A remarkable win for Grace's chasing 277 runs to win, after Grace's won the toss and elected to field. Our skipper was applauded onto the pitch on his 100th game.
The Actors were soon 13-3, as Bielby and Fawaz extracted a lot of bounce with the new ball, with Stockinger taking 3 excellent catches behind the stumps. Rishafi came on to bowl economically for 8 overs, 1 wicket and 19 runs, whilst at the other end, Wingrove, back in the side, bowled 2 spells against a chap called Hodges who we will never forget. He hit 187 runs smacking the ball to every corner of the ground with some impressive batting, the like of which we could only dream of. Pullens, Camberwell and Hardisty all tried to play the part of fourth and fifth bowler, with Camberwell perhaps bowling the most economical spell at 5 an over, but it was an impossible task to bowl at this chap Hodges. Fawaz and Bielby came back on to bowl and were brutally smacked around with some impressive hitting, setting Grace's 277 to win in 40 overs.
After another lovely tea, Grace's opened with Stockinger and Camberwell, scoring at 8 an over with Camberwell supporting an aggressive Camberwell to share a 48 partnership, before Camberwell (10) was out LBW. Ali came to the crease to offer further support as Stockinger continued to thump the Actors bowling to all parts - any loose bowling was thumped hard. Ali (15) starred in his first serious batting partnership of 95 runs.
At the halfway stage, Stockinger and Grace's had reached 140 for 1, with the same required again in the second half. Rishafi came to the crease as soon as Ali was out after a fine supporting role, and Rishafi started to pick up the pace as Stockinger tired. As Stockinger reached his second hundred for Grace's, he was warmly congratulated all round as he had given Grace's the foundation they required to hit the remaining runs. When he had reached 101 he was out, stumped off the bowling of Bean.
Rishafi then attacked anything loose and short, and brought up his 1,000 runs for the club, as he hit 88 to guide Grace's home with 11 balls to spare. Along the way, he was supported by Hardisty (20), Mercuri (10) and Pullens, who all played their part and provided the support necessary to clinch a remarkable victory. Well done once again to everyone on an outstanding performance, and for not giving up.
Next week we are at Highgate and although they are a strong team, we should have a competitive game.