Smithurst downs Seconds

The hope (even expectation) that the Seconds' challenge for promotion would get back on track after the EB defeat against lowly Underwood was rudely dashed by the visitors. However, before we could start concerns were of a more serious nature as John Leaver suffered a stroke when in the process of giving the wicket a last trim with the mower. Fortunately he was able to sit up and communicate before being taken to the City Hospital. All at the club wish stalwart John a full and speedy recovery. So we had a 40 over game and for a long period the Ells were in charge, led by Kamran's nagging seamers. He gets 2 economical wickets every Saturday without fail. At drinks in the 20th over Underwood were becalmed at 42-4. However, the rest of the innings was almost completely dominated by Craig Smithurst's 82. The main feature was his very powerful straight driving, often striking the sight screens with a resounding thwack. He was particularly severe on Usman Khalid whom he attacked 464.61 in his 6th over. Still 164 was not too distant on what the batters said was a good track. Honourable mention for Vivek for 9 overs off the reel. He looked tired but merited his 4-39. But after Mrs George's lovely teas (I had a delicious bowl of trifle as I my reward for washing up), Smithurst was at it again this time with his probing left armers. When he took a breather there was still the accurate inswing of Rob Flowerdew. His figures of 10-5-17-5 says it all. Only briefly did the inning flicker into life when Gagan Sehmbi moved confidently to 17 with 4 4's in partnership with Ryan Duggan. Once Ryan tried to work a straight one (finger raised for LBW) the innings subsided. Now down in 4th and in danger of falling off the pace we hope for a return to form at Fordians this Saturday but more importantly we wish John well. I should also mention that it was great to see Ellerslie legend and film director supreme Sarmad Masud at Little Bounds telling us about his first feature length movie called "My Pure Land".