Mercer & Hole’s fine form bowls Stringers over

The Mercer & Hole First XI cricket team brought their A-game to Long Marston Cricket Club recently, in this annual fixture against Rickmansworth client H. E. Stringer Limited. With a compelling blend of youth and experience from all four offices (and most service lines) the Mercer & Hole team proved too powerful for their opponents on this occasion.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Mercer & Hole amassed 234 runs in their 20 overs, playing under a format that ensures each player gets to bat and bowl. Best batters on the evening were Ibby Ghasnavi and Tom Whitton, whose current league cricket experience was apparent with a number of well struck 6s. The team was well supported by all, including Nakul Rao, Chris Dennell, Chris Geaney and evergreen Jack Reyland, called out of retirement following a late drop out.

It is never clear how strong a total is until the opposition bats, but ‘Stringers’ were immediately put under great pressure by Tom Whitton’s left-arm pace and Ibby Ghasnavi’s accurate off breaks, losing early wickets and falling behind the clock. The good form continued with excellent spells from Ben Samuels, Bhavin Patel, and Simon Coggins, the latter battling Friday afternoon M25 traffic from South West London to make it to the rural setting on the Herts /Bucks border near Tring.

Special mentions to Dale Goldie, who stepped up to keep wicket bravely and tidily, and Will Beards, who took four smart catches, two of his own bowling.

With over 100 required and victory assured, team captain Sandy Bell bowled the final over, before both sides retired to the pavilion to enjoy refreshments in time honoured fashion.