So we (Elena and I) arrived at Richmond Station to be greeted by 'Cooky', who took his time getting there. I think the races were on because people were dressed up in all sorts of outfits. We jumped in Cooky's mini convertible, it was 20 degrees on this day so he had every right to have the roof down. By the way, I had no cricket gear whatsoever.
We arrived at Ham Common, the home of Ham & Petersham around 10 minutes before the first ball was to be bowled, an ideal preparation for a bloke who likes to go through the motions beforehand. I put on my makeshift whites (Thank you Tebbsy) and ventured out to the Common where I was greeted by a welcoming bunch of lads. We were bowling. For once I did not have my customary place in the field, or did I? The skipper must have heard through the grapevine (Costello-vine) that I field in gully, so I assumed the position I have made my own over the years.
We started off well taking two early wickets. A small partnership formed before more wickets fell and it looked like this match would be done by 4pm. The 10th wicket put on 50-ish, which was a testament to the wicket they were batting on, not so much their stroke play. The total set to chase was 196 off 45 overs.
Tea was at the Flower and Garden Pub, right next door to the club house. A great spread was put on by the H&P boys. After the re-fuelling I made my way back to the change rooms where I donned the pads for the first time in the Northern Hemisphere. Tebbsy lent me his Gray Nicolls, similar to my Phoenix Hayden 380, but not quite as heavy. I backed myself and decided against a helmet and a thigh pad. In this competition, the same ball is used for the entire match, so we would be facing a 45-over old ball first up. Lick my lips I did.
Chas and I waltzed to the crease in confidence. The pitch was dry and hard. Chas took his stance, I waited down the other end. For some reason I did not feel much pressure. I think I was delerious. I started slowly, working singles to fine leg and mid off. It was not until around the 11th over, where I went cover drive (4), cover drive (4), cut shot (4) until I found my groove.
I had full confidence in the pitch and was able to work singles, sometimes two's into tight gaps. The outfield was lightning, so a full blown shot was not required. I leaned on a few that pierced gaps and hit the odd boundary. Boundaries were short square of the wicket and quite long straight.
I reached 50 just before drinks and was delighted. All the pressure the Costello's had put on me was finally released. It took me a few overs to get back into it after drinks. Run rate was just about par, but I wanted to get it over and done with as jetlag was really starting to take full effect. I played some improvising shots, including some late cuts that beat 3rd man for four.
We were 0/150 off around 30 overs and it was important that Chas and I went on with it. We developed a great understanding between the wickets, turning 2's into 3's, and in one instance, an all-run 4. Mid off pushed deep for me, so I continually pushed the ball out to him and ran 2.
We needed 14 to win, Tebbsy signalled '10' with his hands, meaning I was on 90. Four through mid wicket, probably my best shot of the day. 94, 10 to win. I was sweating on a real loose one, wanting to bring up the ton in style with a 6. My first attempt at glory saw a top edge into my melon, the first time I have ever been hit in the head without a helmet. I will never not wear a helmet again. My second attempt brough a massive appeal as I swung hard and missed, the ball coming off my pad and 'something else', creating two noises. I was that delerious I was not sure that I hit it. The keeper was convinced. Chas joined in the fun, scoring a few on his own making the task of getting to the Century a little tougher.
We needed 7 to win when I stretched for a wide one through point for four. I moved to 98, 3 to win. I pushed a single to mid off on the last ball of the over, selfish of me. 2 to win, I was on 99. The first ball of the next over was wide down leg side, it ran down to the boundary, I thought it was going all the way. There were shouts of fine leg to kick it over for 4, ultimately denying me my hundred. In good sport, fine leg hurled it back in, leaving me on 99 and 1 to win due to the wide. The next ball was full and outside off, bang through the covers it went for four. Century on debut, I could not be more happier with my start to cricket in the UK. We chased the score with plenty of overs spare and 10 wickets in hand. 0/201. Chas ended up with an awesome 71 n.o, a credit to him for sticking it out after I had run him into the ground with some 2's and 3's.
A great win first up, and a knock that would put me into submission in the coming days.
Go the H&P!
