Saturday 11th September 2004
Saturday 4th September 2004

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Saturday 11th September 2004

1st XI vs. Southall

Report by: Alan Barnard

With the main part of the season over, and the unlikeliest of promotions to the top division of the Middlesex Championship secured, we took on our fellow promotion winners, Southall at the Paulin ground, Winchmore Hill in the Final of the Middlesex Federation Vase. The game was always going to have something of a carnival feel about it, as the most important aspects of the season had already been tackled, by both teams, and it was clear that neither team were going to take the game ultra seriously. Special mention must to go to Danny Muschamp, who has to take the best 12th Man in the Cup title with ease, assisting most ably throughout the day with drinks, and general banter - cheers Dan!

Adam Herron was the Edmonton captain for the day, and he managed to lose the toss, but was content when Southall decided they would bat first, a decision that I think Herring would have taken anyway, given his track record in Sunday league games this season. Adnam and Matty opened up, and despite every remotely lose ball being punished for 4, we still started well, keeping the run rate at around 3 per over. Matty was the tighter of the two bowlers, and really started to turn the screw with his line and length, as it became apparent that the Southall openers were starting to become frustrated at the lack of scoring opportunities.

From the other end, Adnam was looking threatening, and likely to take a wicket as he beat the bat a couple of times, and slipped in several Yorkers that somehow managed to miss everything on the way to Herron behind the stumps. It was Adnam who took the first wicket, as the Southall opener played on to his stumps via his pads. Willett replaced Matty from the bottom end, and carried on where Matt left off, bowling an impeccable line and length. Wills managed to bowl a couple of absolute pearlers in his spell, the best of which hit off stump of the Southall danger man, after the bemused opening bat had offered no shot.

Mark Varley was introduced from the pavilion end, but struggled to find his line and length, and started to leak runs. Stavros Elia came on to replace him, and bowled beautifully to take the pace out of things, and slow the scoring rate down even more. Wills finished off an excellent spell, and was replaced by Rajesh, who bowled very well in tandem with the Bubble, to put even more pressure on the Southall batsmen.

With wickets falling fairly frequently, and the run rate struggling to get over 3, Edmonton were maneuvering themselves into a very strong position with the dual spin attack. Comedy moment of the day has to go to Matty Worton, who was fielding at Long on, when the Southall No 10 struck a massive blow off Raj, which appeared to be going into the road. Fortunately, the wind held it up, and Matty, who appeared by all accounts to have dozed off, took a catch where he had to move a grand total of 0 inches, as surreal a moment as I've seen this season.

Danny Hare came on at the end of the innings to bowl a fantastic line and length to further restrict the batsmen, and underline why keeping things tight will always bring wickets as batsmen feel pressured to move the scoring along. With the Southall innings wrapped up for 136 (Rajesh taking 4 wickets), we had done the bulk of the work required to win us our first piece of silverware in most peoples careers, but there was still a fair way to go. Retiring to the pavilion for one of the best teas since we played Mill Hill 5 years ago, a few of the Edmonton boys perhaps ate a little too much, and when it came to bat, we looked a little sluggish from the start.

The Southall opening bowlers (like Adnam and Stav) had not played in either of the league fixtures earlier in the season, and were bowling a very good line and length to restrict Tim and Adnam. When we lost both batsman in quick succession, the game could have swung wither way, as the close fielders and slip cordon was boosted, and the vocals were being turned up to the max. What was needed was a good partnership, and the skipper was joined by Barney who set about building a solid, yet unspectacular innings taking the singles when they were on offer, and putting away any rare bad balls for four.

When Herron fell, Barney continued his good work with Danny Hare, as some excellent running ticket the innings towards the 100 mark. Southall had tried bowling most of their team by this stage, and they decided to bring on their veteran seamer to frustrate the Edmonton batsmen. It was a half hearted appeal that appeared to harshly see the end of Dan's innings, LBW to a nothing delivery, and brought Wills to the crease.

The quick singles had slowed down by this stage, but the boundaries hadn't, and it was an excellent 10 overs for Edmonton, as Wills played his full range of shots to move us within yards of the finishing post. Barney fell to a poor shot, and a very good catch, but the game was over by this stage, and it was academic as Doddsey came to the crease to defy his new found fresh air tag, and take a role in the winning partnership. The Edmonton supporters that had made the short journey were treated to some impressive scenes of celebration, as Wills capped off the Saturday season by hitting the winning runs with plenty of time to spare.

