KF and Shanton reign in the sun

On the best day of the year so far the 1sts travelled to Roseburn to meet our old friends the Mufs. With the return fixture called off in April and the Mufs going well on their return to the top flight there was keen interest in the fixture, hence our near full strength squad. Only the skipper was missing so KF returned from injury and Ziggy came in to strengthen the batting on a usually bowler friendly Roseburn deck.

Spickers had the honour of again leading the team seeking to continue a good run of wins. The Cross spy had reported a green top awaiting us so it was of little consequence when the Mufs skip put us in to bat. Owais and KF opened up with KF playing a foil to Owais' swashbuckling start. One particularly large 6 had the unfortunate consequence of scattering a bevvy of bikini clad sunbathing wenches camped out at the long leg boundary. After a good start it was a shame when Owais fell in the 30's but KF picked up where he left of. Supported by CJE (25) and CA, KF went on to make a classy 50 odd. As we all know KF is a modest fellow, too modest to write a match report that he top scored in, but he truly is a great of the game, a legend no less.

After KF and CA fell, Shanners and Ziggy made a few handy runs with Dougster adding quite a few at the end. Mufs bowled well in the midsummer heat and runs aren't easy to come by at Roseburn so it was pleasing to see the Cross batsman put the odd bad ball away and run well for 2's. Captain Spickers reckoned 170 would be dependable and 200 plenty, so to wind up on 196 for 8 was a good effort.

After tea and learning of the 3's capitulation Spickers reminded us how poor the fielding had been midweek and we needed to get amongst the Muffs right from start. A great start from Robin had Muffs 2 down with Shanners keeping it tight from the other end and quite quickly the run rate began to creep up. Muffs did threaten from time to time with Mohamed striking some good straight drives and the Muffs opener hanging around, however a combination of tight bowling and regular wickets meant things were ticking along quite nicely. Dougs and Shanners picked up the odd wicket which brought Agerkar to the crease needing to up the run rate. The Muffs stalwart brought them back into the game helped by some adventurous stroke play and a particularly rank over from your author. However excellent spells from Pat and Dougster kept the squeeze on and when Agerkar fell in the 40's nothing could save Mufs from Shanton's superb last spell, which very nearly included a hat trick. Shanton finished with 4, 3 for Robin, and 1 a piece for me, Dougs and Pat and the Mufs were out for 141.

Special mention must also go to Spickers for taking an excellent diving catch in front of 3rd slip and to Pat for an equally spectacular diving effort at mid off, erasing all memories of.........

All in all a very good performance where everyone contributed to a solid win. Thanks to Mufs for the hospitality.

The HX committee may like to note the upgrade in Mufs facilities including a bowling machine, collapseable nets and sightscreen.