August 2019

Sandon batted first in a timed game. The openers were cautious in response to excellent opening spells from Woodcock and Parnell R, but it took some time before they each claimed a wicket, not helped by dropped catches (off Parnell). Replaced by the very economical but unlucky Prasad (5.1.10.0) and Loveday who bowled a pleasing spell (7.0.33.2) which included a delightful boundary catch for Parnell R. With 4 wickets down the Sandon 5th wicket pair knuckled down and gradually increased the scoring rate as Hausler (his spin not as tight as in previous outings), Vijay and Krshna all had their moments but no outright success. With 7 bowlers already used it was back to the opening pair to draw things to a rapid conclusion , with the economical Parnell R unlucky to only have 4 wickets in his figures of 9.3.28.4. A key runout (after another dropped catch off Parnell R) by Dinaker and Kenchington P was also crucial along with 2 more wickets for Woodcock (11.1.51.3) one of which came courtesy of one sublime left handed catch at 2nd slip by skipper Collins. 2 catches by Dinaker and P Kenchington’s athleticism behind the stumps were also highlights. Sandon were bowled out for 183, and Ivanhoe can reflect on an efficient bowling and fielding performance.

Thanks to Richard and Janet for a plentiful tea, which luckily included the Kenchington “bakewells”
Club skipper had to depart early to satisfy his girlfriend, but his batting was not missed as Ives had a ready replacement in Kenchington D, and, in any case, the heavy rain came down after 7.1 overs during which time Parnell S managed a golden duck courtesy of a well taken caught and bowled by bowler Atkins, and Ives reached 14-1 with Parnell R (10) and Vijay (2) steady and watchful against accurate bowling on a testing length. We will never know how the match would have ended without the deluge, but in 3 weeks’ time the return fixture may give some idea.

Bob C

The match was played at Rickmansworth CC. Nice scenic setting with good clubhouse and bar. Pitch was hard, pockmarked with a grassy cover.

As ever my prediction of a fast pitch was completely wrong with the ball keeping quite slow and low. Ivanhoe won the toss and sent in Batchworth, who had 10 players, into bat.

They had a slow start, accelerated, then were held back towards the end for a total of 208. Their captain starred with an unbeaten 77 not out whilst their number 3 got 50.

Pick of the bowlers were Andrew with 2 – 29, Ciaran (3-30), and Richard (1-36) and Prasad, who despite not getting a wicket, continually beat the bat and ended on 0 – 30.

Newcomer Vijay got 1-55, his wicket being a good reward after finally getting his length in bowling at the death.  Phil.K  did some great work behind the stumps with 2 catches (1 was a dive in front of 1^st slip who frankly had fallen asleep) and a stumping. Dexter ran around like crazy saving numerous runs (or rather his shins doing the saving) down at fine leg or long off.

After a nice Tea, Ivanhoe set out to try to get to an above 200 target which we have continually struggled to reach this season.

The tale of our Innings was a promising fast Start (after early loss of Phil.K) with Richard (59) and Steven (24) sharing a 68 run 2^nd wicket partnership, smacking the ball to all corners of the field, before Steven (bowled) and Richard (runout) were gone. Thereafter, a famous Ivanhoe mid-order collapse of 4 batsman (only honours going to Dexter getting his first run off the first ball faced). At this point one could throw up their hands in despair of an impending thrashing …… but Vijay (40) with John Loveday (11) shared an 8^th wicket partnership of 53, and then Prasad (9….but with a first ball 6) kept our hopes alive before we finally fell short on 196 all out!!

Good game and great to see some new faces in the squad. (Credit to Prasad for organising his friends appearance!!)

Andrew H.