Old Colfeians Edge Out Catford and Cyphers 3rd XI in Tense Low-Scoring Affair

In the understated charm of Division 10 Underwood cricket, Old Colfeians CC’s 3rd XI and Catford and Cyphers CC’s 3rd XI produced a match brimming with tension and drama at Horn Park on July 13, 2024. On a pitch that offered equal opportunity for bowlers and batsmen alike, Old Colfeians emerged victorious by five wickets, chasing down 150 with dogged determination.

Catford and Cyphers, having won the toss and opted to bat, found themselves embroiled in a stop-start innings. Vinay Vimalan's early dismissal to a probing delivery from Vivek Muralidharan set a tone of caution that permeated their top order. Devarajan Amritraj showed early resolve, crafting a steady 20, but it was Theo Lightly who held the innings together with a composed 58. Lightly’s innings was a blend of patience and precision, his 76-ball vigil providing the backbone for Catford and Cyphers.

Despite Lightly’s heroics, the rest of the batting line-up faltered against the disciplined attack of Old Colfeians. Chitrang Jindal’s variations reaped rewards, his figures of 3 for 28 crucial in applying the brakes. The contributions from Louis Jagger (2 for 44) and Andrew Hughes (1 for 27) further compounded the batting side’s woes. Catford and Cyphers were bowled out for 150 in 37.3 overs, a total that seemed competitive but not unassailable.

The chase, however, was anything but straightforward. Zion Ifill’s initial burst saw both openers, Richard Burton and Nishant Das, dismissed cheaply. At 14 for 2, Old Colfeians were teetering, and when Ram Nagappan was removed for a duck, the chase looked perilous at 17 for 3.

Enter Arvind Thirumaran. His innings was an exemplar of calm under pressure. Anchoring the innings with a serene 63, Thirumaran’s ten boundaries were a testament to his dominance. His partnership with Richard Yorke, who contributed a steadfast 57 not out, was the defining phase of the match. Together, they meticulously rebuilt the innings, their 124-run stand steering the side from dire straits to the brink of victory.

Roddy Douglas’s late strikes, removing Thirumaran and Jatinder Singh in quick succession, injected a fleeting sense of uncertainty. But it was too little, too late. Andrew Hughes sealed the chase with a boundary, bringing the score to 152 for 5 in 34.1 overs.

For Catford and Cyphers, Ifill’s 3 for 31 and Douglas’s 2 for 6 were commendable efforts in a valiant but ultimately insufficient bowling performance. Their batsmen will rue not capitalizing on starts and the inability to support Lightly’s valiant effort.

Old Colfeians, on the other hand, will draw confidence from their resilience and the stellar performances of Thirumaran and Yorke. This win, pocketing them 20 points, not only boosts their standings but also serves as a testament to the depth of character and skill within their ranks.

In the pastoral setting of Horn Park, cricket’s timeless narrative of struggle, skill, and spirit was once again splendidly on display. For Old Colfeians, it was a day of triumph; for Catford and Cyphers, a hard lesson in the unforgiving theatre of league cricket.