This season Mark has started developing into a consistent first team performer who should be a front-line bowler for the next ten years at least. Well done Mate!

So chasing 93 to win, we went about to bat before tea. I sincerely thought that the game would be over before the bar opened (which if I'm honest I was quite distressed about). Nevertheless my team-mates ensured that this wouldn't be the case with a pretty inept batting display. A mixture of poor shot selection and poor running and suddenly we found ourselves 40-4 and Lohana were beginning to believe that might have a shout. It can often be hard when chasing small totals because you believe that you simply have to be there to win, and I think in this instance that was our problem. Fortunately Alan "Red Adair" Barnard and Billy came together and we chased down the meagre total without any further alarm. Job Done!

Writing this report on Wednesday gives me a better chance to evaluate our prospects once the other results have come in. Verdict: Prospects Good. Results have largely gone our way (despite Southall winning) and although placed 4th we are only 17 points away from top spot. There's still a lot to do and forces have conspired against us to the extent that we are short of 4 first-teamers in perhaps the most difficult game we have left against Ruislip Manor who are placed 5th.

In my enforced absence this coming week (anyone know any good excuses for missing a family wedding?) I would just like to say I have complete faith in the team that we put out and I know they won't let anybody down. So come on boys I'll be rooting for you. We all know how much promotion will benefit the club and we need people to do everything they possibly can to try and achieve it.

1 down, 3 to go. I'm getting excited!

Team: Willett, Beeden, Roche, D Hinnigan, Herron, Barnard, A Bilimoria, Rajesh, Worton, C Dodds, Varley

3rd XI vs. Mill Hill Village

Report by: Linserd Miller

The Day of the Big Gamble

Edmonton made the relatively short journey to Mill Hill to play Mill Hill Village. The weather was changing, following a few days of rain; it was now quite a pleasant day. The skipper was hoping to win the toss and bat and then bowl out the opposition. At the toss of the coin, the skipper called correctly, wonders will never cease. It appears the law of averages does work, as the skipper is now winning the toss, something that appeared impossible in the first half of the season.

The Skipper concerns were that the pitch was damp and that the ball would not come through and he had a team filled with stroke players. The batting was opened by Captain Kirk and Adnan; the skipper reminded them of the need to be watchful as the ball would not come through. The skipper might as well have kept his advice to himself.

The first over was very eventful, Captain Kirk forgetting the advice from the Skipper hitting 20 from the first over including a six. At the other end, the other bowler AP bowled a maiden over, swinging the balls both ways and mixing it up the odd slower ball. The opening bowler was removed from the attack after only 1 over. If, only Captain Kirk had followed Geoffrey Boycott advise, when you get a Lollipop bowler, take time and milk him, otherwise the Captain will take him off.

AP was bowling excellently, maintaining a good line changing his speed and generally using the condition very well. It was not long before he produced a false stroke from Adnan, and he took an excellent return catch. The fall of the wicket brought in Baker; before Baker could settle he was out, bowled first ball by AP. Edmonton had lost 2 wickets in 2 balls and Bennett was facing the Hat-trick ball, somehow Bennett managed to keep the ball out.

It was not long before another wicket fell, Captain Kirk caught behind, playing at a ball that left him. This was the only defensive stroke Captain Kirk played in his innings, rumour has it that Captain Kirk cannot play a defensive stroke and he would have been better off, trying to clear the field as usual.

It was all quite in the Edmonton camp, wickets were falling on a regular basis and 5 wickets had gone down for 55 runs. The skipper encouraged all the outgoing batsmen, telling them to be patient, wait for the ball to come to them, as the pitch is slow due to the damp condition. McArthur followed his skipper advice, waiting for the bad ball which he despatched to the boundary. The bowling at both ends was very good and the pressure was on, however, the skipper had faith in his players. Following a good cameo from McArthur, the score slowly began to creep up and the score eventually reached a 100, with 6 wickets down.

Brown came in throwing the kitchen sink at everything including his regular fall on his backside sweep and before you could say Edmonton, the score was over 150. Edmonton was eventually bowled out for 174 with AP taking 6 wickets. The Skipper knew with the bowlers at his disposal Mill Hill Village would have to bat like Australia to win this match.

