Newdigate CC Sunday 1st XI registered an emphatic win by 8 wickets at a Village Cricket League match over Effingham playing away on June 23, 2024.
The win was much needed after two losses and a washout in the league.
The newly constructed cricket ground at Effingham is fast with a very sporty squire, had a plenty to offer for both the batters and bowlers. The hosts won the toss and decided to bat first on a limited 40 overs match.
Ali and Sami opened bowling for Newdigate, the former extracted considerable amount of bounce off good length bowls and was soon rewarded with a wicket at the 6th over of the innings. Despite the initial wobble, Effingham picked up the momentum with some fluent stroke making, mainly from Thomas Harrold. Sami, bowling from the other end, got one of his inswingers to rattle the stumps of James Blair (13) on the 12th over. Bowling change gave Newdigate immediate result as De Vrij got the dangerman Thomas Harrold (24) caught at short-leg! De Vrij then continued to deliver an amazing spell of 5 overs conceding 5 runs claiming 2 wickets. Skipper Monjur Elahi came to the party by taking 3 wickets from the other end off his 5 overs conceding 22 runs. A motoring Effingham innings took a tumble in the space of 10 overs, 5 wickets were lost to score 27 runs as De-Vrij-Elahi tore through the hosts middle order with their pace (lack of)! There was no respite for Effingham, as Tom Harper snapped up two tail-enders with his quick-fire of 3 overs conceding only 6 runs. Nurul Islam supported him well by claiming the other wicket. There were some great fielding from Newdigate, catches were held, Naveen did great glove works behind the stumps as well. The hosts innings conclude scoring 99 off 28 overs.
A cautious approach was required in response from Newdigate and David Callcut maintained that as he formed a solid opening partnership with Angus Harper. Angus (21 of 29 balls), initially reserved, opened up with his instinctive attacking mode to hit 4 boundaries. Redwan Ahmed came to replace Angus when Newdigate was 39/1 on the 9th over. The next 9 overs were an exhibition of power hitting from Redwan who smashed 4 boundaries and 1 huge six to score his 29 off 22 balls. David Callcut (42 not out off 59, 4 boundaries) shifted gears to complement Ahmed. Redwan fell trying to hit big when the score was level. Christian John came in and ensured a safely and surely coasting for Newdigate. Callcut hit a boundary to score the winning run for Newdigate.
A platform that had been set up by excellent bowling and fielding, was defended confidently by cautious and then aggressive batting- is an ideal script – when did we do it last time! All hails to a combined team efforts from Newdigate Sunday XI team players to secure a much-needed win that ends a spell of drought for the team.