Sachin does it again! A second ton of the season in sensational chase of 277 at the Hurlingham Club
Hurlingham Club 277-9 dec
Jesters CC 278-5 (Sachin Rawson 147*, Chak 61*)
Won by 5 wkts
What a way to finish the season. Sachin and DJ put on an unbeaten 193 to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat...
Our return to a full day game at the Hurlingham (after abbreviated matches over the last couple of years, including a T20 last summer) witnessed an incredible chase of 278, which was the perfect way to round off the season!
The day began with us losing the toss and inevitably being asked to field first, on a wonderfully warm (but not if bowling first at Hurlingham) September Sunday. The conditions were tailor-made for batting. Ilija Krunic and Chak bravely took on the challenge of opening the bowling and, although they stuck to their task admirably, any slightly loose delivery was put away with aplomb and the scoreboard kept ticking over ominously. The introduction of the evergreen Nick Mumby and the fiery Jake Wilkinson couldn't stop the flow, and the home team went into lunch at an impressive 146/0. Although at first glance this appeared hopeless, it masked the fact that the Jesters had bowled and fielded extremely well and were just due a change in fortune.
That change arrived with the introduction of Will Kipling straight after the lunch break – a cruel time for many to be given the ball but Will brushed off his heavy lunch with ease as he soon removed both openers (one for a fine 103). Nick Mumby's flight and guile (over a marathon 17 over spell!) eventually brought reward, DJ Chak's second spell off a shortened run (having not quite recovered from his chocolate brownie with mayonnaise fiasco) brought two quickfire wickets, and Shorbo Nag's lightning hands accounted for two stumpings when standing up to Ilija. 146/0 at lunch became 277/9 dec at the change of innings.
The newfound Jesters' opening partnership of Louis Harris and Jonny Bridcut progressed serenely to 15 before both fell cheaply. James Whittock and Don Brown (on debut) were unable to convert promising starts, and Shorbo was unable to get a start after being cruelly run out pushing for a probably-possible two. At this stage we were 85/5 and looking down the barrel. However, Sachin Rawson, batting at 3, had looked untroubled so far and was just waiting for a suitable ally to build a partnership with. In strode DJ Chak at number 7, who was just that man.
Sachin and DJ carefully put us back on track and then tore into some of the change bowlers to bring the required run rate down. Sachin in particular was in devastating form, including one huge six towards the pavilion (causing the Doward family to scatter). The two put on an incredible unbroken stand of 193 to take us to victory. Sachin scored a remarkable 147* off 123 balls, with 25 fours and 1 six, and DJ compiled a fine 61* off 69 balls (to go with his 2/50 earlier in the day).
Many thanks as ever to the Hurlingham for being such great hosts and providing a delicious lunch and tea.
Jesters XI: Bridcut (c), Nag (wk), Harris, Sachin Rawson, Whittock, Brown, Chak, Wilkinson, Mumby, Kipling, Krunic