The Week
at The Wick

The 1s continue a positive first half of the season by completing the double over Ashford on a scorcher at HQ. Captain Wylie retains his tossing superiority complex with yet another win (7/9) and did the correct thing by batting first. Ashford started well dismissing Finzel early and restricting the 1s to 24–1 after 10 but dropped two catches in the process. Spray consolidated nicely with a patient 33, putting on 88 for the second wicket with Seb (also dropped at this point) before chipping one back to the one man with a functioning pair of hands. Inga joined Seb and, in a partnership punctuated by missed run outs and butter fingers, they put on 95 for the third wicket before Seb kicked one off middle for a sweaty 90. With the Wick 203–3 in the 42nd over, Inga was joined by the debutant Harry Senior and the two proceeded to spank an increasingly ragged Ashford attack to all parts until Luke fell for a classy 70 with the Wick on 255. Senior’s (42) assault continued, supported by Messers Browning (14) and Khaira (1*) with the Wick finishing on 279/7 — noting 12 dropped catches and a missed run out.

Half time team talk focused on finishing off the job, just as Maggie would want our boys to finish off the Argies on Wednesday night. Ashford got off to a fast start but Captain Wylie set the tone producing a diving stop at gully and throwing down the non-strikers off of one leg. 1–0 England. The mythical creature Red Ball Browning (6-2-21) — sporting a headband Mr Miyagi would be proud of — proceeded to go wax on wax off and remove 1 and 4 in consecutive deliveries. With Sam Flinn (5-1-16) bumping out the oppo 3, it fell to Woody Veysey (6.2-4-21) who continued this viscous spell of short ball bowling and bumped out the Ashford middle order. With Captain Wylie (4-1-19) successfully hunting down his weekly rabbit and Woody taking an excellent diving catch at short fine leg, it was all but wrapped up. However, Ashford’s number 11 thought otherwise, smacking his first two balls for six leaving just 150 for victory. This impetus was short lived as he kicked one of middle stump next ball and proceeded to throw an all-time tantrum on the way off, knowing he had cost his team the game. Wick win by 146.

The day started as any Saturday does: “Sorry lads, gonna be late.” This was the case for approximately half of the 2s travelling to Sheen Park. Thankfully, everyone was there and ready for the warm-up, so the day started off well.

Tongy won the toss and told Sashi and Ki to get padded up. They strode out confidently. Sashi, on strike, was unfortunately trapped LBW fifth ball. Tongy entered the arena to a relatively chirpy Sheen Park, who enjoyed giving it much more than they received it. Tongy and Ki played well, rotating the strike and putting the bad balls away for four. Ki was looking good at the top but unfortunately nicked one to second slip. Dowling came and went (and then went for a big ol’ sulk around the boundary). Dilly and Tongy continued to apply pressure, putting away the bad balls and defending the good — they make cricket sound so easy. Tongy was then bowled by an absolute seed. Dilly continued his positive approach with a six, which caused a rush of blood to the head — same shot, different outcome… caught at first slip after a parry by the keeper. Subba and DJ continued the approach of putting the bad balls away and defending the good, but with both then out, the tail was left to wag. But it didn’t wag — it just folded. The Wick were all out for 168, which we thought may have been below par at the start of the day, but by the innings break it felt like a very defendable score.

Tea was bang average: a selection of rolls and fruit. But that was no matter, as we all know we play cricket for the love of the game, not the food… although some better selections wouldn’t have gone amiss.

Guy and Zak were tasked with opening the bowling. And the writer shall forewarn you: he got his first five-for in this innings, and it shall be a big focus. Guy chose an end and opened the attack. First ball: flicked off the pads for six over square leg. Tough start. Guy then had a few unlucky edges race away, conceding 16 off the first over. Zak was ready and hoping he didn’t suffer a similar fate. The first three balls were stinging the hands of Cash. Fourth ball: slightly fuller on the pads, chipped straight back. Caught and bowled — his first ever one. Guy then came back ready for revenge: three dots followed by the wicket of the man who’d hit him for six. Guy continued to bowl well and was unlucky not to pick up another wicket.

Zak, however, was bowling with heat and fury. Charging in with a run-up that felt smooth and allowed him to push the ball through nicely. The pitch provided some extra bounce, which was well received and utilised, with the third over bringing not one but two wickets. One nicked behind to Cash, and then an LBW that Stevie Wonder would’ve been hard-pressed not to give. The batsman didn’t like the celebrations and had a few words before eventually departing.

A few more overs from Guy came and went. Final ball of the tenth, the Sheen Park skipper was on strike for what looked like a maiden over. One pushed up. Skied straight up. Who else would you want underneath a high ball than Tongy’s safest hands at the club… Zak. A second caught and bowled! Which during the celebrations everyone thought would be dropped.

Guy and Zak were then replaced by Sahib and Jack. Sahib bowled well and consistently challenged the bat. Dowling also maintained a very good line and length. He had a few missed opportunities including a drop from Guy who just went “Oh f***” when he saw it coming and just didn’t move. And it must be added to the record that Dowling’s figures are slightly misleading, with 13 runs able to be removed thanks to five overthrows, four overthrows, and then your writer booting the ball with his left foot into the bottom corner for four (sorry, Jack).

Tongy replaced Sahib and bowled to his usual high standards, controlling the game and ably supporting Dowling to build pressure from both ends, resulting in the wicket of the Sheen Park opener. Pressure continued to build through to the final drinks break. Zak replaced Dowling, who bowled a fantastic spell, finishing with figures of 10-1-34-2. Tongy saw us through to drinks with a lovely maiden. Over drinks, we agreed we needed to raise it and push hard to get the win that was thoroughly within our grasp.

Thankfully, that is the wrong time frame. First ball after drinks brought the biggest wicket of the day. A leave on off stump (there’s two types) and off it went for Zak’s first five-for! Zak had done it — and it wasn’t off a no-ball. Elation and relief. The number 11 was then beaten with the ball for the remainder of the over, but there was no final breakthrough.

Up stepped Tongy for that. A fantastic ball, edged straight into the hands of DJ at slip. Game over. The Wick had just beaten the team at the top of the league. The boys were buzzing and celebrated with some jugs of Moretti, the way a big win should be celebrated. It was a great day of cricket, played to a high standard, and gives the 2s a much-needed boost as we take on Spencer next week.