Quidnuncs Match Reports

Quidnuncs v Harlequins May 11th 08

A beautiful day at Arundel was matched by a good game of cricket fought by the old adversaries. Unfortunately the Nuncs were on the wrong end of the result, losing by seven wickets, but only the most one eyed Quin would have said all results were possible up until the last few overs. The day started with the Nuncs being inserted by the oppo and openers Howitt & new Homerton recruit Mark Thompsett setting about the Quins bowling attack as if the game was being played at the Parks. The cold sweats the Oxford team normally suffer in anticipation of bowling to the Nuncs was replaced by hot ones as the steamy Sussex day showed no signs of letting up & both openers rattled up half centuries. Sportingly both retired gracefully to the pavilion as Danson & captain Jones continued feasting on the fare that was being served up, with latterly Jenkins & Parthsatharti continuing the fun.

Having declared at half time on 273 for 6 the game was finely poised with the Quins having to score c5 an over to win. Pitcher &, the other Homerton recruit Hodnett, opened the bowling and soon had the Quins struggling at 60 for 2 and this was soon 69 for 3 when Howitt removed Hawinkels. Surely only one winner – unfortunately not as due to some shoddy fielding by the Nuncs (five catches dropped) and some inspired batting, the fourth wicket pairing of XXXX & Redmayne put on 197 for the fourth wicket, the Quins made it home by 3 wickets. The earlier mentioned shoddy fielding included one of the champagne moments of the day when David Noble, under a high catch at deep mid-wicket, managed to forget to use his hands and managed to take the ball flush on the head – fortunately Nobler was fine but his indignity was magnified by the ball flying 15 yards off his head for 4 runs.

Once again we have to thank the Friends of Arundel for hosting the game and making both the Nuncs & Harlequins so welcome. Roll on 2009!