Little Bardfield Village CC vs. Tuddenham CC 1st XI
Date: 8th June 2024
Venue: Chantry Park - Ipswich
Toss: Little Bardfield won the toss and chose to bowl
A game to remember for Bardfield, for both happy and sad reasons.
Bardfield entered the game with determination knowing that the way the table was set meant that a win could progress them into the top half. However it was also a sad affair as it had been announced that this game was set to be Mohammed Nawaz Khan's final game for the club before he is moved elsewhere in the country. Khan was first player of a group of refugees from the local asylum centre to integrate into the the club whom set the tone form the start showing huge amounts of passion and gratitude in joining (not to mention being really bloody good at cricket!). If this was to be Khan's last game, he was very keen to go out in style.
Despite the hot weather, Captain Hitchcock had noted a green tinge to the pitch and decided to take the risk of invited the hosts to bat first. A risk that was instantly rewarded with Khan claiming the first wicket with the 5th ball of the innings with an LBW. Not to be outdone, Bardfield's second opening bowler Zadram claimed two further wickets in the second over with the first clean bowled and the second lbw. The wickets didn't stop the Tuddenham batsmen playing their shots with what seemed to be something happening every ball so when Khan claimed the fourth wicket (also LBW!) Tuddenham were 27-4 off just 4.1 overs.
A flurry of boundaries got the score to 47 before Khan claimed the fifth wicket with an incredible one handed caught and bowled reaction catch that came back at him fast. The wickets kept coming with Khan claiming his fourth in the 11th over bringing the score to 56-6 and Tuddenham needing something special to save the innings.
At this point Bardfield's captain decided it was too much of an opportunity to not get in on the action himself. The decision was made to deny Khan a chance of a goodbye 5 wicket haul as Hitchcock dutifully brought himself on to claim three of the final four wickets along with Tom Graham claiming one.
Tuddenham's were all out for 82 after 18.1 overs, an absolute dream innings for Bardfield; the likes of which the club hasn't seen for a long time. Khan finished with 4 wickets for 36 runs from 6 overs. Zadram 2 wickets for 25 from 4 overs, Callum Hymas 0 wickets for 10 runs from 2 overs. Hitchcock 3 wickets for 10 runs from 3.1 overs and Tom Graham 1 wickets for 3 runs from 3 overs. A special mention should go to the self-umpiring Tuddenham players for fair play shown in numerous LBW decisions given, the likes of which is rarely seen.
Following a delightful tea Bardfield were without regular opener Matt Graham so it seemed fitting to allow Khan to open the batting one more time before his departure - another opportunity he wasn't going to let pass without leaving his mark as he launched the ball to all areas of the park. Daryl Hymas (8 runs) fell to a smart catch in the 5th over with the score on 44 but this was to be Bardfield's only wicket lost.
In an innings that included nine 4s and two 6s Khan finished on 53 not out from 32 balls with Hitchcock ending on 14 not out and Bardfield reaching their total in 14.1 overs.
The joy of a sensational win for Little Bardfield, and a rare early finish, was combined with the sadness of losing Mohammad Nawaz Khan – but what an exit he made! Bardfield wish Mohammad the absolute best for the future and know that there will be a very lucky club in the Bristol area gaining special player, and person, soon.
Next week Bardfield welcome Abberton & District CC who currently sit at the top of the table for what promises to be a challenging home fixture.
