A trip to Berkshire’s least nice ground at Woodford Park, somewhere in Woodley, saw CCWCC’s finest take on the best Woodley had to offer in an early season clash. The weather looked to be set fair and captain Will Avrili won the toss and duly elected to bowl.
After some inspiring words from the captain in the pre-match team talk and a particular emphasis on the age old mantra that ‘catches win matches’; a mantra the team immediately forgot, grassing between 4 and 7 chances (depending on sources) in the first 20 overs.
Tight bowling from J Cluett (8 2 23 3) and Sin (8 1 33 1) and some good ground fielding though restricted the opposition somewhat. However, Woodley still had 150-something at the drinks break.
An inspired bowling change after the drinks interval finally broke the opening stand with D Partridge picking up his 500th club wicket. Fortunately, he decided that he didn't need fielders, trapping Rimzan LBW. The punishment continued, as the third man in, Nufail, brought up his half century. Wickets then began to fall with Nufail being caught behind, trousers down off the bowling of J Cluett.
A smart catch from Nick Outram in the deep off the bowling of A.Avrili removed the other opener for 77. Not much to write home about for the rest of the order with Will Avrili running out a young Sports Direct connoisseur after he strolled out of his crease having played and missed; an act sh*t blokeness not before seen in a Crows shirt but considering the state of the game, fully justified. Dan Crinnion’s catch at silly mid on should also be mentioned, having been moved there just before the ball. At the end of the 40 overs Woodley posted a formidable score of 273 for 9.
Rain throughout the tea break and the opening 15 overs meant that conditions were tough and the captain must have been wondering if he had made the right decision electing to bat second. With Outram out for a blob and the Sunday Bradman, Dan Cartledge staying true to his name, being dismissed for 16 with a good ball that nipped back in off the seam clipping the bail.
Then began the fight back with J Whitehurst, continuing his good early season form, and Will Avrili hitting the Woodley bowlers to every part of The Woodford Area. Having rescued the situation, at the drinks break the game was finely poised. Will and James continued to put Woodley on the back foot and the required run rate kept creeping down. Tiredness was setting in with Whitehurst succumbing just 24 short of his hundred and was eventually being clean bowled for a stellar 74. W.Avrili kept his head down and M.Vogel came in delivering some lusty blows for a useful and quick fire 14.
The maestro with the ball, J.Cluett, then wielded the willow to get the Crows within reach of the final score of 274. Some fine, powerful shots were giving the beleaguered Woodley fielders the run around, and before too long the crows were 16 runs from victory before J.Cluett was dismissed for 36, LBW bringing to an end the CCWCC record partnership for the fifth wicket. In what can only be described as a terrible miscommunication, N Outram didn't get the memo saying do NOT trigger teammates no matter how plum they may be.
This brought A.Avrili to the crease immediately crunching a classy cover drive for 4 leaving the some to wonder if he wanted his brother to reach his ton. However W.Avrili brought up his Maiden League century with a scampered single, a feat that was broadcast live to an avid audience of loyal fans from across the globe.
The final runs were knocked off with nine balls remaining with a fine clip through backward square leg for four. “A brilliant performance from everyone and real determination to keep going in the field and with the bat. I'm really pleased with boys and the team’s performance should not be overshadowed by my own personal brilliance today” quipped W.Avrili when being interviewed after the game.
The Crows now go on to face second placed Shinfield at St Sebastian’s, who are just one place ahead in the league.