Overcast on the morning of Sunday 23rd August, heading down the M11 from Cambridge to Stanford-le-hope to witness a great day of cricket- perfect opportunity for this given England vs Pakistan was no longer looking like a contest. As PCC players arrived the clouds made way for a sunny day ahead where they were to face their mighty opponents, Stanford-le-hope cricket club. Before any play took place, a very touching tribute was held highlighting the importance of sportsmanship where both teams were involved in a minute’s silence to mourn the loss of John Green (Vice President of Stanford-le-hope CC).
All players fueled and ready to go, PCC were first up to bat. What a show we were in for! Steady opening start of a 27-run partnership between Rahul and Amandeep followed by a few cameo appearances by James “Maccy G” and Riz, only to be rescued by a stellar partnership of 58 runs between Amandeep (31) and John Deighan. John went on to score big with a half-century (battling a hamstring injury) followed by another great partnership of 53 runs between Mutz and Soden. Some quick bowling from the opposition by Havers removed the PCC tail-enders leaving 211 runs as the target to beat.
Of course, following such a grueling batting schedule, no professional cricket is complete without the necessary “Tea break” to be able to face the next 40 overs. As the second innings got under way PCC were solid on their bowling attack with Maccy G leading the way by taking 3 wickets, backed up by Soden at the other end who was unfortunate to take any on this occasion. Friendly fire between the Siddiqui brothers and Zhaid from the opposition led to the whole team forming a guard of honor to welcome him onto the field. PCC faced a battering during the middle overs where the situation began to look bleak and 211 runs was in reach for the opposition with a fantastic performance by Havers (71) and Yash (33). With the pressure building, the brotherly banter between the Siddiqui brothers was audible where captain-wicket keeper Mutz was not happy with field placement by Riz. With runs leaking on a fast outfield, there was more drama in store as Rahul had a dropped catch “Trent Boult” style at the boundary- trying to stop a 6 he threw the ball back in the air in an attempt to catch it, only to face disappointment. However, he was not the only one to drop a catch, Basi had another great diving drop catch installment which can be added to the season’s blooper reel (DVD will be available soon in participating stores). All was not lost as “Eppy” to the rescue in true Batman fashion with his sidekick Ahmed and took a 5 wicket haul, with the help of some epic wicket keeping skills from the skipper. The final installation came as PCC began to plough through the tail enders where we witnessed the catch of the match- Joe Deighan took a phenomenal running catch at the boundary over his shoulder, before bowling out the opposition for 173. A successful 38 run win for PCC!
PCC showed great team spirit and an good all-round performance, although leaky in the field at times, but a very solid bowling attack! Finally, your correspondent's (Shaline Fazal) Man of the Match award goes to John Deighan for his excellent batting performance whilst injured, but also very committed in the field!
