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BW cricket - London romp home
A solid victory for Barnett Waddingham's London office was achieved in their annual cricketing encounter between the town and country.
Michael Schumacher-style claims by BW's Amersham office that they perform better in the wet were convincingly disproved by BW's London office in torrential rain on a late September Sunday.
As the captains of the two BW offices made their way to the wicket during a lull in the thunderstorms, it was clear that conditions were even worse than last year when Amersham claimed a dramatic one-run victory. Amersham won the toss and elected to bat. There was uncertainty as to whether it would be harder batting or fielding.
Nilesh Dodhia and James Harrington got Amersham off to a solid start, before Harrington was trapped leg before by John Jeffery, although the umpire may have felt pressurised to raise the finger as the result of some aggressive appealing. Dodhia was then caught at square leg off Simon Spencer, but Steve Adams was looking dangerous. Paul Smith was clearly confused by the mixture sent down by Harry Koumourou. Unsure as to whether he would get man or ball (or both) he missed a slow straight one. Koumourou then kindly pointed out the way back to the pavilion. An excellent spell by Chris Watts slowed the scoring but not before Adams was forced into the mandatory retirement on reaching 25 not out. David Smith then trapped Paul "Cholmondeley-Warner" Latimer lbw and clean-bowled Paul Houghton. Adams returned but Amersham were eventually dismissed for 96.
Watts and John "Firestarter" Carter got London off to a useful start, with Carter retiring on reaching his 25. Rob Whitehouse got a golden duck, David Smith joined Watts. A decent partnership was forming when both fell in quick succession, Latimer getting his revenge with an in-swinging leg-stump yorker delivered at frightening pace (Ed's note: a slow full toss). Whitehouse was keen to leave some mark on the game and did so by giving Jonathan Daykin out lbw. Jeffery and Spencer then calmly saw London home.
Steve Adams was deservedly awarded a magnum of cheap fizzy wine as man of the match.
Congratulations go to all who took part, especially for all making it into work the following day, despite the resultant hypothermia!
Barnett Waddingham, October 2000.