David Krohn

London Fields vs South Bank, 17 July 2010

On a sunny Saturday, the Fielders gathered at the South Bank University playing grounds. Unfortunately, your correspondent cannot report on the first five overs, due to a inability to read Google maps and a lost hour wandering the leafy streets of Dulwich looking for 10 men dressed in white. Nevertheless, trusty Steve employed his trademark sweet touch and Carl, his heavy stroke play to get the fields off to a solid start.

However, it wasn’t long before alcohol induced lethargy caused the mighty Lacis to plant his feet and swing his blade a moment too late. The removal of his middle stump brought the irrepressible Alec to the wicket. His style reminds one of the great power hitters of the MLB as he preferred to send the ball into the distance rather than being forced into a speedy double.

The pair’s complementary styles soon caused consternation among the ranks of the opponents as their first change bowlers were duly dispatched over the boundary for a number of massive hits. The run rate sky rocketed and the boys were filled with hope as the pair in the middle piled on the agony. Unfortunately, the south bank lads were a wily bunch and had several quality bowlers saved for later in the innings. Steve fell for a magnificent fifty, holing out to mid-wicket in what could only be described as self imposed retirement. Alec followed soon after, one boundary short of a well deserved half century.

This bought two new boys, Isaac and Thomas, to the crease. While Isaac showed his experience and patience, Tom slogged away with gay abandon. The addition of some quick runs was vital but in the end Tom fell for a quick 18 runs. Just as Isaac’s innings was gathering momentum, the lower order began to splinter and after a few quick wickets, even the steadfast Isaac was found wanting. His 38 was a valuable contribution as the Fields posted 194.

Fortunately, there was a was a hearty lunch to revive our sagging spirits and we took to the field with renewed vigour. Ty opened the bowling and looked dangerous from the off. The man from Gimpy claimed two important upfront wickets, one with a ball that proved the saying, s**t gets wickets, the other with an absolute blinder that moved away from the batsman and took the top of off stump.

At the other end, Ryan kept it tight as always until he unexpectedly got hit for one of the biggest sixes in many LF memories! The fielders looked on in dismay as the new cherry disappeared into the distance, never to be seen again. Not one to dwell on such an immense belting, Ryan hit back immediately as he made the decidedly less shiny replacement ball work for him and bowled the dangerous looking Southbank opener.

The opening pair were well backed up by some tight bowling from Ben and Dave as the fields applied the brakes and claimed some valuable scalps. Meanwhile, Isaac was getting plenty of exercise in the field, standing at third man at both ends and being regularly called upon to to move the sightscreen by the Southbank boys, “a little more to the right please, no no the other right!” Nevertheless, he came steaming in and produced some excellent bowling for a tight spell at the death.

Unfortunately, we never had enough runs and the Southbank team triumphed thanks to a fifty from Havi. A fair few pints were enjoyed after the game and even the mighty Lordy showed up sporting an impressive ‘tache. Thanks to Southbank for a good game and the promise of even more fixtures in the future!