After a brief photo call, we joined the Southall boys - who, to be fair took defeat in the best way possible, proving they're a good bunch of lads, and top sports - in a bit of p*ss taking out of you know who. After the fun and games, it was time to move round to the main square to collect out trophies (and medals, and ties). The Southall players, stuck around for the ceremony, and there was a big cheer (as well as a bit of banter) from the Edmonton boys as they collected their awards. The biggest cheer though was saved for Adam Herron as he collected the Vase to end too many years at Edmonton without 1st XI silverware. I was good to see Chris Barnard pick up a medal and an award too. I think it's fair to say that in him, we have the best scorer in the league, and it's only right that he should be recognized as an important part of a winning Edmonton 1st XI throughout the season.

As we returned back to Hydeside, it was always going to be messy, as the drinking started. For a few of the players, it was the last game of the season, and they could really go for it in the drinking stakes, whilst for others, there was an important Chess Valley League decider the next day, so they went for it anyway. Wills led us in the standard rendition of California Dreaming, and there were numerous chants about Cambers bowling and batting performances, the 5th XI skipper being likened to Freddy Flintoff at one stage in the evening! It was a fantastic feeling to know we had some silverware propped up at the bar, and there was plenty of cup kissing / beer drinking throughout the night

All in all, another great Day for the club, and I didn't think I'd get to say that so soon after last weeks report. We've proven that we can be a competitive, winning team over the past 5 months, and this winning mentality has rubbed off on the cup team, and the Sunday League team as we await confirmation of promotion in this league also. There have been a few massive bonuses this season, and I think as this is the last report of the season, some of the people that have contributed to the 1st XI's success deserve a mention. On the batting front, Dave Hinnigan and Adam Herron's batting has been top drawer, whilst bowling wise, Rajesh Pazhassi has been nothing short of a revelation, and Tony Willett and Matty Worton have been as consistent with the ball as ever. It's good also to look to the future, and the likes of Ciaran Dodds, Danny Hare and Mark Varley are all impressing, as they come through the ranks. One of the most pleasing aspects of this season is the fact that for almost all of the games in the league we've fielded a side where 9, 10 or more of the team have represented the club at colts level - something that not many sides in the league can boast. Let's hope that 2005 is as good as 2004 in terms of success.

Herron, Beeden, Adnam, Barnard, D Hare, Willett, C Dodds, Pazhassi, Elia, Worton, Varley

Sunday 1st XI vs. Alexandra Park

Report by: Adam Herron

On an overcast Sunday afternoon the E's travelled the relative short distance to AP needing a win to guarantee promotion to Division 3 and were in a confident mood having won the Middlesex Federation Vase the day before.

The skipper called right and decided to put the oppo into bat as per usual and opened up with Adnam and Archer. AP's opening partnership were from the Windies and, as the day spanned out, were obviously a pair of ringers as the remaining 9 players couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo. The number 1 was a good bat and ended up on 110 odd although he was dropped 100 runs earlier by a certain young northern lad, naming no names. The number 2 was a slogger and was bowled on a no ball by Archer and was trapped plumb in front also by Archer but was given not out by a very dubious umpire (who either didn't know the rules or was clearly a cheat). He went on to get 50 before finally giving his wicket away. The rest of AP managed 50 odd between them and were relieved that the ringers got a few runs for them. Anil ended up with 4 wickets, Ses 3, Adnam and Danny M 1 apiece and a run out.

So 217 was the total and Ses and Anil opened up and no sooner had the game started when Ses was out caught behind of the opening batsmen/slogger. The Captain, Herron, joined Anil with the score at 6 for 1 off 1 and both batsmen slowly but surely got into the groove confidently taking 1's and 2's and putting the bad ball away. Herron gave a couple of chances, one of which fell to the man Adnam had bowled a full toss at and hit him where no man wants to be hit!!!! He duly dropped it and the next chance fell to the other opening batsmen in the slips and for all his brash confidence/arrogance dropped what was a routine slip catch at chest height.

