Charlton Down Cricket Club
CDCC versus Ibberton
Sunday 24th August 08
Afzal on Fire
For the penultimate game of the season Charlton Down hosted the team at the bottom of the league, Ibberton. The Weather was overcast (when isn’t it this summer) and Sid was feeling confident. Due to a late ankle injury Sid had lost Jesus and had called up a second member of the Afzal family, 12 year old Buddar joined the squad. As seems to be the norm these days Skip lost the toss and was inserted.
Lowther in his last game before moving away and Coates-Dale started the Home sides innings. In an eventful first over Lowther hit 8 runs and then was caught going for more. Sid joined CCD but not for long. In the 5th over CCD fell for 2 meaning he has had scored only 3 runs against the leagues bottom team this year. Lingham (1) came and went and Ben Gollidge met up with skip in the middle. Sid was taking the attack to Ibberton before edging one to slip for 27. With none of the CD batsmen getting going and the score at 48-4 some solidification was needed so Bradshaw was the ideal next man in. Over the next 10 overs Ben and Eric stayed calm and put together 24 before Bradshaw gloved one to the keeper (we think he did as Mark didn’t give him out but he did eventually walk). With Gollidge slowly accumulating Pretty played sensibly before clattering a few 4’s before falling for 15. Homewood had better touch than recent times for his 12. Gollidge had been playing an important innings before going LBW for 34. A great innings lasting 22 overs and doing what was needed. Rickard and debutant Buddar Afzal were now at the crease with Rickard protecting the youngster who got his 1st league run with a quick single. In the end Rickard tried too hard and fell for 13. The older Afzal joined his brother in the middle. Unfortunately Zarak couldn’t match his brother and fell for his 2nd duck of the season in only his 2nd innings. 1 more for the shaved head. Young Afzal remained unbeaten on 1. The innings closed on 142 all out. A distinctly under par batting performance with Ben top scoring on 34 and 6 partnerhips making it to double figures but the highest being 29.
Completing the Afzalesque day. Mrs Afazal made a great tea and sent the Home side out full of confidence. Zarak and Mark Homewood (8-15-0) opened the attack. Both, particularly Mark kept the score tight couldn’t take any wickets. Rickard took first change and along with Pretty both embarked on a 12 over spell. Rickard took the all important 1st and 2nd wicket in his 4th over, the teams 19th. Pretty took a great C&B. Rickard mixed things up very well ending up with 12-34-4 and Pretty 12-25-3 .Zarak (9-32-2)came back on and bowled a much tighter spell taking 2 wickets . With Ibberton on the ropes Sid unleashed his secret weapon. 12 year old Buddar took just 2 balls to take the final wicket and wrap up the match. Ibberton ending up on 94 All Out.
18 Points for CD means that 13 points in their final match Guarantees promotion. Lets cross our fingers and hope for a good performance.
Rickard finishes the season with 12 wickets , Homewood with 11 neither play in the final game. Zarak is on 11 and Cossens on 9 with both bowling in the away match to Broadstone the leading wicket taker is up for grabs.
Coates Dale leads Gollidge by 59 runs in the CD Batting stats.