3s edge thriller at Dundonald Rec.

On Saturday 22nd June, Mitcham 3rd XI beat Banstead in an enthralling match up under sunny skies.

Mitcham opted to bowl first as 9 men initially started off in the field. However Banstead's openers immediately took the initiative of this handicap and went off like a train, smashing the first 4 overs for 40 runs, exploiting the gaps in the field well. Sharrif broke the partnership though, bowling David Shields for 18. Mitcham then took wickets at regular intervals, with Uncle taking 3-31 and seamers Sharrif, Shamali and Shreyar taking 2 wickets apiece.

After a strong start, Banstead were eventually bowled for defendable 163, with contributions from Rajeeva Thana (26), Gokul Indarajah (24) and David Sowe (24).

Mitcham decided to open with the same combination of two weeks earlier, skipper Martin and Shamali Khan. Again they laid a solid foundation, of 36 runs, before Shamali was bowled for 11. Mitcham were going well at 55-1, however a run-out and LBW in the same over put Banstead back into contention at 56-3. Martin continued to bat sensibly before he was also run-out, and was sent back for 35. Uncle and Sami Abdul (playing his first match in over a year!) continued to bat well, and Hafiz Adam made 13, and it seemed that it was Mitcham's game to lose.

However, the all-too-familiar Mitcham batting collapse occured yet again, with the home side slipping from 132-5 to 155-9. Uncle, however, was still at the crease. With 5 overs left and 9 needed, Uncle kept the score ticking, with Shreyar holding well at the other end. With scores level, Uncle smashed the ball.... and sent it hurtling straight to the fielder at long on. However the ball slipped through his fingers, and went for 4, meaning Mitcham had won a game they, at one point, didn't seem like losing. Uncle was given the man-of-the-match accolades by skipper Martin for his 3-31 and unbeaten 48 to see the home side through.

Credit to Banstead for their spirited comeback to give Mitcham a real scare, and hopefully more emphasis will be placed on arriving on time so we don't leak runs at the start. However, Mitcham 3s are on the charge, with 3 wins on the trot. Morale up and performance improved; hopefully we can cause an upset next week when we are away to Dulwich. Come on Mitcham!