The Gentlemen of West London

Runs

New Barbarian Weasels

Runs

Perfect nine for Gents in Sunny Chelsea

This game was a triumph over adversity, its very existence being in doubt until Friday afternoon as no ground could be found for a game originally scheduled for the usual Saturday at Berrylands. The lack of changing facilities and the ubiquity of boundary footballers, sunseekers and pitch invaders was a throwback to the club’s Blunder Years. The difference between Then and Now though lay in the catching. Three in a game in the old days would have seen hats tossed in the air in celebration; here, nine were taken and none dropped. The Gents’ 154, a fine recovery from 89 for 7, proved therefore to be comfortably enough.

SP opted for an attacking top seven but after Dhruv fell leg-before in the first over the dashers did not really come off. Husain made it to double figures before edging behind to wild celebrations but Jim Wright received little other support in compiling a watchful 42 (six fours) in 21 overs against a varied attack, of whom Wheldon, medium-fast off a three-pace run, was the pick. Extras came in abundance to keep the score ticking over but when SP was bowled Dyer, to be followed by Wright holing out to Dyer in the next over, the seventh wicket had fallen with only 22 overs bowled.

It could have been a capitulation, but Buck and Gilkes turned the innings around, adding 44 in seven overs. It was a treat to watch and gave The Gents crucial momentum. The returning Hughes despatched them both but there was still time for Sean Carroll to loft Omar for four to bring the 150 into view. It was achieved and though Gents were disappointed not to bat the full 35 overs, 154 was a fair total, particularly as Dhruv, Sanjay and Nabil totalled just 12 between them.

A varied, tasty and greatly appreciated tea followed as the stifling heat began to abate. The Weasels have had their critics over organisational matters in the past, but be it here recorded that they pulled out all the stops to ensure that this game went ahead and that their guests were welcomed, fed and watered. In the absence of Courtney Perry, who has left the club after some A.G.M. shenanigans, and Mr. Bishop, their main hope was Greg Wheldon, a player of the highest quality with hundreds against his name in the NBW hall of fame.

Sanjay struck with his third ball after a Nabil maiden, Omar Iqbal miscuing to short mid-off Hemin. There was then misfortune for The Gents when Mr. Husain pulled up lame after being hit for four by Wheldon. A wag pointed out that this was not the first time and that these injuries never happen after he has beaten the outside edge or taken a wicket. But the poor lad clearly could not continue and Buck completed his second over. 

Hughes, whose first three scoring shots all found the white lines, gave the southpaw Wheldon (four fours off his first four scoring shots) good support as 32 were added, the second-highest stand of the day. Lloyd Wahed ended it, having Hughes sharply caught by Dhruv hovering at very short mid-wicket. Jim Wright replaced SP at the King’s Road End and soon outed the dangerous Woodhead, another Hemin catch at short mid-on. Three catches became four when a Wright lifter was gloved by Nigel Richards to ’keeper Paul Turpin. Wheldon’s gallant knock ended in the 21st. over with a stupendous catch by Dhruv at deep extra-cover off Rob Babar. Dhruv caught and bowled Maddock, Hemin took his third mid-on catch off Sean

Greg Wheldon returns after being brilliantly caught Dhruv bowled Rob for 39

Carroll to see off old Gent adversary Duneclift, Joshi holed out to long-on Husain off Dhruv and skipper Dyer edged to slip Gilkes off Buck. Nine chances offered, nine catches taken. Ken Toft, though injured, kindly umpired and scored on a ground with happy memories for him as it witnessed his 93 against London Rams. The players also wish to thank the considerable travelling support, a genuine away end in fact.