Herron settled down after that and went on to get 55 and share a partnership of 148 with Anil which meant the two had made 244 together in their last two innings together. Barney came to the crease with only 60 runs to get with lots of overs to spare and set about producing the most poorly constructed 12 runs the team had ever seen and the worst they had seen Barney bat before getting out. Luckily Anil was in supreme condition making his way to an unbeaten (but dubiously scored by the Barnards) 120 and seeing the E's reach the target with 14 overs to spare.

So another game, another victory and promotion all but secured barring a miracle in the Hanwell Vs. Brondesbury means a very impressive season for the E-Unit with promotion on Saturday and Sunday and a cup winner medal to boot!!

Well done to all the lads who played on Sunday and throughout the season, our efforts have been rewarded and now we can enjoy a couple of league dinners with our heads held high!!

Team: Herron, Barnard, Cornwell, Dodds, Varley, Rajesh, Anil, Adnam, Muschamp, Stav, Ses.

Saturday 4th September 2004

1st XI vs. Crouch End Calthorpe

Report by: Alan Barnard

Calthorpe away was the fixture, and as we made our way to the ground, I think pretty much every member of the team was resigned to another season in the 2nd division of the Middlesex Championship next year. The odds were stacked so heavily against us that it would take a minor miracle to finish in the 2nd place that was required to secure promotion. The logistics of the situation were that we were 4 points behind 2nd placed Turnham Green, who were at home to one of the weakest sides in the division, Lohana. We needed Turnham Green not to win, and then for us to pick up at least 5 points more than them, but with Mill Hill Village also breathing down our necks, we realistically needed to win, and then cross our fingers that Green would slip up.

We had a scout out at the Fullers Ground relaying the scores back to us from the Turnham Green vs. Lohana game, and also popping over to the Quinton Hogg Ground where first placed Southall, who mathematically were also within reach were visiting struggling Polytechnic. I'd like to go on record to say a big thank you to BUPA Cooper, who gave up his afternoon for the good of the club, relaying scores back to Calthorpe. We did our own bit of scouting, as the 2nd XI's closest rivals, Birkbeck College were at Highgate (2 minutes walk from Calthorpe), so scores were being relayed 3-ways as the afternoon developed.

We started badly as Wills managed to lose the toss, and the Calthorpe skipper had no hesitation in putting us into bat. This was a big blow, as we would have been much happier controlling the game by trying to restrict them, and chasing down a total. Beggars can't be choosers, as they say, and as Tim and Rochey walked out to bat, we knew we needed to post a decent score quickly, and then get bowling. It was a tough call as to what a good total would be on a reasonable wicket, and we were in a position where we could start to think about declarations as the openers played us into the excellent position of 56-0.

Unfortunately, things started to go a little bit tits up at this stage, as we lost Tim, bowled, and then a mini collapse occurred, as Rochey ran himself out, and Dodgy Dave slipped up for a low score. Herron came in to join Billy at the crease, and was soon on his way, as he chipped a ball to the square leg fielder that should have landed on North Middlesex's square. He departed to abuse from the Calthorpe 'keeper, and continued the feud that was started at Hydeside earlier in the season by giving it back as he walked off

Barney and Billy batted sensibly to tick the score over to 110, but they both fell within 2 overs of each other, trying to force the pace, and we were really staring down the barrel as Wills holed out in the deep, and Rajesh and Doddsey followed soon after. We were 115-9, and staring an almost certain defeat in the face. Northern marched to the crease to join Matty, and both players batted very well to push singles around the park, and tick the score over to 141 - way short of what we should have been aiming for, but at least we'd have half a chance of defending it, assuming we could take a few early wickets.

As we went to tea, we were dejected, given the news from BUPA Cooper that Turnham Green had fielded first, and restricted Lohana to a paltry 131 all out on a wicket that historically has got easier to bat on as the day continues. We knew the game was all but up, even if we could pull off an unlikely win in North London, events were turning against us out West, and Turnham Green would surely be promoted. With Southall also securing maximum batting points, it would take an unlikely Polytechnic win for us to leapfrog them into second place.

Somewhat despondently, we walked out to the field, where Wills did his best to rally us, calling for focus only on this game, and for us to completely ignore what was going on at the Fullers Ground. He was 100% correct in doing this, as at the end of the day, there was nothing that we could do to influence events elsewhere short of asking BUPA to do some kind of comedy streak to disrupt Turnham Greens batting.

