Saturday 29th May 2004
Saturday 22nd May 2004
Saturday 15th May 2004

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Saturday 29th May 2004

1st XI vs. Mill Hill Village

Report by: Alan Barnard

Last week performance was always going to be a tough act to follow, and it certainly roved that way as we made our way around North London to play table topping Mill Hill Village at their Burton Hole Lane ground. Our line-up had been boosted by the introduction of slow left arm specialist Rajesh, the latest overseas recruit from Chennai. On arriving at the ground, we were pleased by the fact that Village had managed to remove the burning smell from their clubhouse after last years fire / explosion, and had also prepared 4 good looking wickets (surely you can only play 2 games in a weekend, boys?).

The Rage and Northern took the new ball, and managed to mix up some promising deliveries with some wayward stuff, and Village were allowed to rocket the total on worryingly quickly. Mini Smith decided to have a 6-hour strop after he was told to keep quiet by the umpire, after some characteristic sledging, which did not amuse the officials. Doddsey replaced Northern and looked threatening with the new ball, but runs were still flowing far too fast.

The introduction of Cocker and Raj to the attack did a lot to stem the runs, with Raj especially looking very impressive, taking a couple of early wickets, and causing lots of trouble for the batsmen with his spinners. In fact, only 1 Village batsman actually managed to dominate him for any length of time, and played very well to score 93. The game was getting away from us after a couple of partnerships where streaky runs were more the order of the day than fluency.

Raj bowled all the way through, taking 5 wickets for 93 from 23 overs - particularly impressive given the fact that he'd just endured a 13-hour flight the day before. A smart catch from Northern was probably the highlight of a very much under-par fielding display from the E-Unit. I think the re-introduction of Wills as skipper (missing this week through injury) and Billy in the covers will improve things next week - their attitude lifts the rest of the team when things aren't going quite according to plan. Still - we had plenty to play for on a reasonable track, despite facing a tough 257-7 total.

After a top-notch tea (good work boys), things started off badly as Mini Smith had his off peg uprooted by the 6th ball in the first over after 5 of the most innocuous deliveries ever seen. Barney was later seen hiding sharp object from him, and confiscating his belt and shoelaces as his mood sunk to new depths. This brought Dodgy into bat, and he and Rochie looked accomplished as they began to accumulate runs and build a partnership. When Si lost his wicket to a run-out the would have graced any FA Cup Final, Danny Hare entered the fray, and upped the rate in his usual fashion until he was caught in two minds as to what shot to play, and holed out tamely to mid-on.

Losing Dodgy for an excellent 53 ended all thoughts of us chasing the total, and we settled into draw mode as Barney and Raj set their sights on 175 and the maximum possible batting points. Barney looked particularly uncomfortable against the quicks early on, taking a few blows to the chest and gloves, but surviving relatively unscathed. More wickets fell, as Raj departed for 20 and was replaced by skipper Beeden, who looked in no trouble against the quicks, upping the tempo with ease. Sadly, the big fella was less at ease against the spinners, with the umpire remarking that Barney and he were at the wrong ends, and was proved right as Tim missed a tame-looking full toss and was given out LBW.

Justin Benedetti (also on debut) looked solid, but departed to another sharp catch at short-leg, so it was upto Barney and Matty to play out the remaining overs, which they did with relatively little trouble. Unfortunataely, the final batting point was just out of our reach, as we had to settle for 154-7, but there were plenty of positives to be taken from this performance. Firstly, this was a game last year that we could, and probably would have lost from the situation we were in, and we showed some considerable resolution to hold out for a draw. Not only did this mean that we gained 5 draw points, but it meant that Village, who are realistic promotion challengers didn't get 30 points. The other main positive was Rajesh, who looks a class act, and will have a huge part to play as we look to get though quick overs or attack at the death on good batting tracks that we'll be seeing at Hydeside later in the season.

We have the highly unpredictable Middlesex Tamils next weekend at home, who have struggled so far this term, but are just as likely to field a very strong side and put in a few wins, so we have to be completely back on top of our game, and I'm sure we will be.

Team: Beeden, Mardell, S Roche, D Hinnigan, D Hare, Rajesh, Barnard, Benedetti, Worton, C Dodds, Varley

2nd XI vs. Mill Hill Village

Report by: Pat Carr

Triple Lottery Winner Bats for Mill Hill!!!

