VPCCL Quarter Final, 12th July 2006, Victoria Park

London Fields lose narrowly, writes Pinocchio. (LFCC's cup run comes to shambolic end)
by our despondent midweek correspondent, Chris Skinner

Fielding a decent side against a team we have already beaten this summer we were confident that a good performance could see us to the semi's. After losing the toss, Rick and Ty opened the bowling, and despite the lack of wickets the run rate was manageable. Bit by bit however, the amount of boundaries increased, and increased, and increased. And increased.

All bowlers were carted around, and despite committed fielding, few chances were offered. They had 2 men hit unbeaten fifties and we contributed 45 extras, including 20 (occasionally harsh) wides. Rick was our most economic bowler, going for just under 10 an over (!) and Ty (1/41) was our only wicket taker. Ouch.

So, set 226 to win (although a later check of the scorebook put it at a modest 213!) it was always going to be a little difficult. Alec and Jason (who had travelled all the way from Hammersmith for this mauling) went cheaply and we were 6 for 2 from 2 overs. I'm no mathematician, but I believe that put us a little behind the required run rate, now at around 16 per over.

We never looked in it, but did however restore some pride - Shaun hit a fine unbeaten 50 with four 4s and two 6s. Will also contributed a hard working 28. Tony (16 not out) and Chris (19) dragged the score over 100, with some slightly comical running and stroke play, the latter nearly decapitating the opposition wicket keeper. Chris was bowled in the last over, Rick went the next ball, and with Tyrone slightly unprepared, not padded up and smoking a fag, we declared the innings on 123, 102 runs short.