Wills decided that he should lead by example, and took the new ball with Matty. Tony had soon dismissed the danger man with a delivery that left him, and took an outside edge on the way through to the safe gloves of Herron behind the stumps, and then accounted for the number 3 shortly afterwards courtesy of one of the sharpest slip catches I've seen for some time from Beeden. It was game on by this stage, but with such a tiny total on one of the smaller grounds in the league, it was always going to be a massive ask to keep the run rate down whist attacking sufficiently to take the wickets that we needed. Matty chipped in with a pearler that cut back to take leg stump away from the other opener, as the game took another interesting twist.

The use of Varley and Doddsey as close catchers did a bit to unsettle the No.4 and No. 5 as they seemed intent on getting involved in sledging, rather than focussing on their own play. Mark replaced Matty and took the wicket that we wanted, their Keeper for single figures, as he got involved in a shouting match with Mark, after Varley offended him after he had streakily edged him through the slip region for four runs. When things had settled down, we could see that the batsman was fuming, and as Varley attempted a yorker next ball, the batsman could only scoop the slow full toss towards Billy at cover. Time stood still as Billy moved in to pouch a smart low catch, and send the E-Unit mental. Herron (who remember had history both today and early in the season with their keeper) was seen to stand behind him and shout his head off for about 2 minutes, whilst performing some kind of comedy star jump routine.

Mark was well fired up by this stage, and produced a blinding delivery to bowl their number 6 all ends up, to turn the game on it's head. Doddsey had a go from the bottom end, but despite bowling tidily couldn't make the breakthrough. Things were looking bad, as although the opposition were 5 down, they had 'Shotgun' in, and looking to bat aggressively, whilst shepherding the No. 7 through his innings as they started to build an ominous partnership. The score ticked along, and at drinks they were about 70-5, needing 72 runs to take victory.

Barney rushed off the field to make the call to BUPA to get the latest from Turnham Green, and got the interesting news that Green were batting very slowly, and making hard work of the run chase. With this relayed back to the E-Unit, we took the field ready for one last big push to try to salvage something from our season.

Wills then made what would turn out to be a tactical masterstroke, as he replaced Ciaran with Rochey for a couple of overs to take the pace off things. Shotgun's eyes seemed to light up, as he smashed Rochey for what was almost certainly going to be a six, but managed to pick out Ciaran on the boundary, who took an excellent catch high above his head. Shotgun is a very good player of quick bowling, and was heard to complain when Wills took Northern off, and later admitted in the bar that he wouldn't have played the shot off Rochey if he hadn't known that Rajesh was about to come on next over.

70-6 and things were getting interesting, although one of Calthorpe's youngsters was looking very comfortable at the crease at the other end, and pushing singles here and there as the Edmonton fielders lapsed, and allowed them to scurry through. Things were getting heated, and the pressure was clearly on as we started to bicker and squabble about who wasn't pulling their weight in the field. The partnership that all but finished us was for the 7th wicket, as the score progressed to 100-6. With just 42 runs needed, they would have to be firm favourites, despite only having 4 wickets remaining.

By all accounts, the pressure must have been immense on the Calthorpe batsmen, despite only playing for mid table position, they weren't about to roll over and give up this game. Rajesh had been bowling from the top end tightly for a number of overs by this stage, and Wills was brought back soon after from the bottom end, as we looked to take wickets by restricting the runs and building the pressure. Rajesh struck with an LBW early on in his spell, despite protestations from the non-striker that fell on deaf ears, as the umpire was certain it was hitting.

7 became 8 as Wills bowled Jason Jenkins to raise the morale of the team, as we closed in on the most unlikely of victories. The No. 10 cut hard at a wide one from Wills, and Barney was happy to see the ball heading his way, as he rolled back to take a comfortable catch, and then dodge several onrushing fielders trying to mob him. The run rate had slowed right down by this stage, but there was still a job to be done, and Calthorpe only needed 17 runs to win from about 6 overs. Rajesh then took the last wicket of our league season bowling their No. 11 round his pads whilst attempting a sweep shot behind square.

