Page 30 - WPHCCC 2024-2025 Yearbook

Without Jack Hando, K turned to Tiz and Crehorse P to open the bowling but it was evident within about three balls that Daggles had rolled the pitch to death. There wasn't much in the wicket for the bowlers, so it was going to be a hard slog all day. Chances were going to be hard to come by - so when Wu dropped Dickie J when he was about 2 at square leg, many pondered whether that was the Hershell Gibbs moment. Fortunately, Dickie J had an awful record against us, so spirits were upbeat that he wouldn't go on to get a score.
Without an early wicket, K turned to Lichaa and Gandis to try and break the opening stand. For reasons almost everyone still doesn't understand, Gandis has a terrific record against Berowra - he was in their scouting report on players to watch. And for good reason, because he was able to dismiss Griff with a slow loosener that was spooned to mid-wicket. It just added to his mystery of success against the old enemy.
Watts joined Dickie J and Lichaaa smelt blood in the water. A couple of outswingers uncovered an opportunity to set Watts up for an edge - and that is exactly what happened. Except umpire Hasler didn't hear the knick that was heard from space. Watts survived and a partnership formed.
As the mercury hit 35+, K turned to Tiz to try and get a breakthrough - and he delivered, capturing Watts caught at point. Another breakthrough occurred shortly thereafter, K removing himself from first slip to have Lichaaa take his spot - Lichaaa taking a blinder that was sharply low to his right to dismiss Patel and Tiz had his second. Brilliant captaincy from K. It classic catch A for the match.
West joined Dickie J and time stood still for about 2 hours. Christ it was boring - but very disciplined cricket from Berowra. They didn't need to win, a draw would suffice - and having us melt like candles out in the heat would drain us physically, mentally and sexually. Lots of things probably happened during this time, but I can't remember much - all of my energy was directed in just trying to breathe and stand up straight. But if the MCC bible says that no subs are allowed, I know we must follow the letter of the law in our standard of cricket. I wonder what D2s did?
Anyway I am getting distracted because at some point, Dickie J loosened the shoulders and began to make something happen. Tired bowlers started to get looser and looser - we were so tired that even Assman got a bowl. We used ten bowlers - 10!!
Billy was licking his lips at one point thinking he might have a chance at rolling the arm over. But Dickie didn't mind, he was beginning to up the run rate when - against all odds - Harry Hando took classic catch B for the match with a miraculous caught and bowled that was belted back low at him as he finished his bowling action. It was an unbelievable grab, and one that was desperately needed. Dickie had been incredibly disciplined, but was about to blow the game wide open and probably go on to