Ham is a long way to go for a game of cricket but it was definitely worth it. Ivanhoe had a bat first while we waited for the stragglers to negotiate the M25. Traffic delays meant a 35 over game. Openers Chris B and Dennis worked hard to stave off a quality Sheen bowling attack. Once the hard work was done it was time for the run makers. Step up Bob with a steady 47 and Richard P with a solid 63 not out and Ivanhoe posted a fairly achievable 151.
Post tea Sheen started impressively and 151 was looking woefully inadequate. Ivanhoe weren’t daunted though despite a bowling shortage. Ciaran (27-2) took the Sheen skippers wicket while Lawrence P (49-4) took the lion’s share. Sheen advanced ever closer with wickets in hand, but a valiant all round effort in the field meant they needed 7 to win in the final over. Step up Lawrence P. Ball 1 was a fumbled stumping by keeper Phil K. Dot ball. Ball 2 was another swing and miss. Dot ball. Ball 3 was the stumping ball 1 was meant to be. Two more runs left Sheen needing 4 to tie from the final ball but it was not to be. Another win for Ivanhoe in a game which could easily have gone the other way.