We had managed the most unlikely of victories against a strong and competitive side, who really wanted to win, and we knew that this was some achievement. Despite the celebrations taking place on the square, Barney and Beeden were quickly off the pitch, as we all knew that our superb efforts here would be in vain if Turnham Green chased down the 131 set by Lohana. Once again, BUPA Cooper was on hand to tell us the latest, and it really was a tale of 3 phone conversations as the news was relayed between Hydeside, Fullers and Crouch End. It was good to see a few of the 3rd XI boys down at Calthorpe too, fair play to them, they were entitled to be celebrating their promotion, secured with a win against Alexandra Park at the Racecourse ground, but we appreciated them coming along to Calthorpe to see how we were getting on

Conversation 1, was Barney to BUPA, to get the Turnham Green score. Cooper was ecstatic that we had won, even managing to say 'well done' which is the highest praise possible from Coops. He then returned the favour, relaying the fine news that Green were 101-8, and struggling, having taken about 55 overs to get where they were. Game on, and things were getting interesting now, especially as the normally ultra negative Cooper had said that he didn't think Green were likely to chase the 31 runs needed in 8.5 overs. We would no doubt be on the phone to him again.

Pacing around outside Calthorpes pavilion was not doing anything for our health, but we needed to speak to the 2nd XI. Smith rang up to find out how we had got on, having already spoken to Cooper, and knowing full well that if we won, things could go our way. There was a massive cheer and a buzz of excitement, as the 2nd XI realised that we could make it 3 promotions out of 3 for the top 3 teams. After passing over our congratulations about the 2nd XI's deserved promotion and tight 2 wicket victory, we heard some interesting news. It seemed that someone from the 2nd XI had phone BUPA and found out the Turnham Green had lost another wicket.

Call 3 was to BUPA, and there was no way that I was going to let him off the phone as the game at the Fullers Ground came to a conclusion. After we confirmed that they were indeed 9 wickets down, I was expecting 7 overs of hell, as Green scrapped their way to victory, but it didn't quite go like that. Cooper started getting excited, and was saying something about a run out, after he'd finished appealing, I checked with him to see if the last wicket had fallen, and when he confirmed it had, all hell broke loose at Calthorpe.

I jumped on Beeden, who then rugby tackled me, Herron did a streak across Calthorpe's square, waiving his towel around his head, everyone was jumping on everyone else, and BUPA was still on the phone, shouting his head off. When things had calmed down (and we realised that nobody had called the police about Herron's antics), the Calthorpe boys (and fair play to them, they are a good bunch) congratulated us, despite being unhappy about not being able to make the short trip to Hydeside next season. After a call to the 2nd XI, where basically everyone was going mental, the drinking started.

Coming back to Hydeside, feeling as proud as I ever have in my 18 years at the club was one of the best feelings I've had, I know there have been ups and downs in seasons before, but I've never experienced anything as good as this. It was always going to be absolute carnage, as we were all hammered after being at the club for about half an hour. I can't begin to describe how good a night it was, and how great a feeling after coming 3rd for the last 4 seasons it is to know that we'll finally be playing our cricket in the 1st division after 11 seasons in Division 2. The only downside was the hangover, which I've just recovered from, it's Tuesday now, and I don't think I've stopped smiling since 6.15 on Saturday.

Happy days!

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

2nd XI vs. British Airways

Report by: Martin Loveday

So last game of the season sees British Airways coming to Hydeside to try and upset us and get a result which would help their neighbours Birckbeck who were playing just down the road away at Highgate. Everyone turned up early for a net and some catching and fielding practice. We welcomed back Steve for his second game after his impressive performance against Mill Hill. It was a lovely day and the stage was set.

It was time for every man to step up and play the way we know we could. Kev went to toss up with the opposition skipper who turned up with only 10 men. The coined hit the ground then it rolled before going to fall one way then other before eventually falling in favour of our skipper Kev. We are not mind readers but I think its fair to say that putting them into bat was what we all expected and had hoped for. Normally I wouldn't subject anyone to our dressing room behaviour but in this case I think its fair to say that every one was in a confident but not expectant mood, which gave us the great attitude along with some choice words from Kev which couldn't have been any truer. It was down to us to make sure that our season did not go down in flames and we got the result that would take us away from park pitches and some village cricket - and yes Twickenham and North London I do mean you.

