GORDON BENNETT !! - HQ's PASSPORT TO VICTORY
After the disappointment of an early exit from the Curtis Bennett Shield, the HASS(HQ)RA Cricket team had to quickly pick themselves up to face the demands of the unofficial plate competition, the Gordon Bennett Trophy.
In the first round (the quarter-final as only 8 teams had entered) HQ were drawn away to face the full weight (seeing was believing !) of the Passport Office. On a sunny day in late May at Berrylands, the Passport Office won the toss and put HQ in to bat. Our openers, Nick Reeve (BA) and Andrew Ainger (CSA), made quick progress and put on 45 in 8 overs for the first wicket. From that point on runs were less easily come by and wickets fell a little too regularly for comfort, but the HQ innings progressed steadily and we were eventually all out midway through the fortieth over for 195. Andrew Ainger top scored with a crucial 69, Nick Reeve made a brisk 29, Charles Sampson (BA) 23 and Andy Ward (DSS) a very useful 19 on his debut. In reply, the Passport Office were unable to offer any significant resistance to an impressive all round HQ performance in the field, and they were eventually dismissed for 115 after only 29 overs. John Newton (DH) led the attack and took 3 wickets in an excellent opening spell. Paul Lees (DH) and Mike Matthews (BA) picked up 2 wickets each and Nick Reeve, Charles Sampson (BA) and Godric Smith (DH) all took 1 apiece. Godric also cooly took 2 important close catches.
Attention now turns to the semi-final where we have been drawn at home to the Chessington Computer Centre. This game will be played at the Civil Service Ground, Raynes Park on 2 August and spectators are very welcome to attend. Alternatively, look out for a match report in a future issue of Leisure.