John Bartram.
St Michael’s, with only half its first team available, ensured the five-test battle against St John’s continues into another year by being soundly beaten by five wickets in reenwich Park on a surprisingly balmy post D-Day afternoon.
Both congregations’ prayers had obviously been answered, as the threatened dire weather never materialised and a one-sided match was contested in a friendly spirit in intermittent sunshine. The heavens only opened again in the early evening when the post-match festivities were in full swing.
All the heavy rain had come overnight, leaving the wicket a tinge green, but that was no excuse for St Michael’s, who were bowled out in 23 overs for a paltry score of 88. St John’s eased home with 91 for five after stuttering slightly in mid-innings. The series now stands at 2-1 in favour of the All Angels, and they duly issued another challenge for next summer.
St Michael’s start to its innings was miserable, losing three wickets for two runs in the first two overs, with medium pacer Will Mably leading the St John’s charge. At the half way stage Chris Longman led a small recovery for the Angels in a partnership of 35, hitting a six and then being forced to retire under local rules when he had scored 30. His partner Hugh Ridsdill-Smith, with 14, was the only other St Michael’s batsman to get into double figures.
Most of the damage was caused by Mably, who ended with superb figures of 5 for 17 in his allotted five overs.
St John’s made a steady and assured start with an opening partnership of 31, and at 53 for 2 in the 12 th over they seemed to be ambling to victory. But a couple of wickets fell six runs later, and Ed Lane was obliged to retire after an assured and unbeaten 31.
However, a few more lusty blows saw St John’s home to a well-deserved victory with five overs to spare, giving plenty of time to finish off what was left of the traditional superb tea of sandwiches, cakes and a warm brew provided by the ladies of both parishes.
John Bartram.