An overwhelming away victory against local rivals Acton CC in the semis of the Middlesex Cup delighted Shepherds Bush Cricket Club at the weekend, with the magnitude of the win the greatest source of joy.
Bush won the toss and batted first, setting up a challenging total of 310 for 8, with a handful of excellent individual displays. The standout was Aussie wicketkeeper Mitch Crayn's 120 before being caught. It included no fewer than 19 boundaries.
Acton simply couldn't dislodge the Bush attack, and although usually reliable opener Ikjoy Thind was out for a duck, Joe Carrasco scored an impressive 71 not out, Luke Matthews added 30 and Harvey Jupp hit a six in his score of 23.
Viren Nain was the pick of the Acton bowlers, picking up three wickets in his four overs, while Sohaib Arif and Ravikumar Raghavendra each claimed two.
When Acton batted, they were all out for 170, making Bush's winning margin a mighty 140.
Acton skipper Sahil Kher managed 55 runs before being caught behind by Crayn off Henry Blofield's bowling. Raghavendra scored 28 before being LBW to James Kidson, and the tail end fell away cheaply. Blofield took 3 for 39, Hugo Hughes took 2 for 29 and Jupp took 2 for 26.
It's a busy bank holiday weekend for SBCC. The Firsts are away to Hornsey at noon on Saturday, the Seconds host Eastcote at 12.30pm at Bromyard Avenue, while the Thirds are also in action at home, same day and time, against Brondesbury 3rd Xl.
Bush 1st Xl next home match is against Ealing CC at Bromyard Avenue on Saturday 31 August at noon. It's free, there's an excellent bar and - weather permitting - you're guaranteed some great entertainment.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
