Catford and Cyphers 2nd XI Clinch Victory in Spirited Encounter with Old Colfeians

In a keenly contested match at Rubens Street, Catford and Cyphers CC - 2nd XI emerged triumphant against Old Colfeians CC - 2nd XI, showcasing resilience and a touch of flair. Under overcast skies, Old Colfeians opted to bat first after winning the toss, perhaps hoping to set a challenging target. However, their innings, much like the weather, fluctuated between promising and dismal.

Old Colfeians' innings started on a shaky note, losing Mark Chakravarti early to Samuel Gold for a mere 1. Captain Stephen Cowburn anchored the innings with a measured 24 before falling to Pranay Singh’s accurate delivery. The middle order wobbled with Asfand Yar Ahmed and Vikas Desai contributing minimally, both victims of Kieran Shukri Kumar’s disciplined bowling.

Tom Rameaux's valiant 28 and Anil Gehlot's gritty 27 injected some life into the innings, but regular wickets thwarted any hopes of building a substantial total. Pranay Singh and Dulan Wijayarathna spearheaded Catford's bowling attack, both claiming three wickets each. Singh’s 9-over spell was particularly impressive, conceding just 31 runs and applying consistent pressure. Old Colfeians were ultimately bowled out for 143 in 40.5 overs, a total padded by 26 extras, a testament to Catford’s occasional lapses in discipline.

Catford’s reply was brisk and assertive. Openers Assad Mahmood and Bill Perera laid a solid foundation with a 50-run partnership in just over seven overs. Mahmood was the more aggressive, his 43 runs coming off 30 balls, including six fours and a six, before falling lbw to Asfand Yar Ahmed. Perera played a steady hand, contributing 24 before being stumped off Ahmed's bowling.

The middle order wobbled briefly with the quick dismissals of Dulan Wijayarathna and Pranay Singh, the latter scoring a crucial 26. Yet, Alex Savage's composed 33 not out, embellished with four boundaries and a six, steered Catford home. Supported by Sachit Kc’s unbeaten 7, Savage ensured there were no further alarms, guiding his team to 147 for 4 in just 26.4 overs.

Thriyam Ravi and Asfand Yar Ahmed were the pick of Old Colfeians' bowlers, each claiming two wickets. However, their efforts were undermined by a lack of support from the rest of the attack and the inability to contain extras, conceding 14 in total.

Catford and Cyphers CC’s victory by six wickets earned them 18 points, a reflection of their overall dominance, while Old Colfeians could only muster 2 points from a challenging outing. The match, marked by individual brilliances and collective team efforts, reinforced the enduring unpredictability and charm of cricket, leaving spectators and players alike eagerly anticipating the next encounter.