A rare win at the Hurlingham Club

So, let’s start by putting this fixture in context. LNZ first played against Hurlingham in the 70s, but it wasn’t until 2004 when we were next invited back to play. In the ensuing 20 fixtures since, we have only managed 2 victories. Curiously for a declaration match, there was only one non result. This was due to a biblical flooding of the pitch. Needless to say, we’re simply tired of losing.

The side was packed with batting depth, and we backed ourselves to chase down a total. Team tactics were tabled on the match day WhatsApp chat in advance. Simply put, we’d bowl first as we’d done 90% of the time, restrict them by bowling one side of the wicket, then knock off the total. Then hit the rosé. Simple.

Alas all tactics unravelled when Hurlingham skipper and friend to the club Sam Chapman, unprecedently elected to bowl. To compound matters the wicket was damp as was the outfield. Aspirations of scoring quickly would need to be tempered.

And so, to Bat...

Frosty Boy Haines and Dan Robinson opened up to a sharp bowling attach. Andy by his own attaching standards was watchful, but 3-1, quickly became 13-2 with both back in the shed out caught square and backward square leg on balls that held up on the pitch. Enter a determined Tom Gibson, partnered by Sam Harding. They stopped the collapse and saw off the opening bowling until Sam too was held out following a 6 & 4 in his total of 11 off 20. Cheyne was under strict instructions to play himself in, which he duly went about. He and Tom carried the total to 93 before Cheyne was the 4th victim out caught. His controlled innings included some classic cover drives for 4. Ben Fulton added some left-hand verve to proceedings and proceeding to throw the bat most things. A fortunate reprieve saw us to lunch at 120-5. Whilst difficult to say, we curiously felt fairly good about it.

Sam C requested a substitution at lunch, to trade out one of their veterans for a young gun. Being none the wiser as to Samuel Fetherson’s calibre and being guests of Hurlingham. The request was duly obliged.

Tom fell soon into the afternoon session for 59 off 95 with 6 fours & 1 six. A smart catch taken by… substitute Samuel Fetherson. 129-5. Ideally another 100 needed.

Enter the selfless batting of Sam Martin. Samuel crafted a much-required cameo of 33 off 28. Cow corner was Sam’s friend, but also accounted for his downfall for his 6 fours and 1 six. 179-6 and thoughts of a strong declaration prior to tea were conceived.

Enter Barkle. Exit Barkle. The golden duck performance securing his place as kit boy. Curiously you could hear him appealing the first ball George Burden faced in the hope he could at least have company on packing duties. Alas it was his 5th ball that brought his downfall. Two LBWs breaking the trend of 7 catches. 179-8.

Thompson and Fulton put on 40 for the 9th wicket, with Ben bringing up his 50, in 100 balls faced. Ben’s innings was much more circumspect following his IPA at lunch. We’re all out for 219, about an over away from a declaration had it been needed. Runs on the board and a Internal track that remained difficult to play shots on. For Hurlingham, off spinner actor Freddy Fox claimed 5 for 61 off 17, with Sam C chiming in with 2. In total we faced 56 overs and would be able to return as many.

Defending 219.

Brogan took the new ball and metronomically bowled a fine line and length giving little away. He was backed up by some fine fielding and claimed the first wicket an LBW. From the other end Samuel picked up the other opener, with a sharp catch taken by Andy Haines at gully. Barkle sent down an over to complete proceedings before tea that could have brought a wicket. Hurlingham were 2-30 off 10 overs with approx. 45 overs remaining.

Tea was wheeled over, and the Voss magnum of Whispering Angle was fortunately being consumed by the many guests that urged us on. It would seem this wicked mistress would fortunately be put on hold until proceedings had been concluded.

Brogs & Samuel started us back up post tea and both were rewarded with a wicket. Brogs having figures of 9 overs, 2-8. Whilst Samuel free of his shoulder injury this year, came off a run up not seen since pre millennium. Unfortunately, his hamstring didn’t get the memo and gave way. This enabled Barkle a reprieve to take up the challenge, this time with flight and turn.

The game ebbed and flowed with a crucial wicket taken by George Burdon of Sam C and Barkle claiming 2 wickets. His second on the stroke of the commencement of 20 overs of Ben Vail who smashed 31 off of 24. Hurlingham were 137-7.

The late substitute Samuel Fetherson was making hay out of either short deliveries or over pitched and eased his way to 50 off as many balls, including 6 towering 6’s.

Whilst Barks anchored an end, in total 9 bowlers were used in an effort to claim the remaining wickets. The 8 an over required seemed concerningly gettable. But Barks was to have the penultimate say in bowling Fetherson, and Dan claiming the final wicket with another catch in the slips to Andy.

Everyone contributed to a great team effort. The relief was evident as was the ensuing rosé. Freddy Fox claimed their player of the match for his five-for and a special mention for sledging us. Anchor man Barks was edged out by Tom Gibson’s 50 to win our player of the day. So, Barks went and packed the gear bag instead.

The after show of a Spice Girls and Take That tribute band provided entertainment in the members Rose Garden, whilst the blazers created a fine talking point to the curious regaling members who too more than a fleeting interest in one or two of our members…