Phoenix v IPH

Phoenix v IPH at Stapleford Recreation ground.

Phoenix Won by 38 Runs.

Another excellent team performance based on some outstanding personal contributions  to make it three wins out of three for the Phoenix.

Gareth, in his first game of the season, lost the toss but would have batted anyway and although we lost Dave and Adrian for single-figure scores Aidan and Damon both raced to the retirement threshold: it was clear then that we were on for our highest-ever score.

Gareth hit a six that a catcher could only palm over the ropes, George kept the scoreboard ticking over and Bruce, also making his first appearance of the summer, ended with a Phoenix-best of 20 not out as we posted 140-4.

IPH soon realised that was not a defendable total when they began to lose a steady stream of wickets, mainly through good bowling but also because of our unpredictable pitch.

Stuart saw off the first opener, Matt ran the other one out as Nusrat, as always, began to turn the screw. Matt then had another danger man caught behind off a skier and bowled the next man with one that simply didn’t bounce (he wasn’t too happy).

Nusrat removed the middle order with a lbw and stumping combo and George steamed in to have a tail-ender caught behind. IPH still had one batsman who could score runs but it was far too late. Damon’s leg spin was given a late airing and was proven to be a little rusty but it didn’t matter: a comprehensive victory was ours.