LNZ hold their nerve for a seven-run win at Four Elms

On a glorious afternoon in Kent, Chairman Cheyne Voss won the toss and, on what looked an excellent batting surface, had no hesitation in electing to bat. A nicely balanced LNZ side featured plenty of youth alongside experience, with the sons of club legends (Sam Martin and Gerard Walsh) Jack Martin and Ben Walsh both taking the field. Before play, Jack Martin was deservedly presented with his Nottman Cap for reaching his fifth appearance.

Peter Southey-Jensen and Adam Khanbhai got the innings off to exactly the start LNZ wanted, peppering the boundary and racing out of the blocks. Peter, fresh from depositing one delivery somewhere into the neighbouring county, departed almost the very next ball for an entertaining 19, bringing Voss to the crease.

Voss and Khanbhai continued the momentum. Adam rode his luck on a couple of occasions before one slash too many finally found the fielder for a brisk 27. Voss, meanwhile, looked like he meant business and wasn’t going to waste any time, driving anything that was straight and over pitched, the pick of his boundaries was a cleanly hit straight drive which cannoned one bounce into the sight screen followed by a towering straight six out of the ground (that was still on the way up as it went over the fence). His stylish 44 from 39 balls, including six fours and that enormous maximum, eventually well held by their 14 year old, Voss trying to bring up his 50 with one shot.

Mark Bassett began cautiously, happy to anchor the middle overs, before being joined by Tony Penman. TP rolled back the years, scampering between the wickets with typical enthusiasm before eventually falling to a smart catch at mid-wicket.

With Bassett settled, Shaun Raumati arrived at the crease, and during his excellent innings quietly reached 1,000 runs for London New Zealand CC.

Initially both Bassett and Raumati were striking below 50, but once set they exploded into life. Boundaries began to flow with increasing regularity as they expertly managed the final overs, both finishing at better than a run a ball. Bassett's composed 55 and Raumati's fluent 57 lifted LNZ to 248-9 from their 40 overs, although at tea there was a feeling the side may have left 10-20 runs out in the middle.

As always, Four Elms then reminded everyone why they are one of the great hosts in club cricket, producing another outstanding tea before attention turned to defending the total.

Ryan Allan and Ben Walsh shared the new ball, but Four Elms came out swinging. With a lightning-fast outfield and some fearless strokeplay, the home side rattled along at close to ten an over. The shot of choice early seemed to be the late cut, frustrating Allan and Walsh!

Travelling umpire George then found himself at the centre of proceedings, awarding two lbw decisions that were met with less than universal approval from the batsmen!

The standout performer for Four Elms was undoubtedly 16-year-old opener Arif Kale, who produced a magnificent 97, combining timing, composure and maturity well beyond his years. Supported by Patrick Gammage's rapid 42, the chase remained firmly alive.

Four Elms seemed to be cruising at about 8 an over only 2 wickets down after 16 overs!

The turning point came when Voss introduced the contrasting styles of Peter Southey-Jensen's express pace and Mark Bassett's spin. The pair dragged LNZ back into the contest, tightening the scoring and creating chances as the required rate crept upwards.

With the game reaching boiling point, Arif's outstanding innings was finally ended by a brilliant piece of fielding. Southey-Jensen lept, gathered and fired in a superb throw to wicketkeeper Adam Khanbhai, who completed the run out to leave Four Elms in trouble.

Southey-Jensen finished the job superbly, claiming 3 wickets and holding his nerve in the closing overs as LNZ eventually bowled Four Elms out for 241, sealing a thrilling 7-run victory with the game only finally slipping away from the home side in the penultimate over.

A superb game of cricket, played in fantastic spirit, against wonderful opposition. One of those Sundays that reminds everyone why we keep coming back.

Photos

Shaun Raumati made 57, becoming the 26th player to pass 1,000 runs for the club

Jack Martin being awarded his Nottman Cap at Four Elms

Shaun Raumati gets his 75 match pin

Mark Bassett gets his 25 match pin