The bowling was opened by Adnan and Thomas, who was AWOL last week. Three overs went without anything happening, the pitch had now dried out and the ball was now coming off the pitch nicely. In the fourth over, Thomas produced one that pitched and bounced, which the batsmen edged into slips, McArthur dived to his left and pulled off an excellent catch. Adnan seeing that Thomas had given us the break through was now pumped up and in his next over he uprooted the batsmen middle stump. Mill Hill Village were 2 wickets down with les than 15 runs on the board.

Adnan and Thomas continued to bowl well together; it became a race as to who would get the most wickets in the match. Adnan went ahead, when we got his second wicket, this only inspired Thomas to try harder with the encouragement of his skipper. It was not long before Thomas got his second wicket. This led to Adnan cranking it up a bit more, he then produced 2 vicious Yorkers, which hit both batsmen on their toe, who took off their shoes to ensure their toes was still there.

The Edmonton players were now pumped up and began to sing the praise of their skipper. The wickets were now falling like leaves; Adnan had 5 wickets and Thomas 4. It was Thomas turn to bowl and he did not disappoint, he ended with 5 wickets as the batsman was caught in the covers by Brown. Mill Hill Village was bowled out for 61, after an excellent bowling performance by Thomas and Adnan.

This is the second match in succession that the Skipper has not bowled; apparently he is taking out his frustration on batsmen on Sundays.

Men of the Match: Adnan and Thomas (was too close to call)

Team: Miller, Bennett, Captain Kirk, Davidson, Maish, Adnan, McArthur, Baker, Thomas, Brown, Greenaway.

Saturday 7th August 2004

1st XI vs. MTSSC

Report by: Alan Barnard

We made the trip round to the Post Office Sports Ground in Sudbury knowing full well that we needed 30 points to keep us in the promotion chase, with Turnham Green and Southall still reachable, and Mill Hill Village breathing down our necks after their win over us last weekend. Our opposition for the day, MTSSC we notorious for the inconsistency - winning games out of the blue, and slipping up when they might do better.

It was a scorching hot day, and after consultation with some of the senior members of the side, it was decided that we would be best served bowling first, trying to restrict Tamils to an attainable score, and then chasing. That way, we could control the game whilst batting 2nd, and not risk things getting away from us, like they did against Southall and Mill Hill Village.

Rajesh was given the task of taking the new ball for the first time this season, and did so with his usual precision. Some people would regard opening with a spinner as a negative ploy, but I think any tactic that means your best bowler is given the most possible overs has to be justified. Matty opened from the other end, and took a wicket with the second ball of the innings, as the wicket showed signs of what was in store later in the day. The ball came through at chest height from a good length and brushed the batsman's glove on the way through to Herron behind the stumps.

The MTSSC batsmen were clearly looking to be as positive as possible, and this was the downfall of the number 3, as he aimed a huge drive over mid off, and saw the ball spin out to point off a leading edge where Barney took a smart catch. 20-2, and we were well in the game, but there was always the chance that a quick fire partnership could take things away from us, especially given Tamils positive batting tactics.

One such partnership came along, and 20-2, soon became 120-2, as the scoring rate topped 5 an over. The No. 4 in particular played a risky innings full of excellent shots, and equally frustrating edges with plenty of play and miss for good measure. Despite this setback, we stuck in the game, and battled back with Raj leading the way taking 4-67 in the end from 27 overs, but the 220 they gained was always going to be a very tough ask on a wicket that was becoming more and more bowler friendly as the game progressed.

A mention has to go to Ciaran Dodds, Tony Willett and Mark Varley, who all did their best to keep things tight, not letting up their effort on one of the hottest afternoons that I can remember. Looking back on the innings, it was the dropped catches that cost us dearly - none of them were routine, but 20 runs here and there can easily mean the difference between promotion and 3rd place. We have to be more ruthless, and fight for our runs, rather than sitting back and waiting for things to happen.

