v Epsom - 26th August 2008

Date: 26th August

Versus: Epsom

Venue: Ruxley Lane

Result: OC's win by a lot

Report:
The last game of the season saw Epsom visit Ruxley Lane, much changed from Epsom of old with not many familiar faces. Talking of which, Beeksy turned up, probably to get the qualifying number of overs in to claim his trophy, trouble is, he’d been away for so long his face was not looking so familiar either.

OC’s won the toss and elected to bat in dark overcast skies, perfect conditions for the white ball being bowled in front of an umpire in white, perfect if you are a bowler that is!

Knoxy and TC opened the batting knocking a reasonable rate with an opening partnership of 70 something despite constant complaint from Knoxy about not seeing the ball. The change bowlers brought some variety, usually short pitched before TC fell caught and Knox was bowled agonisingly short of another half century on 46, a few more runs not out and he would have sneaked past Parker and claimed the batting trophy! A mini collapse of Dan, Ben and DJ all falling for 0 followed as the change bowlers found some swing and seam or some simple poor shot selection. Nate and JB showed the rest how to do it properly as they brought up the rear, only spoiled by a comedy run out from Bisson as the OC’s set 112 off 18. Would it be enough?

Dan and JB opened the bowling, Dan fruitless for 10 off his 2 while JB was back to his best with 2 for 8 off 4 including am amazing diving catch from Bisson at long off which was a matter of inches off the ground. Handy Epsom batsmen fell foul to a couple of either good run outs or crazy calling by the batsmen ad JB claimed one run out and Dan redeemed himself with another after shelling a simple catch in the same ball!

Beeks returned and was likely to seal the bowling trophy with 2 for 3 off his 2 while Bisson also found form and rabbits with 2 for 4 off his 3! With the run rate out of sight and Epsom running out of wickets yours truly took the wicket of skipper Aziz with one that should have been left wide while Nate, in a bad day in the field for the Reubens, managed to catch one with the skills of a circus clown. Ben finished off the game with a wicket maiden ad a disappointing Epsom fell well short.

Man of the Match – Bisson with 2 wickets and a superb diving catch which gets the champagne moment although some of the things promised to him because of the catch were not carried out.