The season finale, our annual trip to Hatfield Heath, now in its 13th year. Rick the skipper for the day and started up with losing the toss. However, into bat we went. Wasim knocked it around for a solid 72no including consecutive 6's, supported by Steve 24, and Wendel 28no, HL finishing up on 154/2 from our 20. Hatfield Heath responded well, finishing up on 151/4, HL taking a lead of just 3 into the 2nd innings.
As usual a fantastic Mascall lunch; scones with jam and cream, melon... Wasim and Wendel, being the not out batsmen from 1st innings opened up for the 30 over 2nd innings. Wasim fell early, Wendel hit 70, Hassan chipped in with a handy 68. HLs 200/6 seemed an okish score, but perhaps a little under par as we had been 84 from 10, 146 from 20.
HH got off to a good start, running well, taking advantage of a poor fielding effort from Hounslow. However, a 4 wicket blast from Hassan kept HH in check. HH were also 84 from 10, then 151 from 20. It was getting tight with HH needing just 27 from the last 5.
However, a 21 run give away over from Paul tipped the scales and HH won with 22 balls remaining.
Hatfield Heath, 2014 champions of their cricket league, are looking good these days, a few of the chaps we've known for a while now reaching the top of their batting game, and with a few newer additions, plus a good batting wicket, giving most oppos a good run I should imagine, and including the Leisure on this occasion.
In the pub, curry house and tent later, it was felt that the game was lost in the last 10 overs of our 2nd innings and 1st 10 overs of their 2nd, which was actually quite a large chunk of the day, and arguably the most crucial 20. We'll be back next year, aiming to even the score.
Anyway, 7 of us managed to make it to the Magdalen game in Taplow on Sunday, which we also lost, all out with 9 balls remaining, 30 odd short chasing 250, Wasim, however, continuing his fine form with the bat, including an over the club house 6.
Scores: HL 154/2 and 200/6 from 50 overs. HH 151/4 and 206/7 from 26.2 overs.
So, its all over for Hounslow Leisure for 2014. Played 19, won 9, tied 2, lost 8 (including 2 LBH games, which may or may not count...) Won a couple of classics, lost a couple we shouldn't have.. Cheers folks; AGM (an early one) and stats to follow...Dont forget to tune in to the blog occasionally over the winter...
A few Leisure on the Heath stats...Played 15: won 6, lost 7, 1 draw, 1 tie. Last won 2010.
Most runs: Wendel 523, Paul 350, Adam 182. Highest scores: Paul 77, Wendel 72, Wasim 72no, Brett 69. Fifties for Wendel (5), Paul (2), Brett (2), Adam, Steve, Rick. Not quite 50's for Knobby 42, Ian 14.
Most wickets: Rick 19, , Wendel 16, Paul 15. Best bowling : Bick 4/7, Hassan 4/20, Wendel 4/32, 3 wicket hauls for Brooks, Duane, Bull, Adam and Rick. 2's for Ian, Paul, Steve..
