Walthamstow CC.

Report vs Walthamstow CC

Match Report
Date 09/08/26 
Oppo Walthamstow CC (a)
Type 40 overs
Report by Madri Man
 
The O’s looked to continue their good recent run of form, making the short journey to Walthamstow’s aptly named ‘Buck Walk’ ground. The recent upturn in 
results had clearly encouraged the O’s support with a large turnout expected. With Richardson otherwise engaged, JBM took the reigns and was awoken from 
his slumber by a panicked Ollie Buck seeking whites from his debutant cousin Sam Leighton, on the morning of the game. Unable to help, JBM rolled down the 
hill to the game, to see Dan Reese already at the bar.

JBM lost the toss, again, and the O’s headed out to field first, minus ABM who was still playing full back in the day’s early kick off. Reese, onto his 
third pint by the time that Joe Clapton sent down the first delivery, was joined by what seemed like the whole extended Leighton family on the boundary. 
They would have been delighted to see Syrett claim the opening wicket of the day, bowling Amin for four, but were busy erecting a gazebo to provide shade 
from the unrelenting East London sun.

Reese, now onto his fifth pint, had found more natural shelter from the weather at the opposite end, and would have been impressed with Clapton’s 0-12, 
including three maidens. Unfortunately, Clapton’s creaking body betrayed him, with JBM being forced to remove him from the attack. John Hayes had no such 
problems, completing his full complement of eight overs for just 24 runs. Syrett, thriving in familiar conditions, had Wadood caught by Joe ‘Juggler’ 
Clapton on eight, and then trapped Ahmed LBW for nought. Despite claims of an inside job, Ahmed had to go, bringing Haris to the crease to build a decent 
partnership with the stoic Bloch. Haris was eventually removed by Ansar Hussain, bowled for 32, to open up the Stow middle order.

After a decent return to action for Buck (0-42) since ‘that’ spell at Wellow, Leighton claimed his maiden O’s wicket, having Littlebury caught by the wily 
Hussain at cover. Leighton’s 1-21 was a good return and was replaced by Matt Hiscock (0-26) who begun by producing a dipping, spinning delivery that just 
missed off stump. Unfortunately, the home umpire adjudged it wide – rumours that he had attended the Syrett-Hussain umpiring masterclass are unconfirmed.
In this time, Reese, onto his eighth pint, had been joined by Andy Humphrey and Alan Wicks, who quickly began to play catch up at the bar. JBM completed 
the innings with two overs of filth (0-24), with the unbeaten Bloch moving past 100 to take the Walthamstow total to 215. Considering the O's only had 10 
men for the last 25 overs, they did well to reduce the oppo to 215. Why 10 men you may ask. Edgy went missing distracted by the female support that was near 
by, rolling his sleeves up, tensing his biceps, bending over unnecessarily and occasionally picking his tongue up off the floor. Not only was Dano keeping, 
he had the job of carrying Edgy from gully to gully.

The O’s players formed an orderly and polite queue and then tucked into their Waitrose finest tea. This clearly had an effect on JBM, who quickly 
retreated to the changing room toilet. Aware that he had not yet made his batting order public, he channelled Richie Wellens, communicating remotely with 
Hayes to inform him that he wanted the Buck/Leighton cousins to decide between them who would bat at number three.

As JBM returned to the outside world, he was impressed to see the confidence from Buck, who was padded up and ready to go at first drop in front of so 
many of his own supporters.

ABM, ‘fresh’ from a full 90 minutes, and Sandeep Barot – who showed his experience by refusing to be distracted by the female spectators around the boundary 
– got the O’s off to a good start, with ABM soaking up pressure whilst ‘Edgy’ was more proactive. ABM was eventually removed by John, bowled for a hard 
fought 25, bringing Buck to the crease. JBM, carded for number five, who had returned to the changing room to get ready to bat, was surprised to see number 
six Whittam join him. ‘You’re a bit keen, Dano?’ chirped the skipper, unaware that Buck had fallen first ball to John.

As Buck sloped off to silence, Hiscock entered to face the hat-trick ball. As John ran in, the tension from the crowd rose to a fever pitch – unfortunately 
for the bowler, so did the tension in his ankle, quickly aborting and hobbling straight off, into his car, and home – a third victim in as many games for 
Hiscock. Sportingly, Stow were offered one of the O’s finest fielders as a replacement, with Buck, keen to impress his supporters, going out once more.

Cannily, Barot knew his field, and after being dropped at point by a home fielder, skied one towards Buck at mid-off. Seeing Buck underneath it, Edgy called 
two, as Buck let it slip between his hands and onto his chest. Stow quickly cottoned on to the ploy, and moved Buck well out of the way. Hiscock, in searing 
form, was bowled for 20 to the surprise of all present, bringing JBM to the crease.

After flaying two to the boundary, JBM got greedy and drove at one outside off. Ready to walk off, he turned to see the ball resting on the floor. As a 
skilled mathematician, JBM realised that any more extras or runs for himself could have put Edgy’s maiden O’s ton in peril and therefore began turning down 
every run that would jeopardise the milestone. Edgy made his way past 100 with a single to mid-off, to rapturous applause and a standing ovation. Reese, 
Humphrey and Wicks wisely stayed seated, but enjoyed the moment nonetheless, deeming it a good reason to procure another round of drinks.
Barot (104*) and JBM (17*) saw the O’s over the line for another successful 200+ run chase, winning by seven wickets with five and a half overs to spare.

The O’s celebrated afterwards with lager and crisps and were sportingly joined by home skipper and one-time O Steve Turnbull. Buck took post-match 
celebrations as a chance to seek another commercial opportunity for the O’s, with the opening salvos of a deal to bring Ansar’s Driving School into the O’s 
fold.

In the bar, Humphrey and Wicks were still going strong, despite losing early-starter Reese from the party, with Humphrey working his way through Stow’s fine 
wine collection. Wicks, always the professional, took Buck aside for some bowling tips, whilst Edgy was seen running to his car as the O’s players awaited 
their next jug of lager.

A fine result and great support from the faithful meant a great day.

Thank you to Walthamstow CC for hosting us and we look forward to returning in the future – Reese has already put it in his diary.

 

Return to Main Page

© Dave Revell