Sunday came, just after Saturday, and brought with it the short
trip to Ruislip. The Wanderers were buoyed by the news of a
successful shoulder op for Steve Graves and also the engagement of
Westy and Jaiyna. However, the side were further depleted by the
loss of the Ginger Ninja (Darren) and Sexy Specs (Priyesh). The
result of these absentees, added to the long-term injuries, meant
the Goodwill handed a full debut to Darpan Gorsia following his
impressive showing at nets, with Darpan becoming player number
128. Paul Hiscock (no that's really his name) also returned to the
side.
Ruislip batted first and by and large got off to a subdued start.
Some tight bowling early on didn't go as rewarded as it may have
done (one plumb LBW off Correa not given), and one of the young
Ruislip openers set a platform for a well-crafted half-century,
which for the record all of the Goodwill fielders applauded. The
main highlights from the bowling were the return of Chris Cashman
to new ball duties, a maiden wicket for Paul Hiscock (no, that's
reallly his name) and a superb spell from Subhakanta Das. To bowl
leg-spin is difficult, and to do so at the end of an innings
incredibly hard. To have to do so when an umpire finds it
acceptable to swear at you, well make your own mind up. Das'
figures were excellent in returning 3-22. Ruislip totalled 182 in
their 40 overs.
When it came to the batting the Goodwill also got off to a slow
start due to an impressive new-ball partnership from Ruislip which
made run-scoring very diificult. However, the highlight was about
to come. Chris Cashman and Gareth Hughes, take a bow boys. A
partnership of 146 was at times breath-taking. Chris had a few
lives, but demonstrated his superb clean-hitting including a
couple of massive sixes. Gareth was the senior, calmer head in the
partnership with his highlight being taking 12 from one over with
three sumptious shots, a pull, a straight drive and a cover drive.
Chris was finally out on 87, which was a shame with everyone
willing him on to that magical three figure mark. However, the
entire dressing room were on their feet to acknowledge a maiden
half-century for Gareth Hughes. After his dedication to the club
since it's inception it was one of the special moments in our
history, and fitting it should come in the club's 20th year.
Following their departures, the Goodwill stuttered and too many
dot balls in the closing overs meant the Wanderers finished up
short on 176 for 6.
It was the kind of narrow defeat where people look at the odd run
here that could have been saved, if only I'd not played that shot,
if only we'd pushed that single and made it into a two. However,
it's also the kind of game where a few years ago we wouldn't have
had a prayer in, so the Goodwill should take the positives and
move forward. It's never the easiest place to play, Ruislip, as
our record shows. Especially when you are up against someone who
wants to run the game from point as the umpire. See Law 2
sub-section 6 regarding fielders returning to the game mid-over.
The current record says 1 win and 2 defeats this season. However,
with the injuries the club is currently carrying and
unavailability of others we are, in my opinion, doing well. The
newcomers to the team in the shape of Paul, Das and Sachin have
fitted in really well and it's great to see them achieving and
enjoying themselves. As the injuries start to clear up we should
hopefully go from strength to strength, which is something I'm
sure the darts team would have been proud of when they started up
the club.
But the day belonged to Gareth. Never has he enjoyed a shower so
much.
