Cambridge Granta vs Wanstead
National Cup 3 July R Tickle-Late
Sunday saw the first eleven make another spirited exit from a cup competition as they lost in the regional final of the National competition by only ten runs.
The vast expanse of the Clare College ground posed new challenges not only to cricketers but also to those spectators who enjoy circumnavigating the boundaries. Full marks to Christian and Zain who hit sixes and also to Nigel who completed a number of laps.
The Cambridge top order performed well with three batsmen posting substantial scores and setting up a challenging total in the face of adequate if not outstanding bowling. One good feature was the very small number of wides and noballs. The final total was a beatable 246-6 but in the event Wanstead always appeared to be just behind in their challenge for victory.
The scoresheet shows only one person failing to get into double figures and everyone else offering a significant contribution. Yet again, though, no one batsman was able to impose himself with a match winning score. Both Christian Burgess and Adnan Akram fell to lbw decisions when they had reached forty or so, and the demise of of both Adnan and Jon Das (27) after an encouraging stand of over fifty ultimately proved decisive despite the positive efforts of the lower order. The league championship and T20 are the remaining targets for this season.