We win the toss – We field!

Beefy not available so Khazi steps in, thanks to Stavmeister for all his help.

Lloyd and Zee open up. Lloyd bowls aggressively and beats the edge and the heads a few times. The embryonic opener guides the ball to Khazi at 4th slip/gully area. 30-1. Zee struggles and is replaced by Jilesh and Lloyd eventually gets replaced by Cheese. Wickets fall regularly and the run rate barely reaches 2.5 per over until drinks are taken at the 25 over point, 65-4. Big fella comes to the crease and starts to slap the bowling to all parts of the ground, predominantly without bouncing inside the ropes first! This guy goes on to score 165 however a) the ball dropped between fielders about half a dozen times b) he was dropped FIVE times c) he swung and missed lots of times d) he had one shot which was a cross batted slap. We fed him many many short balls which he despatched. I have never witnessed an innings like this but fair play to the dude he knew it was his day and he abused it. Stav/Dom/Khazi bowled the remaining overs. Stav pulled a muscle chasing the ball to the boundary, this plays a significant part later, read on!

The score went from 80 odd for 5 to 266 for 7 when the opposition skipper declared the MH innings.

We had a chat before tea and all agreed that this was gettable on our track. We estimated we would receive 44 overs and would require 6 an over from the off.

Dom and Jilesh opened up and soon started hitting the run rate. Mill Hill never really applied any form of pressure. It appeared that they had accepted what they thought was an inevitable draw. We had very different ideas. Jilesh departed with the score on 30. Khazi joined the rock and partnered him until both had passed their half centuries (Khazis parentage was called into question by a few MH players when a slight nick was heard but the umpire failed to give him out – the fact that I got nowhere near that ball was of little significance. The Billy Bunter lookalike competition winner was not happy) and the score was 150-2 with 20 overs remaining. The target was still achievable and we were not flinching from attempting to attain it. Mr B joined Dom and continued to keep up the chase before stepping in front of his stumps and being given out. James H was due in next but Khazi changed the order to keep James’s solid defence for later should the need arise to bat out the draw(insightful if I may say so myself). Lloyd came and went first ball (there’s nothing like having a look is there?) Mickey B marched out to continue the momentum. Dom edged the ball to slip and Stav took his place, the chase was still on. A mix up saw Stavmeister run out due to the fact that he could not turn around quick enough because of his earlier injury. Coop’s was sent out with the instruction to draw the match! 8 overs left, Coops and James doing a sterling effort until Coops was dismissed to his utter disgust. Zee was told to go for the draw but was bowled by a slower ball from the returning opener. This point in the game saw MH actually come alive with a little self belief that they might actually win a game. Take a tip from us boys, we believe that we will win every game regardless of the scale of the task and if we had scored 266 against you boys, you would not believe the pressure we would have put you under, you won’t get a second chance, I promise! Paul Hare marched to the crease, 5 overs remaining knowing what was expected and through some nail biting times duly obliged, along with regular two’s man James to deliver the draw - really well done boys!

Special mention to Stavmeister for his motivation throughout the tough fielding time when triplerollover was abusing us and to Paul for standing in at the last minute.

The MH boys stayed for a drink and were sociable and all on field tantrums were washed away – Looking forward to the return match.

Thanks to Ray for umpiring and a special welcome back and thank you to Kim in the scorebox.

Team:- P Carr, D Harte, J Pattni, J Hazell, L Henry, B Ganji, M Ali (Zee), S Elia M Bilson, P Hare and Big Bad Coop’s.

Saturday 22nd May 2004

1st XI vs. Birkbeck College

Report by: Alan Barnard

After last weeks solid draw against Southall on a flatter than flat track, it was important that we did well at home to Birkbeck College, to get us back up with the league leaders. You could tell the commitment was there, as Billy texted round the night before to arrange a net - he suggested 11am, we agreed on 11:30, and he turned up at 12. The rest of the team were there on time though, which was certainly very good to see and demonstrates that we are willing to go the extra mile to perform well this season.

On a Hydeside track that was looking as good as ever, Wills lost the toss, and Birkbeck had no hesitation in putting us in, hoping to bowl tightly to restrict us to a chaseable target. Gavin 'Mini-Smith' Mardell opened up with Tim 'Twinkletoes' Beeden, and both players looked fairly solid initially, with Gav playing some excellent cut strokes through the off side. Losing Tim brought "Dodgy" Dave Hinnigan in, who looked as positive as ever, as he tried to dominate the bowling early on.

