13/07/24
THIRDS NOT AT THE RACES
Godolphin canter to victory as Thirds head for the knacker’s yard
Camden (3pts) 133 lost to Godolphin (20pts) 137-1 by 9 wickets
Two weeks on from that self-inflicted rib injury, and Captain Redfern’s intensive rehab had yet to have the desired effect. After last week’s home encounter with Isleham was washed out, Sutton would take the reins as Godolphin rode into town. With the Thirds on a run of five defeats on the bounce, the stand-in skipper had nothing to lose. Except the toss, which looked a crucial one even before the Thirds were reduced to 25-3 after thirteen torrid overs on a heavy-going Queens’ track. Coe (2), Prathyush (7), and Adil (5) were the men to fall – all to Godolphin’s left-arm opening bowler. Robinson joined Sutton at the crease, and the pair dug in to see the home side to 47-3 at drinks. The first boundary of the innings had come in the previous over, Sutton clipping backward of square and celebrating like he’d just hit the winning runs. Two more followed as the bearded opener approached another half century. Nothing to lose. Except his wicket, caught one-handed by the ‘keeper for 41. The veteran pair had added 60 for the fourth wicket, taking the Thirds to a less than formidable 85-4 after twenty-nine overs. The visiting side were so confident of victory that three of their number went back to work at the stables, leaving tantalising gaps in the field. Enough fielders to catch Krishna (1), however. And to run out Robinson for a dogged 31. By this stage, the Thirds had managed to trot into three figures, and – thanks to Farid cracking the whip to take 23 from twelve balls – would go on to post 133. Subbu (7), Karan (3) and Rizwan (2*) were the other runners and riders, while Clarke might have demanded a steward’s enquiry after being given LBW by Prathyush.
Defending 133. Nothing to lose. Except the match. At least it was mercifully quick. 15.1 overs, to be precise, with Godolphin’s left-handed opener galloping to 96 not out. The next top score was Extras (17). Krishna (1-23) did at least take a wicket, caught by Karan.
48 words to describe an entire innings. Your correspondent can only conclude that a quick game’s a good game.
Man of the Match: No Award