Reporter Sam Millard has reported on the high’s and (few) lows of the 3rd XI season and as it comes to a conclusion, here’s his latest report on another title for the 3s!
Captain Couldrey was back at the helm as Hayes 3rd XI hosted Blue Star 1st XI. Hayes knew that 28 points from the last two games would see them win the league although they could win it this week if other results went their way. It was a hot morning, and Blue Star won the toss and elected to bat.
With holiday and festival season in full force Hayes were missing some players and the new ball was taken by Raghav Kumar and the captain himself. Kumar continued his fine form and bowled a tight line and length, he got his early reward dismissing Blue Star’s opener Milroy Cruze for 4, caught at mid-on by Stuart Eddicott, who returning from injury, was playing his first 3rd XI game since 2007. Matthew Blackman in his new position of opener took the attack to Hayes and was scoring freely amassing 27 runs in no time at all scoring 24 of his runs in boundaries before he mistimed one and was bowled by Couldrey.
The game was briefly delayed after an injury to one of the Hayes fielders, the player in question made a brave effort to catch the ball and with the ball falling short, it bounced up and struck him in the face. As the batsman ran a single, the fielders checked on the player. He was treated swiftly, many thanks to Sophie Couldrey for stepping in and looking after him. He is recovering well, and we wish him all the best.
After the restart, Couldrey struck again, dismissing the captain of Blue Star with Buddin taking a smart catch. Having been away for three weeks, Tom Davis replaced Couldrey in the attack and he was quick to strike forcing Harjinder Singh to drag on onto his stumps and bowling him for 0. All of the Hayes bowlers bowled a tight probing line, as demonstrated by the large number batsman bowled and many tight lbw calls were turned down. Davis was quick to add to his wicket tally for the season again bowling another of the Blue Star batters. On a fast outfield and flat wicket, Davis impressively finished his 9 overs with an economy rate of 1.89 a phenomenal feat.
Sam Humphreys was unlucky not to take a wicket in his 4 over spell but he produced a lot of turn and kept the Blue Star players under pressure. Ronnie Buddin also came into the attack and took a wicket in his first spell. With ex-Hayes player Chand Channa at the crease Couldrey decided to bring Kumar back into the attack and after a tight run out call from short leg with Channa attempting some hijinks, Kumar knocked over his off stump for 13. Buddin got two more wickets both catches one from Davis at cover and the other a top diving effort from Couldrey running in from long on. Buddin was unfortunate not to take four wickets with some drops off his bowling. A tough chance behind the stumps, the keeping spilling it diving one handed to the right and a tough chance at gully. Blue Star finished 160-9 off their 40 overs which felt slightly under par but would require a good chase.
With Greenway suffering a bit in the heat Matt Warne opened with Sam Humphreys after a lovely tea at Hayes. Humphreys made an uncharacteristically fast start whereas Warnie was his usual measured self. Both put the bad ball away and Hayes got to 53 before Northern powerhouse Robert Mills struck, drawing a false stroke from Humphreys taking the skier himself. One Sam was replaced by another as Sam Aylwin batted at three. Warne continued to work the ball around and as their partnership built, Mills struck again this time bowling Aylwin for 8 (20).
At this stage, Captain Couldrey called in the artillery, and The Tank Stuart Eddicott took to the crease. The Tank looked primed and ready to unleash as he smashed two fours in quick succession, however Mills’ heavy ball did for another batter and Stu misjudged one that didn’t quite get up and was bowled for 12 (12). Fresh of his top bowling Raghav Kumar came out the bat, he batted in a calm, measured and collected way, showing experience well beyond his 13 years. He ticked runs over taking little to no risks. At the other end Warne looked set to for another 50 however the combination of Dahat and Mills had other ideas and Warnie mishit one off Dahat and Mills again snaffled the catch.
At drinks, Greenway had a Lazarus like recover and agreed to go in at the fall of the next wicket. This was the wicket of Warne and Greenway looked poised to see the game home. Greenway went out with the score at 119 and ably support the young Kumar who accelerated his scoring rate finishing 42* (51). Hayes got over the line with 7.4 overs to spare.
As the Hayes innings was going on, the batting team were tracking Old Colfeians’ game against London Knights, knowing a win for Old Colf would massively help Hayes’ title chances. Colfs continued their impressive home form for the season and managed to beat Knights by 32 runs. With that knowledge Hayes were patiently waiting for the results from the Old Elthamians and this roving reporter used his contacts to find out that Beckenham had beaten OEs and with that result the 3rd XI had secured back-to-back league titles and promotions.
No pressos as Beer Festival prep was in full flow, so it is once again left to me to decide the Player of the Match. Numerous candidates this week, Matt Warne for his 44, Ronnie Buddin for his 3-34 and Sam Humphreys for his run a ball 33 and Naughty Tom Davis for his miserly 9 overs taking 2-17. However, the star with bat and ball for Hayes was Raghav Kumar taking 2-28 and scoring 42* off 51 balls who expertly guided the Hayes innings home.
Next Week, the 3rd XI look to cap off their season by travelling to the Warren to take on Bickley Park in the last league game of the season.
Notable Performances:
H(K)CC:
BSCC:
