3s vs Burgess Park

The one where Bilal forgot his kit

On a cloudy day, the team took a long drive of 9 miles to reach Burgess Park for a return leg against Burgess cc. After a long discussion at the toss with the opposition captain, The game was confirmed to be a 32-over a side. Quite easily the opposite Captain won the toss and made the easier decision to bat first. Captains first challenge - arranging kit for Bilal - was successfully over come.

BHCC got off to a good start with some steady bowling from Bilal and Harry. Harry got the 1st with score at 17. Bilal bowled a terrific spell with out much luck. His spell was easily the best he has bowled his season. Our first change bowler (Ali J) decided to make the sedate match exciting by providing enticing deliveries which the opposition #3 accepted gleefully. After a couple of overs from the far end, Ali J switched ends without a switch in the fortunes. Joy offered much needed control to the skipper. Hari G came on to steady the run flow and took the opposition #3 with what has termed the “worst delivery” by him this season. Having a veteran John under the ball helped. Joy got their opposition skipper thanks to a good catch in deep by Ali J. Hari got the other opener caught deep (by Bilal) before rain stopped play in the 22 over. Amit and John ensured the runs were controlled and helped themselves to couple of wickets. John’s C&B of first ball was a highlight with muted celebrations. Burgess Park CC were helped by some sloppy fielding towards the end - with missed catches and missed run out (John) - enabling them to finish above par at 152.

Steve and skipper started the innings to being home the win. Opposition skipper decided to return the favour by dropping Dave in the second over of the chase. Unfortunately Dave couldn’t cash it on and was bowled soon after. David P was adjudged LBW soon after; though his requests to DRS need to be taken seriously next season (especially against Burgess CC). Young veterans - Steve and John steadied the ship - with some good batting before a terrific run out caught Steve short. Karthik joined his 2s mate in this 3s game and showed others how to bat in such situations. With their partnership of 30 starting to look good, Karthik got out to one that kept low. John followed soon with half the side back in hut for 66. Amit & Hari tried to catch up with the ever increasing run rate and managed 23 between them. Burgess CC continued their generosity in the field by dropping a number of catches helping Bexleyheath to reach 115. Hari (30) and Ali J (2) remained not out.

Similar to season so far, it was a match of “what could have been”. On towards the final few games of the season.