Impressive Gents Hopes Washed Away

Ultimately a disappointing day's cricket as the second leg of the Bob Ashton Memorial Cup was curtailed by a violent thunderstorm with the game finely balanced. West XI appeared to be happier with the outcome, but could equally argue that a projected score of 130 or so would have tested the Gents batting in difficult conditions. As the sage Tony Buck concluded, this could have been a classic encounter.

Sanjay won the toss and bravely inserted West XI despite the late arrival of Stuart and Richard due to their attendance at a christening (thanks to Wests for the sub fielders). The Gents got off to a dream start when Sanjay bowled Taylor and almost immediately dismissed the dangerous Vine thanks to a fine catch by Sean at square leg - the best of the season so far. Nabil also bowled a tight opening spell, but it was the increasingly impressive Hemin who added the prized scalps of Barling, Wright and Bhatt to his total, all lbw. Figures of 7-1-3-17 could have been even better had it not been for an expensive final over.

West XI had scored 81-5 in 25 overs, thanks to a good recovery by Dane and Norcott, when the game was suddenly but correctly abandoned.

The Gents can be very happy with their ultimately futile days work, having bowled and fielded superbly. Both sides will look forward to the decisive encounter at Berkhamsted in September - hopefully the weather will be more kind.