TFL 20Twenty - 12th July 2010
In one of the most emotional scenes for many summers, Andrew Carey bowed out on a cricketing high last night in Barnes as he guided the Strollers to a comfortable 6 wicket victory in his last ever cricket match against a fiercely competitive Transport for London XI.
Tears were evident amongst the locals of The Red Lion as Carey was lorded via 5 minutes of applause as he left (early) from the post match drinks, rather than stay to debate player ratings. Earlier he had smashed 28*, bowled three tidy overs and held two outstanding catches despite playing with chronically high blood pressure and the imminent heart operation (Friday) that will determine whether Hollers can collect on his First Stroller to die spread bet.
An outstanding fielding performance limited TfL to 114, with a hostile spell from Grant softening up the top-order before the spin of McGuirk bagged 3 cheap wickets and debutant Al Birt provided Macca with the first ever Stroller stumping. The Strollers were electric in the field and it was only when TfL danger-man Tim Neale came to the wicket in the last over that TfL threatened to break the Stroller shackles.
The run chase got off to a dreary start as Roscoe and Dundee gave it away. After Youngy had again failed with the bat it was left to Paddy and Carey to up the run rate. A series of boundaries saw the two add a cavalier 42 in 20 minutes as the TfL attack was flayed to all parts of Barnes, before both were forced to retire unbeaten (25* rule applying) when looking well set for 50s. Maurice appeared from the burnt down pavilion to offer TfL hope and proceeded to scratch around. But victory was only in doubt in the mind of Macca; as the FCO lower order firepower of Allen and Liddle (5) saw the game to conclusion with Jonny Allen's reverse drive and enormous straight driven 6 (his first in any form of cricket) combo closing matters for the evening with overs in hand and the Strollers on fire.
Rarely, if ever, has a Strollers team collectively played better. Indeed, the only disappointment was the lack of an obvious scapegoat beyond the usual target of Young, Simon. Carey will be missed.
Dundee : 8 runs. Offered nothing. Out “hit wicket” when set. 3
Roscoe : bowled poorly. Got 0. Emailed while umpiring. Caused war in Sudan. Flew across Atlantic for such shocking efforts but took nice catch. 3
Carey : poor running. First time into Strollers double figures. 1 good catch, 1 awesome catch. 50/50 chance of dieing kept celebrations muted to ensure blood pressure remained low. 8
Youngy : poor fielding. No commitment. Tried to get off with Macca's wife. Great tan, poor cricket, left early. 4
Paddy : 30 not out (three 6s), 4 overs, 2 maidens, 3 for 7. Taken 7 years to step up as senior all rounder. Excellent captaincy. 8.5 (NB this is a verbatim representation of player rating discussion - Editor)
Maurice : good catch, hit winning runs. Let run rate climb before Jonny A got him out of jail. Took captain's instruction to "nurdle" to letter. 6
Aiden : 1-14 off critical death over. Brought Tim Neale to wicket. Fed Neale runs. Liar. Nimble in the field. Got on with it with bat. 7
Jonny Allen : irked by mid off and mid on when bowling and screaming "shush boys shush". 1 wicket. First 6 of career measured at 98metres. Questioned as to whether should be slogging 6s when only 9 required off 19 balls; response from squad - with Maurice at crease - good decision. 8.25
McAndrew : first ever stroller stumping (off fast bowler) or was that a run out? Another stumping not delivered due to failing to appeal. Missus went for pooh in bushes but Mick observed "She's quite fit actually" no byes. 6.25
Al Birt : Strollers debut. Refused to bowl until sunglasses were safe. 2 wickets, didn't wear club kit. Talked in defence during player ratings. Asked umpire where to bowl from. 8.25
Grant : 0-22. But bowled 5 genuine bouncers as spirit of cricket died. Burnt oppo changing rooms. Gave high 5s to Dundee every over. Too quick for this level. Premier FAST bowler. Better than Bristoe. Most capped Stroller in SW London. 5
Tim Neale : refused to bowl, showing no loyalty to club. Refused to bat high up order. Has now scored more career runs against Strollers than for Strollers. As scorer for oppo added 15 random runs to "make game of it". Where was Boris? Tube delayed Maurice arriving on time. 1
Link to scorecard