Gav and Dave were split up after Dave drove firmly back up the pitch, but was caught magnificently by the bowler, who somehow managed to adjust in time to cling on one handed - as good a caught and bowled as you'll ever see. This brought Barney to the wicket. Gavin had progressed to 20 when he was given out LBW, which brought Billy to the crease, who batted steadily with Barney to bring the total nearer to 100 with a mixture of defence and cheeky singles with the odd boundary to boot.

A spate of really silly run-outs followed, with Billy calling for a run that was never there, and ending up stranded at the bottom end. Following that, Barney proceeded to run the skipper out by about 15 yards, calling for a second that was never there, and leaving the skipper stranded halfway down the track. Danny Hare and Barney pushed the score on well, but another terrible call from Barney led to Dan being left stranded, and our middle order decimated by run-outs.

Matty Worton came to the crease, and batted sensibly to tick the score over, and when Barney departed for 75, we were about 180-7, still a few runs shy of a good total, with only 6 overs remaining. Some excellent and intelligent batting from Matty, coupled with some big hitting from new recruit Ciaran Dodds pushed the score up to 222-7 at the close. The highlight of the innings was when Doddsey was accused of being a rubbish tail-ender by the opening bowler, and then dispatching him for six back over his head, much to the pleasure of the Edmonton faithful.

The question was - was 222 going to be enough to defend on a wicket that offered a little to the bowlers, but was effectively a good batting track? We knew we'd have to bowl exceptionally well, and to start off with, we did. Barney took a smart catch to dismiss the opener off Mattys bowling, and a few other very sharp chances went just wide of fielders, and the score ticked on with streaky runs.

Things started to slip out of our grasp as Birkbeck's number 4 and 5 piled on the runs against the inexperienced Kamal, Dodds and Varley, and things were looking desperate as we approached the drinks break. Birkbeck required less than 4 an over from 20, with 7 wickets in hand, and two batsmen who were very well set. Our fortunes stated to recover when Matty was re-introduced, and bowled a rare bad ball, which was smashed through mid-wicket for four… or so we thought. Wills rose like a salmon to pluck an amazing catch out of the air, and take us to drinks with just a glimmer of hope.

If Birkbeck had been sensible about things, then they could have pushed singles for the duration, and probably won, but the E-Unit had a game plan, and were sticking to it. By re-introducing the opening bowlers we were going to stem the flow of runs, causing pressure and hopefully rash shots and wickets, which in turn would lead to more pressure. The plan worked like a dream, with Birkbeck crumbling under unrelenting Edmonton pressure.

The fielder's heads were up, and there was a lot of talk… Billy and Barney were shutting out singles in the covers, where they had been taken before, and most importantly Matty and Wills were bowling to the game plan. As more wickets began to tumble, the celebrations became more vocal, as all the frustration from the earlier part of the innings was let out. Annoyingly, the skipper was injured whilst celebrating, going over on his ankle to end his spell prematurely, and necessitating a substitute fielder for the last few overs (thanks Monster!).

Edmonton were not to be deterred though, as Doddsey stepped up to take his first Saturday 1st XI wickets in consecutive overs sparking scenes of wild celebrations. What had been a speculative game plan at drinks was proven to be a masterstroke, as Matty and Tony bowled out of their skin to take 4 and 3 wickets respectively. In fact, the last 6 wickets fell for just 19 runs, a testament to how we turned the game on it's head in such a short space of time with a greatly improved attitude towards bowling and fielding.

With news filtering through that the 2nd XI had made it 2 wins in 2, it was a jovial mood in the bar, as Barney and Matty purchased jugs. The night wouldn't be complete without a visit to the top London nightspot, and the Edmonton contingent there was as lively as ever. Hopefully the first win of many this season, as Edmonton look to progress into the First Division of the Middlesex Championship, with news just coming through that an overseas slow bowler may be joining us for next week, things are certainly looking up at the club.

2nd XI vs. Birkbeck College

Report by: Pat Carr

SLOOOOOOOOWWWW PLAAAAAAAY CAAAAAANT SAAAAAVE THE DAAAAAAAY!!!

