Report by Paul Jordan:
A quick glance to last years' games (in June and July) reveals that 180+ was the score to beat; a daunting prospect. On this particular occasion we had to instigate a few changes, the format being one of them: 15 8-ball overs was agreed with an innovation of 8 overs at one end and then 7 overs from the other, the feeling was that this would give us the best of the available light.
The Remnants innings was led by Seb Hammersley and Kanwar Singh, who got us off to a flier. Seb retired at 35* (off 37 balls) with some classy ground shots and a steepling six over deep mid-wicket, whilst Kanwar went for an ambitious run, only to be stranded for 25 (off 19 balls). The innings continued much in the same vain with a brisk 29 (off 22 balls) from CJ Barrie, with James Robinson and Chandan Brar undefeated on 35* (off 24 balls) and 16* (off 20 balls) respectively at the close. Extras did account for 24 runs, but in the end 164/2 was a thoroughly decent score and against most sides a challenging target, requiring 10 an over. But this is the Centaurs, and if there's one thing you can guarantee, they will chase down any score you set for them.
Remnants opened the bowling at one end with their experienced seamers of Joe White (1/30) and Paul Jordan (2/38), followed by Seb (0/27) and our latest recruit Lewis Drummond (1/20). Leweis had already impressed in the field with a running catch off Paul's bowling and was introduced to add some leggies and variation; he bowled beautifully . At ten overs our scores were pretty well even but the feeling was that we had seen off or at least removed at least three of their best batters and perhaps we were in with a chance, as long as we kept the bowling tight and restricted their scoring.
In stepped Salar Baig with 5 overs to go, who in the past has demonstrated what an innovative and destructive batter he can be. He didn't disappoint and the total was edging ever closer to our 164. However the retirement at 35 did work in our favour as he left the crease with 2 overs to go and 20+ needed to win. Joe and James rounded off the bowling with a tight line and we restricted the Centaurs to 149/6, hence winning by 15 runs.
A great team performance with some excellent fielding and a good all-round bowling performance, a nod in the direction of Simon and Andrew who gave great support in the field. Only one thing you can say after an historic victory like this and that would be "Shabash!"