After the turnaround, Wills took the decision to open with the pinch hitting of Ciaran Dodds, but he was soon back in the pavilion (well, under the tree) for 11 from as many balls. Rochey was next to go, and Wills came to the crease with Dodgy. The skipper rode his luck, being dropped 3 times, and never really got going on a wicket that wasn't conducive to his normally fluent stroke play. When he did go, and Tim and Dodgy followed soon after, we were staring down the barrel in a big way at about 65-5.

As has so often been the case on Sundays this season, the Barnard / Herron partnership worked wonders to unsettle the opposition, who now firmly believed victory was a formality. Some excellent running and positive strokes from Herron ticked the score over, and as the rate accelerated, the opposition started to get a little frustrated. So much so they their 'appeal for everything' tactics got a little out of hand when they asked the question after Barney was hit on the helmet by a stopping delivery, attempting a sweep-slog.

Victory was still a massive outside bet as we looked to survive the increasingly unplayable pitch, but with 7 overs to go, and 8 an over required, the decision was taken to have a go at the total. It was a case of so near, yet so far, as Barney threw off the shackles and crashed the ball around, falling for 48 to a stopping delivery. Herron was still going strong, playing some wonderful cricket but with time running out, he was run out for a magnificent 88, surely worth 150 on any Hydeside pitch.

In the end, we were perhaps 2 overs short of what we needed, and it was a very disappointing end to the game, but at least we managed to avoid defeat, which would have dealt a massive blow to our morale, as well as our promotion chances. I think we can take some positives from the match - Raj bowled as well as ever, and Barney and Herron piled on 121 in 20 overs, but ultimately this game will be remembered as 15 points lost, rather than 5 gained, even though I think we would have jumped at the chance of 15 points had they been offered at 60-5.

Team: Willett, Roche, C Dodds, D Hinnigan, Herron, Beeden, Barnard, Rajesh, Mardell, Worton, Varley

3rd XI vs. North London

Report by: Linserd Miller

The Day of the Terminator

Summer has arrived at last, we have had two weeks of excellent weather, we are now playing cricket without sweaters. Edmonton was playing North London on a glorious summer's day.

The coin was tossed and the opposition captain called incorrectly, Miller the Edmonton skipper, put North London in to bat. He threw the new cherry (ball) to Adnan, Thomas the regular opening bowler being AWOL (had to go to his baby christening), what a poor excuse for missing a vital game for Edmonton.

Miller gave his usual inspiring speech to Adnan, encouraging him to be the best he can by stepping up to the plate and delivering the goods. The first over passed without much happening, Captain Kirk, opened the bowling at the other end. Captain Kirk bowled his first over without much happening. Adnan then ran in for his next over and all hell let loose as the Terminator began his job of destruction.

In his second over Adnan produced a ball which pitched leg and removed the openers off stump. This was just the start of the destruction of North London batting by Adnan. In his next over, he removed the number 3 batsmen, bowling him with one that pitched on the off stump, removing the middle stump. The carnage continued, in the next over Adnan removed the number 4 batsman with another great delivery uprooting the batsman stump. Adnan continued his one man destruction of North London batting; he had now removed 6 batsmen all cleaned bowled.

Meanwhile, at the other end nothing was happening, the other opener was still batting; he made sure he kept away from the end Adnan was bowling. His approach was, it was best to watch proceedings from the other end than to face Adnan. It is rumoured that the batsmen said, he was having a good look at Adnan from the safety of the non strikers end.

Captain Kirk was starting to feel the strain at the other end, bowling some good balls, but spoiling it by bowling the odd bad ball. Miller encouraged him to have one more over. Captain Kirk then got a breakthrough at the other end, when the opener was brilliantly caught in the Gully by Benedetti. Captain Kirk was replaced by Maish, who bowled a consistent line and length and kept the pressure on the batsmen from his end.

At the other end the carnage was continuing with Adnan mopping up the tail and ending the match by taking 9 wickets. Adnan bowled brilliantly, bowling fast and accurately, moving the ball into or away from the batsmen. This was an exceptional bowling performance by Adnan, whose match figures was 9 for 34, with 7 bowled 1 LBW and 1 caught and bowled. Most of the runs that came off Adnan, were off the edge through the slip and gully areas, North London were bowled out for 96.