We arrive on time , except skipper who is fined immediately, ready for a battle.

Birkbeck are all ready and at prayer when Khazi goes to spin the coin. Prayer over, comment about asking the big fella upstairs for some help not going down too well!!!

Lose the toss but Birkbeck decide to bat anyway – result for us but obviously they feel confident in their batting line up. Birkbeck skipper asks Khazi to clarify the new bowling rules – Khazi obliges and then the penny drops. They are going to bat for as long as possible and not leave us enough time to chase the runs!!!

Things start ok with Lloyd and Zee opening. Zee struggled with line and length and was replaced by Khazi. Lloyd bowled well and the wickets started to fall. The track seemed to be a batting paradise. 30-0 soon became 36-3 although a plum lbw decision going unfingered by the B’s umpire did not please Khazi too much (especially after the same guy twatted Khazi for 16 off his last over). The star player was out LBW and continued all day to whinge to Ray. Ray showed great restraint and composure and didn’t even consider penalising the oppo 5 runs which he would have been more than justified to do – Well done mate.

Smithy screaming in from point, leapt into appeal mode as Justin removed the bails for a blatant stumping (not given-surprise surprise) and very nearly poleaxed himself into the ground as his inappropriate footwear gave way from under him, but in his own inimitable style Smithy saved face by uprighting himself at the last possible second – classic comedy son.

Birkbeck had a better team than last year but the slow play tactic was annoying to say the least especially after their star player was out for zip. However we continued apace with wickets falling at regular intervals. 50-5, Stav and Beefy took over with success and eventually we had the oppo at 120-8. I am not sure what really happened to us for the next period of play but we conceded 47 runs to shocking shots and some poor fielding. Lloyd returned and was swatted away for some runs (the batsman did not have a clue). Something had to happen and one of those cricketing moments that you remember for life occurred. The ball was skyed and Lloyd ran backwards some 50m caught the ball with outstretched arms and managed to stop himself one pace from breaking the boundry line – spectacular.

We fielded averagely well but the B’s umpire has to take a good look at his ability to umpire impartially-nuff said.

The forced march back to the pavilion was undertaken and a decent tea was enjoyed scones and all!

Dom and Asif opened and founds things a little tough at first. Asif being put down to a sharp chance early on. Birkbeck realising that the slow play tactic may not work had now decided to play proper cricket. Both guys worked hard and the runs started to come steadily. Dom departed with the score around 40ish. Khazi came and went the score now 50ish-2. Jilesh joined the fray added a few more and was out to a shooter, lbw, with the score on 60ish-3. The perfect batting track was now proving not so perfect. Birkbeck bowled a lot better than us. James Went in and batted well until given out lbw. Asif was out next after forging a very good 50+. Lloyd and Stav batted well and when Stav departed the score was around the 140ish mark. Zee had a very quick cameo prior to Smithy joining Lloyd with about 20 needed to win. Things were getting a bit constricted. Lloyd was out and Justin ‘B’ came to the crease (this left only Beefy to bat at 11 through injury but even an injured Beefy could draw if necessary). Some quick running and the total was reached to everyones delight - We had put the record straight from last season.

Birkbeck were better than last season but still not good enough for a motivated ECC two’s.

Well done boys.

Big up to Ray for umpiring – even though he triggered me (only joking mate, I would have given myself out for that one)

Team: K Lawrence, P Carr, D Harte, J Pattni, A Padhani, J Hazell, L Henry,D Smith, M Ali (Zee), S Elia and J Bernadetti.

Saturday 15th May 2004

1st XI vs. Southall

Report by: Alan Barnard

With the season moving into it's second week, we found ourselves in the unusual position of being equal first in the league table with all 9 other teams in division two of the Middlesex Championship. From the start of the day, it became apparent that the weather wasn't going to disrupt proceeding for a second weekend in a row, and as we made our way round to Southall, we couldn't help but wonder what kind of minefield we'd encounter after last seasons chaos. The answer became apparent after the first couple of overs, as they had gone from one extreme to another producing an absolute featherbed of a track, which meant that there was only one outcome.

Things might have been different had Matty Worton managed to cling onto a very sharp caught and bowled chance on the first ball of the innings. Rest assured, the batsman he dropped went on to score an impressive ton, and swing all but the slimmest chance of victory away from us. Pick of the bowlers were probably Danny Hare, and Simon Roche, who bowled a tight spell in the uncharacteristic position of first change. He could be a big plus for us if he continues to bowl that well, mixing up the pace and length, an never really letting the batsmen settle.

Young spin duo, Gavin Mardell and Kamal Panchal both impressed with the ball, although received very little assistance from the pitch, as Southall amassed an almost unattainable 273-7. After one of the poorer teas on the circuit ("sorry guys, we've got no milk" the home skipper was heard to say), we changed and got ready to score at least 175 (for maximum betting points) and possibly have an attempt at a run chase.

Simon Roche and Gavin Mardell opened up, and looked in very little trouble, putting on 70 for the first wicket, racing to 60 at the right rate for 275, then slowing down somewhat when the spinners were brought on to stem the runs. It was particularly pleasing to see both players score runs, and Si managed to pass 50 in his first outing this year, whilst Gavin contributed a solid 30.

By this time, the run chase was off, and Alan Barnard and Dave 'Hazell' Hinnigan came and went for 15 and 29 respectively. It was left of Adam Bilimoria and the hard-hitting Danny Hare to steer us past the 175 mark to gain a respectable 13 points. In fact, we finished on 203, although we never really threatened 275, we showed that we had the resilience to see an innings through, and get the most points we can from a tricky match position. With a few players still missing, we can only get stronger from here on in.

Given that we were beaten soundly this time last year by Poly, and that we usually struggle early season, this was a promising start. Also, it was particularly pleasing to see 10 out of 11 players in the team either currently representing, or having represented Edmonton at colts level - a tribute to the fact that we can produce quality youngsters. Team: Willett, S Roche, Mardell, D Hinnigan, Barnard, A Bilimoria, D Hare, Beeden, Worton, Varley, Panchal.

2nd XI vs. Indian Gymkhana

Report by: Pat Carr

INDIAN GYMKHANA - OH NO THEY 'KHANTA'

Lovely day - expectations high - a few new faces and a promotion place to chase for the third year running.

Fielding practice as per usual - E2's looking pretty good for this time of year - no rustiness apparent.

Skipper late (and fined accordingly). Khazi wins toss.

The rumour mill suggested that I G were a pretty strong batting side so we decided to let them set a total and put them in.

It was soon quite apparent that they were not the same 'batting' side that rumour control had assessed. The openers were dispatched, one with a brilliant catch at point by Jilesh (ex Sudbury Court 1XI).

Doddsy and Zee (our Bangladeshi overseas dude), opened the bowling. They both bowled well and contained the batsmen quite easily. Lloyd replaced Doddsy and Jilesh took over from Zee. Again both bowled well. The score at this stage was about 35ish for 5 or 6. There was a feeling of superiority in the field and we were guilty of going to sleep a little. Drinks were had with the score on 50ish for 6 and we set ourselves a target of 80 maximum. Khazi replaced Lloyd and Stavmeister delivered his usual spin from the bottom end. Beefy took over from Khazi and bowled through to the finish. We bowled them out for 94. On a perfect batting track, where we only really bowled adequately, this was a massively under par score. All the same, well done to all seven bowlers utilised.

Tea was had and it was a testament to the fact that we only had one youngster (Doddsy) with us that we actually had some food left over. Bring back northern and Chrissy G.

Dom 'the rock' and Asif (watch for some big scores from this guy as the season progresses) started the run chase with some great shots. Asif departed with the score on 38 and Khazi joined the Rock. Nothing too exciting, both worked the ball around and Khazi finished the chase with consecutive six and four to wrap up the first win of the new season.

I think I echo the sentiments of most that this was not the standard that we expected to play in div 1. A couple of the IG boys apologised for not giving us a game. They played three 15yr olds who will benefit from the experience but should be blooded in another team.

We can only play what turns up on the day. I am sure that this standard does not reflect the remainder of Div 1 and we will soon be battling with some tougher opposition.

Birkbeck next week - lets avenge our poor draw last season, at least with the new over rates they cannot employ the slow play tactics without retribution.

Fines fund = £20 - Not a bad start.

Thanks to Ray for umpiring.

Team: K Lawrence, P Carr, D Harte, J Pattni, A Padhani, J Hazell, N Hubbard, L Henry, M Ali (Zee), S Elia and C Dodds.