1st XI Tie with Luton Town and Indians

Fresh from a win the week before, the first eleven arrived at LTICC’s very large ground with a bounce in their step and a new face amongst the ranks.

Paul Lissowki was making his debut for the first team, following his impressive run of form this season…..

On a lovely day, it was obvious that should the opposition skipper win the toss he would bat first on what is well regarded as a ‘road’. And this happened!

From the start, the OE’s opening pair of Alex Herbert and Matt Holland put the top order under pressure nipping a couple of early wickets. Herbie in particular bowling with good pace and swing, bowling a right handed batsman from round the wicket with late swing, it was a picture!!

Following this opening burst, Nav Akthar embarked on what was now one of his common long spells and bowled a very tight line, without the pitch offering up too much spin was still able to claim 3 wickets. Undoubtedly a few very close shouts for LBW from Nav were very close, and he must now address his position at delivery if he is to get any leg before decisions (according to the standing umpire).

During this spell Rob Dunne was busy bowling a very impressive display of controlled bowling outside off stump causing the batsman to take on too many shots. One of whom was brilliantly caught by Matt Holland chasing back over his head and taking a skier.

All of which resulted in LTICC only managing to post 190 all out, all be it this was a decent score on a used track and a very large boundary.

It is safe to say that Jimmy ‘Smirnoff’ Heavey got his tactics spot on here, and for once he had his catching hands on, taking 3 very good catches, and is fast making gully his own position. He now just needs to work on his slow motion roll!

Special mention must be given to Indee Mali, who also held his first catch in living memory, well done Indee!!

With spirits up at tea, OE’s reverted to the opening partnership of Clive and Kappa.

Unfortunately after a steady start Kappa guided one straight to point, when the watching crowd were begging him to smack it for four! Kappa looking in good touch at the moment can not be far from a big score, and no Kappa, Sunday scores do not count!

Madness then set upon the umpire at the bowlers end who ‘shotgunned’ Nav first ball leaving the OE’s chase in disarray. Mass panic then set upon the dressing room with Smirnoff suffering the after effects of a night shift, there was even talk of Holland going in at 5…..madness! In the mean time Pablo and Clive were busy rebuilding, and Clive in particular looking in commanding form on a pitch which was still suiting the batsman.

Another mad half hour followed, Pablo was caught behind, Smirnoff entered at 5 despite his bleary eyes, and wanted to hit everything for 6, (which would have been impressive on this pitch) but was out LBW.

Last weeks hero Holland entered the frame. Holland in a rich vein of form immediately upped the run rate with his enterprising shots, and despite a few scares Holland and Clive went about reducing the deficit. Holland eventually caught and bowled Panesar for a very quick 45. Collins remained, was he to be the hero?

Dunne came and went being run out, followed then by Collins, who charging down the wicket was given out LBW by the aforementioned umpire, who was having a blinder!

The lower order were left chasing 30 off the last 5 overs, Indee being Indee then launches a couple of massive hits (nice one Fatso) and bring OE’s into the box seat.

Madness then set about Fatso as he ran, for no reason, none at all then turning like a bus was left stranded. Will ‘Monty’ Montgomery was playing nicely at the other end picking the gaps and running well, he held the hopes of the team, and looked very comfortable.

Herbie walks in, and walks back about a minute later as he loses his off stump first ball to a peach of a delivery.

Enter Mr Heavey very senior. The specialist keeper for the day, 8 to win. Every run was cheered by the now large crowd, as Mr Heavey v.snr ad Monty continued to rotate the strike this was it, 1 to win off the last ball. Mr Heavey v.snr hits it to cover that’s it he’s in…….OE’s win oh wait the umpire who is having a blinder has not moved from his spot and given Mr Heavey v.snr out! How? Why?

The questions remain, but one thing can be certain OE’s looking a different proposition and can take this forward and make sure that 30 points is attained without complications this week!

This weeks report to you was bought to by the club Hero.