Defeat from the jaws of victory at Hurlingham

Hurlingham were 92-7 before Omar Hatteea's hundred. Lauchie Jones (85) put us within 46 with four wickets left, but the last five fell for 14.

Hurlingham once again rolled out the red carpet on Saturday for a strong LNZ side, captained by Lauchie Johns who relied heavily on Vance Thompson’s match and man management after a number of late dropouts.

Greeted by a beautiful outfield and a hard wicket, skip won the toss and elected to bowl which was certainly not in the hope that we’d roll them and finish by 4pm to watch the All Blacks…

Things could not have started better with Sean Wilkie and Peter Southie-Jenson combining heroically for an heroic 22 over opening spell.

The wicket went up, down, left and right, and despite Lauchie dropping 3 of the easiest slip catches you could ask for, Hurlingham were 92/7.

The All Blacks dream is still alive.

In strode the imposing Omar Hatteea who bludgeoned a quick fire hundred (courtesy of a further two L Johns dropped catches - it’s a wonder Wellington ever paid him to catch cricket balls!) and brought the hosts to a total of 230 and ruined any chance us watching any rugby.

3 poles apiece for the lionhearted opening bowlers, with PSJ’s figures hurt significantly having to come back at the death with the tiny boundary leg side.

Shaun Wilkie 3-37 (10)

Peter Southie-Jenson 3-66 (18.2)

Then we batted, reasonably well.

The hard ball was a nightmare all day, and Omar wasn’t done. After his hundred, he then bowled 15 overs on the bounce of high quality, high pace, right arm fast bowling. AK and Frosty managed valiantly to 37 before AK fell first. A couple of small clumps fell and when Frosty departed on 40, LNZ were 77/5.

This brought Lauchie and Jacob Vanner to the crease (who later regaled stories of playing against each other over 15 years ago for St Pats and St Bedes respectively). The two combined for an imperious 107 run stand which swung the momentum firmly in LNZ’s favour.

When Lauchie departed for 85(45), 46 runs were required with 4 wickets in hand (with one of the strongest tails we’ve seen recently still to come).

In true LNZ fashion, defeat was clutched from the jaws of victory, losing our final 5 wickets for a pathetic 14 runs, falling 32 runs short.

L Johns 85(45)

A Haines 40 (53)

J Vanner 32 (45)

Much was said that this was in fact a tactical masterclass - ensuring we are invited back in 2027 to this wonderful fixture as gracious (but losing) guests.

Not next year.

In vintage fashion, the match was followed by many a rosé at the pavilion with the men of the match being awarded to Omar from Hurlingham and quite rightly to TP for LNZ for umpiring astutely, alone, all day in the baking heat.

LNZ moved swiftly and thirstily to the Rose Bar, where Reza’s undisclosed BYO wine collection was discovered, corkage was charged, and a night of merriment was had.

A disappointing result, but a phenomenal day of late season cricket - thanks to all involved.