Ten months after the Plastics 4th XI’s 47-run defeat to Hendricks XI at the end of the 2016 season, the two sides were to meet again. For this match, the squads and venue were different, but both teams were aware of the importance of the repeat fixture. The Plastics were seeking to overturn the memory of a heavy loss in their first ever match, while Hendricks were keen to limit the partially-irresistible rise of London’s newest alternative underground nomadic cricket collective (presumably).
Scheduled for a midday start at Avery Hill Park, the match was delayed by the pitch – the fact that, for a short time, it appeared that there wasn’t one. In time, it was discovered that there indeed was a ‘pitch’, though the lack of maintenance meant it was nearly as grassy as the outfield and could only be identified by the stump holes at either end. There was also no indication of where the outfield ended, which necessitated the use of alternatively-sourced non-permanent boundary markers (traffic cones). Despite these difficulties, the relentless desire for cricket prevailed, and the captains agreed to play. This delay angered the crowd, and some youths decided to meddle with the new boundary technology. Whilst not going as far as full-scale traffic cone theft (as it could look to an innocent bystander), they simply appeared to be intent on stealing a cone and waving it around a bit. The activities of younger fans had disrupted the 2016 fixture, with a relatively unprofessional security response damaging community relations. Lessons had been learnt, and several players were deployed to negotiate a settlement amiable to both parties. This survived for very large parts of the match, thanks to positive conditioning and the creation of a friendly rapport by the Plastics’ all-rounder Jevs. Plastics captain Charlie lost the toss, despite a regular regime of tossing practice. As in the previous match, his team’s ability to chase down a target would be tested. The Plastics were determined that history would not repeat itself. Hendricks started their innings steadily, scoring at less than five an over. The regularity of wides bowled by the Plastics provided another stream of runs, adding at least one every over. To their credit, a regular stream of wickets also came, assisted by the unpredictable ‘pitch’. After finding themselves struggling with five down for not-very-many, the lower order struck back impressively, with Saunders and Khattak making contributions of 30 (5 fours) and 32 (3 fours and 2 sixes) respectively. This accelerated the run rate, and took Hendricks to a highly respectable total of 150-6 off their 20 overs. Rain had also started to fall, making fielding a difficult business. Stand-out bowling performances were produced by Jamie, who took 2 wickets for 42 runs, and Maithri, whose spin achieved an economy of 2.67 and a wicket, despite a knee injury. Matt, Saril and Charlie picked up one apiece. 35 extras and four dropped catches also meant that the learning and development aspect of training could be well-targeted. Several interesting events had also taken place off the field during this time. First, a gang of slightly older youths than the last (or the same group, but having rapidly aged) made two ‘fly pasts’ on a pair of scrambler motorcycles. It can only be assumed that they were a substitute for a Red Arrows appearance scheduled for the innings break, but we’ll never know. Second, a passer-by, apparently be accident, deposited one of their dogs with the Hendricks team at the boundary during their innings. The dog, having made an attempt to assist with scoring and team tactics during this time, was collected some time later. This was a relief, as there were no kennel facilities at the ground. Tea was taken in the innings break, including an excellent sponge cake supplied by the Hendricks team, while the weather cleared up and the pitch dried. 151 was needed off 20 overs, amounting to a required run rate of 7.55 per over. Having only managed 5.63 an over at the 2016 fixture, hopes were pinned on an improved batting line-up. Following the loss of Robert early on (bowled), Jon and Alex set about the task of meeting the required rate, making 49 (off 50 balls, with 3 fours and 2 sixes) and 46 (off 34 balls, with 4 fours and 4 sixes). This batting performance meant that, at the half way stage, victory was a very real prospect. The required rate continued to fall, while the Hendricks bowlers appeared to go for an almost Plastics-level of extras. However, from the 15th over, the Hendricks bowlers threatened to precipitate a batting collapse. Patel removed Jon, bowled, while Rollett caught Alex on the boundary off Pitt’s bowling. Stability was brought to the middle by captain Charlie and vice-vice-captain Mark, who both made 8, such that the Plastics marched steadily to 151. By the time Mark was run out, the result was all but certain, with only two runs needed off the 20th and final over. Keeper-batsman Peter chipped one to a vacant long off, and the final run was scored. Plastics XI had won by 6 wickets, with four balls remaining. Man of the match was awarded to Hendricks’ Khattak, for his blistering middle-order boundary-hitting. Honourable mentions were also in order for the Plastics’ Jon and Alex, for much the same reason. A ten-over game was also played, which produced the opposite result, but there’s no need to dwell on that (there was also a second incident of near-traffic cone theft). The next Plastics fixture is the 20th August against North Enfield CC. In the meantime, the team will continue in time-honoured tradition to neglect fielding practice in favour for more exciting aspects of the game (the toss, appealing and glove punches).
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THE TEAMFormed from a collection of players who met on the internet via social cricket at Archbishop's Park, Plastics XI represents the foolhardy members of that group who decided they wanted a bash at proper cricket instead of playing with plastic balls. The team's ability is best described as "weak-weak". Luckily, our social media game is much stronger. Find us on: Archives
October 2021
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