Onto the field of dreams we walked and we were in no mood to miss out on the prize of promotion to the county league. Dom opened up at the bottom end and caused the batsman all sorts of problems but got his reward with his fourth ball when their opener played a forward defensive and played and missed at another away swinger and was stumped by Goddard. Loveday opened up from the top end and had good rhythm from the start and was beating the bat on numerous occasions. Dom got another wicket in his third over and Loveday had one dropped in his second and another go between 3rd slip and gully. In Loveday's fourth over a breakthrough when a edge behind was superbly held one handed above his head by Stav at second slip. In Doms next over he got his third wicket when their number 5 tried to put Dom away over Mid Off but the catch was smartly taken by Steve who caught it on the run directly into the sun. 20 for 4 and Edmonton were playing very good cricket. The next over bowled by Loveday saw the fifth wicket come as a slower ball deceived the swinging batsman by up rooting his off stump and BA were now 20-5.

Loveday was replaced by Lloydy at the top end whilst Dom continued to bowl very well from the bottom end. Runs were not flowing but they still had their opener and their skipper at the crease. Runs were being made at a slow pace and with a relative amount of fortune as the ball was going in the air just not to hand. Lloydy managed to get the breakthrough bowling with good pace he found the outside edge with one that carried and Goddard took an excellent catch low down to his right behind the stumps. They were now 6 down for about 73 with their opener still at the crease and playing some nice strokes to the boundary, making good use of his second chance. But this was not to last too long as probably the best caught and bowled you will ever see as Lloydy over pitched one and he smashed back the half volley which in all honestly had Lloyd not taken would have taken his head off his shoulders. 85 for 7 and we were looking to wrap this up and knock the runs off as soon as possible.

Stav had replaced Dom at the bottom end and in his third over took the next wicket a lovely delivery which took the outside edge was taken at waist height by Asif at first slip 90-8 and only one wicket remaining. Kev replaced Dom from the top end at was to be an all spin attack as the last pairing started to frustrate us with some shaky batting and picking up the odd run here and there with the odd big shot that would reach the boundary. However the boys stood tall and heads never dropped, encouragement from every player on the field was to show through as the skipper took the final wicket as he bowled their number ten whilst he was trying to make some room. We walked off the field with them 118 all out and slightly disappointed that we couldn't get them out for under a hundred but by no means were we worried or disbondand because if someone had said to us before the game started that you will get them all out for 118 in 30 overs.

In previous weeks the fielding had let us down but on this day a mixture of good ground fielding, holding our catches and team spirit showed through when it really counted.

After his lengthy bowling spell and a diving stop Dom declared himself probably un fit to open the batting, although saying that we all know that the Irish warrior would have taken on the role had he or anyone thought necessary. With the options we have in our batting line this was not foreseen as a problem. Asif and Khazi would open up with the knowledge that we had about 53 overs to knock off 118 on a batting dream of a wicket. We were looking comfortable from the start and Asif was just beginning to assert himself with a few boundaries when Khazi lost his wicket. From our vantage point we couldn't quite tell what happened as the ball seemed to hit him on the thigh pad going forward, we could only assume he was given caught behind. Un surpassingly Khazi was not too happy with the decision. The score was on about 25 off 7 overs or so. We got to about 60 for 3 losing both Asif and Jilesh in the process. We still had plenty of overs in the bag and were supremely confident of Hazell and Steve to see us home. Saying that though Hazell went to a very good catch at short cover as James smashed a half volley in the air. The next wicket of Steve was not far behind as their spinner started to get a handle on the game. Lloydy and Dom were at the crease with the score on about 80 for 5.Dom had been itching to get out there and fight against the bowling attack for the remaining runs and started in dogged fashion taking the singles and not really looking to hit boundaries. Lloyd could not hang around as their spinner took another, and so Stav entered the arena but it was not to be to score the winning runs as he was bowled and made way for Kev to see the boys home with Dom.

Kev and Dom started a patnership with some very good running and taking advantage of any miss fields. Runs were flowing but only at trickle, and there was still no issue with overs realigning but to be honest it was quite tense on the sidelines as there was only young Goddard and Loveday remaining if we were to loose a wicket. That is exactly what happened when at the worst point for us their umpire gave Kev out LBW (i think) with Edmonton requiring just 8 runs to win. At this point the birckbeck team arrived from playing and winning Highgate to see the close of the game. Chris Goddard went into bat with Dom at the other end. To be honest Chris survived a couple of close LBW shouts from their umpire to go on and strike the winning runs with a majestic hip glance through the infield and raced to boundary for the victory. The cheers were loud and celebrations of the title but also maybe a bit of relief for putting ourselves into such a tricky situation. The Birckbeck boys took it all in good spirit and were very sporting in clapping both sides off the pitch and shaking our hands after what has been a season of invariable but very good cricket.

