2011

Sun  8 May                                   Balliol College                               Drawn (yawn)

We    224/4 in 27.3 overs    (Syddall 80, Gore 55, T.Khan 51*, Ghosh 22, Gilbert 2/21)
They 110/9 in 36 overs       (Atkinson 40, Kidwai 22, Sunil Amar 2/14, Beg 2/24)

On a sunny day Kensington reached one of their favourite grounds for yet another enjoyable day at Oxford.  Balliol were missing some key players who had played a cup game the day before so Furquan very kindly switched allegiances for want of a better game (ahem).  Kensington batted first on a flat track with Rohan departing early to a generous umpiring decision by his mate from Bengal.  Matty Syddall batted superbly but got out trying to give his other team-mates a chance.  San and Tabby obliged by getting 50s as Kensington amassed 224/4 forcing Tabby to make an early declaration.  The highpoint for the day, however, was Steve Thomas getting himself bowled around his legs first ball, falling over in the process then retiring behind closed doors to think about his shot selection!

Facing Akhi and newcomer Mirza Beg Balliol lost wickets at a steady rate. Furquan looked solid but was out to a good catch by Matt Syddall.  Atkinson held anchor for a well played 40 but when Sunil had him caught off a slower ball it looked all over.  Rohan chipped in with a wicket in the last over but could not induce a false stroke from last man Jim Head, as Balliol secured yet another draw.

Everyone repaired to the amazingly cheap and hospitable college bar except Furquan who went missing.  Or maybe he was so taken by being in the Balliol team he went off to attend some lectures!