A brief report on a brief match. Pestered by showery rain, missing our talismanic skipper and keen to watch the Euro borefest, an early start saw Keeran cunningly lose the toss and Bromley choose to have a bat. No doubt the pitch was sticky, and taking a little turn, but it was no minefield. With Vitlesh and Vijay opening the bowling, the strangle begin early and wickets fell regularly, with, wait for it, a number of chances being caught. Rikin took two Reyhan took a screamer and Vik used his chest for another. A fine stumping from Richie topped off a decent display in the field. With miserly figures throughout almost the entire bowling line-up (Vitlesh 7-0-21-2, Vijay 7-1-19-3, Reyhan 2-0-15-0, Keeran 3-1-12-3, Jonny 2.3-1-6-2 and George 3-1-6-0)(can you spot the odd one out?) we were on top throughout their innings. With one rain break already under our belts, speed was of the essence so a break between innings was denied and Keeran and a rather tired-looking Rikin went out to open. There seemed to be something wrong with Rikin’s shot selection as he mixed beautiful glides behind square with some filthy heaves over mid-wicket – some of which connected. His 32, in conjunction with Keeran’s more stylish contribution formed an opening partnership of 65 – breaking the back of Bromley’s young bowling attack. Rikin’s batting was so slapdash that Bromley’s young left armer began sledging him – probably deservedly. One hoik too many saw Rikin depart, and Abhishek joined Keeran to finish things off, finishing on 6 not out with Keeran unbeaten for a handsome 40 and victory secured within the first 10 overs.
It was, dare one say, a clinical performance from OE’s – perhaps we should try that more often!
Awards:
MOM – Keeran
DOD – Rikin
Nicola Fuller safeguarding award – Rikin – bullying under-agers
Champagne Moment – Reyhan’s catch
Vijay Raman My Bat My Ball award sponsored by Irvine Turner – Keeran
Boris Johnson Man of People Award – Keeran