Team: Kev, Khazi, Dom , Asif, Jilesh, Stav, Steve, Lloyd, Hazell, Goddard, Loveday.

Sunday 1st XI vs. Ickenham

Report by: Adam Herron

Sunday morning really was the morning after the night before as the lads were all still hung over from the shenanigans of the previous evening's promotion party. The day didn't get off to the best of starts when only 8 players showed up at Edmonton with Barney still in bed at 10.30!! The skipper couldn't manage to find two other people who were willing to play and several 'club men' should hold their heads in shame!! However, we made the trip to Ickenham and arrived early as we thought the start was at 12 noon but was in fact at 12.30!! The skipper lost the toss and was put into bat by a clearly hung over Ickenham skipper who informed us that they too had been promoted the day before beating our local rivals Enfield to gain promotion to the top division of the Middlesex county league and it became apparent right from the off that the oppo were probably more hung over than us if that was possible!!

Varley and Adnam opened up the proceedings with Adnam quickly into his groove but Varley failing to find his usual rhythm (not surprising really as he had had 20 pints odd of lager the night before while Adnam is Muslim and therefore tee total!!). Adnam got the oppo skipper out with what their skipper described as 'the best ball he had faced all season', an in swinging pacey Yorker to the left hander hit leg stump!! This was a big compliment as Ickenham are now in the league we are striving to get to in the years to come and is testament to the talent we have found in Adnam.

Varley was replaced by the old timer, Archer, who relishing the opportunity to re-show his talents against a team he had played against in his former glory years, bowled the best he has all season producing figures of 4 for 30 off 10. An excellent spell from someone who at the age of 48 still has a lot to offer to the club, and is someone who could be a valuable asset to the younger bowlers at Edmonton who need not only help and advice about bowling but also a good role model to look up to. I really hope we can get him to hang around for a few seasons despite the best efforts of certain people to scare him off!!

Adnam also bowled well and took 4 for 38 of 10 with the other wickets coming from Anil and a run out from Archer. I must just say that the run out was a classic with everyone screaming for him to throw the ball to the keeper which looked the obvious choice but instead he threw it at the stumps at the bowlers end and ran out the Ickenham batsmen who the day before had scored 129 not out against Enfield. It looked like he was throwing it to the keeper and made a terrible hash of it with a skew-whiff throw but was in the end a brilliant piece of fielding!!

So, mighty Ickenham, top of and promoted from Div 2 of the county league had been bowled out by lowly Edmonton, 2nd and promoted from Div 2 of the Middlesex championship for 130 (with just 9 players!!!!), a fine effort, all that was needed now was a decent batting display. The only trouble was with 9 players and only 4 recognised batsmen could the team do it against top opposition bowling??

Captain Herron decided to open the batting alongside superstar Anil with Adnam going number 3 and Barney going number 4. Having heard the oppo skipper in the toilets say he was hoping not to have to run in off his full run up but would now have to, Herron decided to wear a lid which is very unusual for a good player of fast bowling but with so much at stake he felt it wasn't worth taking any chances. The oppo skipper was pretty sharp but was rarely straight and didn't really cause any trouble to the opening duo, as were the rest of the bowling, and they set about getting the small total with sensible batting and got to 96 before Anil (34) played and missed a straight one from the previous day's big scorer. Adnam joined the skipper and didn't look like he wanted to hang around long as he set about playing some truly horrendous shots as well as some lusty blows before holing out to a fielder for 14. Barney came to the crease and watched Captain Herron get a solid half century eventually knocking off the winning runs and was unbeaten on 64.

All in all a good day, beating a very strong, if slightly worse for wear side, and the side are now just 1 victory away from gaining promotion to Division 3.

Come on lads one last push against AP and it will be another good night!! Team: Herron, Barnard, Dodds, Varley, Muschamp, Adnam, Archer, Anil, Goddard