After a very nice tea, the Edmonton players suitably refreshed were magnificently entertained by Drayton. However, before we get to the entertainment provided by Drayton, we need to begin at the start of Edmonton innings. The batting was opened by two of our very promising youngsters, Benedetti and Panchal. The captain then gave his inspiring speech to his young protégé and sends them out to bat with words of encouragement.

The openers put on a partnership of 22, when Panchal was bowled, trying to cover drive. The fall of the wicket brought in Baker, who played one lovely shot before he was caught at mid wicket. The entertainment began when Drayton came in; he immediately went after the bowling, smashing Sixes and Fours in his innings of 46 not out. In the process of his innings which only lasted 4 overs, he lost 3 balls which were smashed over the high fence and over the A10. Apparently, Drayton has been sent an invoice for his day's entertainment, as his match fees did not cover the cost the balls lost.

Finally for those with a keen eye for statistics, you will note that Miller did not bowl for the first time this season; however it must be said, his captaincy on the day was exceptional.

Man of the Match: Adnan

Team: Miller, Bennett, Captain Kirk, Panchal, Maish, Adnan, Benedetti, Baker, Billson, Brown, Drayton.

Sunday 1st XI vs. Radlett

Report by: Adam Herron

On another hot summers day Edmonton travelled to the picturesque setting of Radlett with high hopes of coming away with 4 points and another step closer to gaining automatic promotion with games to spare.

Edmonton had a fairly strong team out anticipating a poor challenge from a depleted Radlett side that had a cup game against Cockfosters on their main square on the same day. The skipper, having lost the toss, was still happy as his side were made to bowl which would have been his choice anyway. New boy Adnam was given the new ball after his exploits the day before (9 wickets for 32 off 16!!!!) and was asked to do the same again and the E's were not disappointed. First ball of the game he duly bowled an away swinging Yorker that started outside leg stump and cleaned out the opener!! Just the start Edmonton wanted and after Mark Varley had bowled a maiden in his first over Adnam took another wicket with the first ball of his second over!! In a carbon copy of his first wicket it was another Yorker with raw pace and swing beating the number 3. 0 for 2 off 3 was a great start and things got better when Adnam got his third wicket of the day, this time starting the ball on middle and leg and finally flicking the bottom outside edge of off stump. It was now around 15 for 3 off 8 and Varley, who had barely gone for a run yet, was beginning to think that it wasn't going to be his day with Adnam claiming all the glory. However, his brilliant line and length at last found a breakthrough when he got the Radlett skipper out with a ball that moved off the seam, taking off stump out of the ground. For his next trick he trapped the incoming batsmen LBW with his very next ball. Some people thought it was a tad high but the E's skipper was in no doubt that it would have uprooted middle stump. At 20 for 5 Edmonton smelt blood but the number 4 had other ideas and swung a couple lusty blows taking 4 runs on each occasion. Varley had now bowled his 7 overs for 7 runs capturing 2 wickets in the process and almost taking a hat trick. Danny Muschamp was introduced to the action while Adnam carried on at the other end. The number 4 had now moved Radlett onto 40 for 5 off 18 overs but was soon removed by an in swinging Yorker from Danny Muschamp and their little resistance was all now but gone. Adnam got his fourth wicket, LBW, in his last over with a Yorker length ball that swung back a lot and would have hit leg stump had it not hit the batsman's foot first. Muschamp took another with another in swinging Yorker and Stav came on and finished it off with 2 easy wickets, one caught by Adnam the other bowled. Radlett ended up on 54 all out off about 24 overs leaving Edmonton with the easiest of run chases we are likely to see all season.

Billy opened up with Adnam, who jumped at his first chance to have a go with the bat after his exploits with the ball. He quickly got into his stride looking to finish the game off within 6 overs and smashed his way to 30 odd before chasing a wide one and getting caught at first slip. 'Jason' Benedetti came in and helped Billy finish Radlett off with about 37 overs to spare.

All in all a good performance from the E-Unit but next week will be the real test of character with what promises to be a hard game against a strong Brondesbury side who are also joint top (depending on whether they won on Sunday). Hopefully, 'The Legend' will be back to strengthen the batting and Archer has already agreed to bolster the bowling attack so we really do have a great chance to beat them!!

COME ON THE E-UNIT!!!!