Coutts 92 not out in a close loss at Hartley Wintney

The first weekend in May had been scheduled early by LNZCC for our traditional fixture vs Hartney Whitney. A game we held in high regard not just because the Club features one of our own whanau, in Scott Baldwin, but also the Club holds a strong history in the game we love, notably being one of the first wickets where cricket was played (created 252 years ago) and having being played on consistently since formed.

As usual the weather forecast was for a temperature in the mid teens and overcast conditions with a sneak of sunshine as the day progressed. LNZCC, through Match Manager Peter Bellamy, had assembled a group of players worthy of a Marvel movie trilogy.

The game was rescheduled to start at midday and following initial formalities the pitch was inspected and a coin tossed. HW won and chose to field.

The LNZCC Innings

The LNZCC batting order, being set earlier, was put in action - Adam Khanbhai and Tim McClean being the starting pair. HW chose a young pace attack to test their mettle. Both settled quickly and the runs were flowing well until McClean went, against the flow of the game, bowled (18).

Next in, Ben Fulton, looked a bit out of sorts and unfortunately was unable to bed in, being caught after 4 balls and a quack (0).

Dave Coutts came in at 3. After a few initial scares he found his range and he and Adam increasingly looked comfortable. Adam reached his 50 shortly after (off 37 balls) before being bowled (54).

Shakar Aryan, in his debut for the Club, was next off the bench and held his own forming a stable partnership with Dave until eventually being bowled for 16.

Michael Gane came and went (6) quickly after lobbing a badly timed shot to mid off. Pritesh Rana followed shortly (1), having tried to steady the ship then accelerate as the closing overs hit single digits.

By this stage the name of the game was runs, Dave Coutts was settled and was on clear instructions to put points on the board. Ryan Allan (4) and then Richard Courie (3) played the supporting role as Dave started hitting balls out of the park including a memorable 4-6- 4. Greigan Pankhurst was called to duty to face the last ball. 4 byes were the result giving LNZCC a total of 223. The call, from those in the know, was that 250 was the score we needed but 223 was defendable.

Hartney Witney bat

A fine tea was presented by Hartney Whitney. Some say there is no finer serving on offer from the home counties with lolly cake, baked cheese rolls and even a sponge embossed with the kiwi flag. Looking back, one thinks this may have been a dubious ploy to make us over eat too much and then suffer the consequences!

Grazing completed LNZCC took to the field, Ryan Allan opened the bowling with a maiden and looked imperious. Greigan Pankhurst took the other end and after a 'sighting' over settled in to his business. Ryan was quickly rewarded for his efforts, clean bowling Rowland. The first change brought in Pritesh Rana and Shayesh Aryan, son of Shakar and also on debut, into the attack. Pritesh bowling his special brand of off spin and Sayesh a very nice medium paced seam. Both proved effective - Pritesh getting 2 wickets (a catch to Dickie and an LBW) and Sayesh tying up the batsmen with great line and length.

The next change allowed a chance for Michael Gane and Dave Coutts to take the ball. Dave was rewarded shortly after with the wicket of Teale.

By this stage the game was equally poised with both teams still in the game, perhaps swaying towards HW who were now down to a run a ball off the last 9. Ben Fulton was now offered the cherry to show his skills. Michael Gane was kept in the action as his unique style was proving difficult to get away.

Ben was quickly rewarded with an excellent stumping with Dickie showing his skill and fast hands behind the stumps.

The final 3 overs and the game was still anyone's. Ryan replaced Ben in the attack to try and draw a result in our favor. There were chances, a good run out call from Ryan was not given, but we the breakthrough we really needed still went begging.

Come the last over, it was 1 to win. The field was in. A 6 off the second ball unfortunately put paid to LNZCC game.

LNZCC were clapped from the field by HW. Handshakes and hugs were shared and the changing rooms were stocked with cold NZ beers courtesy of the scorer from the John Paul Getty game last season (very generous and thankyou Sir!).

Man of the match for LNZCC was awarded by HW to David Coutts. David was steady throughout our innings and was unlucky to close out just short of the ton (92). Special mention was also made of Pritesh Rana and Shayesh Aryan who both bowled very well and also to Adam Khanbhai who batting a strong half century.

LNZCC awarded the HW MoM to Dan Nightingale who stood out with a solid all round performance.

In closing, the game was close, it was played in the right spirit, the hospitality was generous and the camaraderie strong. This is a fixture we cherish and one that needs to be a must do for all our members.