REFRESHERS V LAW SOCIETY (21ST June 2018)

One of the few things that T20 has going for it is that it is a version of the game that rewards the brave, dispatches the tame and delights those in search of instant gratification. It is then, a format suited to the Refreshers.

A winning toss saw the Refreshers bat first on a wicket that was subcontinental: arid, dusty and bumpy – for the spinners – but yet one that allowed the ball to come onto the bat.

The Law Society had a talented bowling attack, particularly in their seamers, who bowled with what Michael Holding would call “pace and bounce”. Paul Stewart got us off to a flying start and was soon accompanied by Sam Burrett (batting at number 3). A disconnect between Stewart and Burrett in pace and age – but not intent – saw Stewart run out to some slick fielding.

Thereafter Joe Cannon and Sam Burrett set about laying the foundations. Burrett, whose batting at times resembled Adam Gillchrist’s in his pomp, cut loose in an innings that was classical yet aggressive, cutting, pulling and driving his way quickly to 50. He shared a 67 run partnership with Jerome Silva who contributed a mere 3 runs. Thereafter Burrett was excellently supported by Richard Jory whose willowy grace was the perfect foil to Burrett’s growing intrepidity.

Refreshers reached 171 off their 20 overs, with Burrett coolly brining up his 100 with a magnificently controlled straight 6 when he had a mere 3 balls to spare in the innings in which to do it.

Due to the subcontinental wicket, Refreshers opened the bowling with spin; Cannon and Almeida tying down each end masterfully. Almeida (now known as “the Dazzler”) then produced what can fairly be described as the off spinners version of Shane Warne’s ball of the century, clean bowling the Law Society’s gun bat with a ball that cut back by what seemed 2 yards.

Jory then bowled a controlled but canny spell that brought a deserved 5 wickets. Refreshers fielded brilliantly, Burrett taking an outrageous caught and bowled as well as a catch on the deep mid-on boundary. Law Society were well short of the 172 runs needed and were all out within their 20 overs. This was an excellent all round performance by the Refreshers, against a decent side that had an especially strong batting attack.

There was a nice camaraderie between the two teams who retired to the pavilion for beers, a barbeque and the welcome return of that most eighties of deserts, Black Forest Gateau.

JS