SOA - 6 August 2019
South Oxfordshire Amateurs v Gaieties CC
Queen's College ground, Oxford - 6 August 2019
Afterthoughts of Tarek Choueiri:
Unperturbed, we all gathered from far and wide in time for a 2pm kick off. That is with the notable exception of Mike, who we later learned had a colourful bicycle journey in, missing the ground and ending up dodging lorries on the Eastern bypass!
Perhaps fittingly with the start of the Edinburgh Festival, it was a somewhat unfamiliar 'fringe' lineup, featuring several debutants or players who had played only a handful of games for the Gaieties. However, those in attendance exuded an energetic blend of experience and determination. We were confident as we took to the field first.
Jack and Sam opened the bowling on a two-paced wicket with professional precision. Jack's deliveries repeatedly flew past the outside edge whilst Sam Khalique metronomically wore out a patch on a length in front of middle stump. Some 16 overs whistled past with only 24 runs on the board. Sam had delivered an incredible 7 maidens in that time and Jack removed both openers - the first a little tickle to debutant keeper Tom, the second a brilliantly accurate slower ball that deceived and dipped onto middle.
The number 3 was probably their best batsman and perhaps it was time to let the game open up a little. Hugo entrusted HAC Matt and Tarek with the change at either end. However, Matt's golden arm, fresh from a quick two wicket grab at Downs the previous week, quickly mopped up said no.3 with a smart caught and bowled. Our opponents were in trouble. Suddenly, a biblical intervention: the heavens opened and we left the field with SOA 48-3 after 21.2 overs.
As the rain teemed down, Tea was taken early. Hugo indicated that he felt that the rain was here to stay and the game was over for the day. However, whilst Hugo may be an enthusiastic master baker, an expert meteorologist he is not. Sure enough the clouds cleared 25 minutes later, covers were removed and we resumed with purpose and slow bowling at both ends.
Ably assisted by debutant Dan bowling cheeky leg spin, Tarek served up a frantic buffet of filth and occasional unplayable deliveries at the other. Fortunately the better ones reaped reward in the form of 4 more wickets at 12-a-piece. Their two youngest batsmen were in and resisted a final onslaught from Sam and Mike to push the score on to 183-7 when their declaration was decreed after 38 overs.
A quick turnaround and our new look opening batting pair of legspin Dan and HAC Harry strode out knowing that a fast start was needed given that we would probably get 34 overs maximum to reach the winning goal. A quick setback, however, as Dan returned in the second over.
Casper entered the arena. Just prior to this Casper had advised us of how ugly he found Steve Smith's batting technique to watch - as he preferred a more puritan mode of application. Brave robust words, and ones that we translated to mean that we should expect to witness something special. He did not disappoint. Both Harry and Casper stroked beautifully around the wagon wheel, evading fielders with perfectly timed drives, pulls and general casual abandon. Unfortunately Harry nicked one and out went wicket keeper Tom. If any of SOA's players felt there would be a change of momentum, that was quickly erased as Tom simply demolished their bowling with a carefully destructive display of swashbuckling boundaries to complement Casper's grace.
We entered the final 20 overs needing 94. Tom reached his 50 before falling to a straight one from the legendary Lurkers. He will console himself that he isn't the first. The remaining target was 64 from 15 overs. A seemingly straightforward task for Tarek, who played second fiddle to watch the indomitable Casper tear apart the remainder of the waning attack with drive after drive in the V. Fittingly, Casper hit the winning runs to end on an unblemished 91 with 8 overs to spare.
A thoroughly professional performance, a satisfying win and we all hope to see the new faces again lining up for the Gaieties in the near future.
