Robinson century seals a win at Spencer

Another baking hot London summer’s day at Spencer greeted a rather punctual LNZCC team for an early 11:30 start at “Sam 'the Earl of Cricket' Martin Field” in South West London. Sporting two fresh debutants from opposite ends of the cricketing world. Michael Snedden coming off a season of club cricket for Spencer CC before returning to New Zealand to play for Wellington and Simon Turner coming off a New Zealand winter & 4 weeks sailing in the Med drinking rose. Both pulled out huge performances and were welcomed by all into the LNZCC family.

Our annual 50 over match kicked off with a toss win from Sam Martin who quickly shunned any suggestion of V&*#ball and resumed normal service by batting first in hot dry condition on a flat pitch.

Dan Robinson (105) & Jacob Vanner (25) opened up following a brief delay after Jacob looked to face up wearing two left-handed gloves. Things improved substantially once Jacob was reunited with a right glove as they added 83 for the first wicket in the 21st over. Shaun Raumati (36) and Dan then added 100 for the 2nd wicket as Dan stamped his mark on the game with an incredible century against a very talented Spencer bowling line-up. Tim Mclean (4) and Cheyne Voss (6) then fell quickly in the pursuit of quick runs as we looked to capitalise on a very solid start. Michael Snedden (40), Simon Turner (26) & Sam Martin (16) all scored quickly LNZCC finished in some style to post a competitive 294 off our 50 overs, eventually 9 down.

The NZ innings really was built around the foundations of Dan’s knock. It was a pleasure to watch for all in attendance and he will be sorely missed next year.

Spencer CC top 3 opened their account against the bowling Richard Brooks (10-2-45-2) and Leith Cowie (9.1-0-47-2) taking the score through to 76-2 after 15 overs which had them on track to chase the total in the afternoon heat. Sam (8-1-25-1) bowled a couple off the log run himself before injecting Michael Snedden’s (2-0-12-2) 9-foot frame into the game against his current club to take a couple of key wickets which rocked the hosts and slowed their chase as they were looking to rebuild.

Following a slight tail wag from the Spencer team the win was finally secured with Leith bowling their No. 10 batsman in the 47th over with a total of 264. A fair old slog in the heat for all involved but a very enjoyable day out.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Dan’s century and watching Cheyne Voss catch one with his face (and hold on to it). Spencer were once again splendid hosts, and we look forward to the summer of 2023 when we return