Scorecard

St Albans Cricket Club 4XI v London Colney 2XI on Sat 08 Jun 2024 at 13:00
St Albans Cricket Club Lost by 4 wickets

Match report Fresh from a comfortable victory away to Broxbourne, the 4s returned to Sandpit Lane to take on local rivals London Colney.

The coin toss fell the visitor’s way and they elected to bowl first.

Having totalled 250 the week before, Saints set their ambitions high against opponents who were uncharitably described as looking like a pub team, by one anonymous St Albans member. The implication was clear: we should win this.

As it happened, Colney quickly found a rhythm with their bowling, hitting a good length. In quick succession, Dean, Ahmed and Khan found themselves back on the sidelines; each would have been disappointed by the mode of their dismissal. Nisar then came into acquaintance with a delivery that popped. Saints were in deep trouble.

With a lineup that was likely a batter light, there was little comeback. Wides quickly became the innings’ (and day’s) top score. And while there was the occasional well committed shot, little came of it. Saints all out for a miserable 70.

There is no point in giving up halfway, though, and Saunders called on his team to strive for victory.

Telkman and Smith, aside from confusing each other about who was taking the first over, and from which end, also managed to beat the bat regularly. Smith grabbed a first wicket, and Telkman (2/6) followed up with two more. Might Saints have a chance to defend their low total?

Colney continued to look tentative at the crease, fearing demons in the wicket that for the most part were nonexistent. Dean and Walker took up the attack and kept things tight, though the batters edged - literally! - their way towards the target. Accrue enough edges when chasing a target of 71 and victory will soon be within grasp.

Arif and Saunders took over and each grabbed a wicket as the visitors stalled at the final hurdle, creeping home by 4 wickets. For Saints, just the six bonus points taken in defeat, a comeuppance to a team that had begun the day as table toppers.

It is fair to say a few things didn't go right for the 4s, but ultimately the collective failure of the batting lineup must take the blame in a humbling defeat. To a pub team, no less.

St Albans Cricket Club 4XI Batting
Player Name RunsMB4s6sSRCtStRo
extras
TOTAL :
1nb 19w 3b  
for 10 wickets
23
70		        
Nauman Nisar ct Unsure b T Ray 11
Ashish Dean lbw T Ray 2
Imran Ahmed ct Unsure b T Ray 9
Najib Khan ct Unsure b G Davies 2 1
Prath Khatavkar ct Unsure b J Ray 10 1
Nadeem Arif ct Unsure b M Gedara 0
Hugo Thomas lbw G Davies 11
Andrew Walker Not Out  0
Charles Smith run out  (Unsure) 2
Jamie Telkman b J Ray 0 1
Andy Saunders lbw J Ray 0

London Colney 2XI Bowling

Player nameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
George Davies8.0123211.502.88
Trevor Ray8.012036.672.50
Maclan Gedara3.0022122.007.33
Jack Ray3.01230.670.67

London Colney 2XI Batting
Player name RMB4s6sSR
extras
TOTAL :
1nb 12w 2b 6lb 
for 6 wickets
21
71 (24.0 overs)		     
Cian Davidson b A Walker 15
Sandeep Bharj ct P Khatavkar b C Smith 2
Jack Ray lbw J Telkman 1
Dave Buss ct N Khan b J Telkman 0
George Davies ct J Telkman b A Saunders 5
Robbie Dodkin ct Unsure b N Arif 15
Paul Seymour Not Out  12
Trevor Ray  
Maclan Gedara  
Paul Hadley  
KEVIN LAWRENCE  

St Albans Cricket Club 4XI Bowling

Player NameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
Jamie Telkman5.01623.001.20
Charles Smith4.0025125.006.25
Ashish Dean6.031100.001.83
Andrew Walker5.0111111.002.20
Nadeem Arif2.00515.002.50
Andy Saunders2.01515.002.50