1st XI vs Cowdrey

On the hottest Saturday of the season yet the 1st team headed to Cowdrey in search of another win to progress towards the top of the table. Having lost the toss the Heath had to field first and started in stupendous style with Iffy taking two wickets early on to leave the oppo 2 down for no runs. A little partnership built with Cowdrey's excellent overseas bat punishing the odd loose ball from Jimmy J and Iffy while the other opener dug in. However, on the stroke of drinks madness ensued with the Cowdrey opener daring to take one to a George Monk misfield who recovered well to get us a cheap run out. George pretended this was part of a masterplan but we all know it was more luck than judgement with him at best being the 7th best fielder in the side. After the drinks break it was a story of young love between Spud and Cowdrey's number 5. Needing a set of new pads and having had no breakfast or lunch Spud easily got nibbles out of the number 5 who as he departed for a well compiled 1 shouted back to Spud to say 'go check your bowling figures mate'. Spud being Spud in the sign of confrontation stepped back to hide behind a larger figure, also known as the solar eclipse, Ciaran. As wickets started to tumble from one end the overseas player had to take more and more risks and eventually held out to a good catch from Hamish off the bowling of Charlie. Cowdrey then sought to see out the 50 overs, falling 5 balls short, all out for 149. Shout out to Charlie Monk bowling 7 overs for 6 runs taking 3 wickets in the process. Also a shoutout to their overseas for launching Spud a couple of times.

Chasing a total of 150 to win the innings could've got off to a better start for the Heath as Hamish departed for a duck. Monkey followed soon after meaning that Ali and Umar had to steady the ship. Unfortunately, Umar must have got distracted when batting much like he did when fielding as he then plonked one up for a simple grab to leave the Heath in a spot of bother. What didn't help was then the other Barker being dismissed first ball, refusing to argue with another umpire after a howler of a decision, I'm not bitter at all. Fortunately for the 1st XI, Ali Boom Boom Barker stole the show playing some wonderful sweeps and drives to reach a well compiled 50. He tried his best to embarrass himself pretending to have cramp before launching another six but the less I say about that the better. While Ali carried along merrily, Wiseo forgot that he's not Chris Gayle and holed out to mid off before Ciaran then attempted what we shall call a sweep shot off a middle stump yorker. In a bit of peril, Ali got us close before driving one to short cover, nonetheless a super knock of 81 showing the potential that he has. Jimmy J and Iffy saw us over the line with two gun bats left in the shed, a comfortable win with no nerves whatsoever. Well done to the Barkers who averaged 40.5 between them.

A good win for the Heath meaning a big game at home vs Catford Wanderers on Saturday.

MOTM- Ali Boom Boom Barker for a top knock of 81
Fine of the week- Mike Barker for arguing with an umpire and then getting called back
Fine roulette- Mike Barker successfully got a pound off the oppo to increase Spud's fines