Report by Marcus Baker:
Twenty Twenty was the name of the game when an NCI XI faced off against a hosting Remnants XII (Pitchero confusion). Remnants players stood in various locations within the white circle after skipper Joe White lost the toss and was asked to bowl.
Taking the new ball, much to his surprise, was James Robinson who had the ball on the money from the off. The tight line and having wicket keeper Marcus Baker standing up to the stumps clearly was too much pressure for the NCI number one and he was bowled. The second wicket fell soon there-after when a suicidal single to Joe White at mid-off saw the other opener also heading back to the pavilion. Being found short of the crease quickly became a recurring theme as three further run outs saw disharmony spread amongst the NCI ranks. None of these run outs directly featured wicket keeper Marcus Baker, but I as an independent observer could see his influence in the energy, athleticism and skill in Will Phelps. Robison and White (again).
NCI really struggled to form any lasting partnerships and only Sewell (41) made any serious contribution. After his enforced retirement the rest of the line up took what runs they could but found it hard going due to the sharp fielding of Remnants, spurred on and motivated by wicket keeper Marcus Baker . . . Wickets continued fall steadily. Pete Ames took two, one bowled and one caught on the deep square leg boundary by Robinson, who was alerted to the opportunity by wicket keeper Marcus Baker. Temoor Khan hit the pads in front of the wicket and vocal appeals from behind the stumps saw the finger raised. A sharp stumping from wicket keeper Marcus Baker benefitted Phelps whilst the final wicket fell to Naveen Chouksey. NCI posting a total of 111 all out. Its difficult to sum up the full contribution of wicket keeper Marcus Baker, but the most appropriate word would be, considerable.
The second innings saw our openers Taz Islam and John Young make a steady start. The boundaries were perhaps not forthcoming, but the singles kept the score board ticking over regularly. After Islam (16) came CJ Barrie who with some powerful and well-placed shots took Remnants closer to the target. Young (15) was replaced by wicket keeper Marcus Baker with Remnants needing 46 from 24 balls. A tight finish was in store. Barrie and wicket keeper Marcus Baker combined well to break the back of the chase. A startling reverse sweep boundary followed by a slog sweep maximum were the dizzying highlights of wicket keeper Marcus Baker's innings (16). He closed his cameo seeing the heavy work done and with an array of talented batters yet to have a go, sacrificing himself selflessly for the greater good of the team. The classy Barrie took Remnants nearly all the way to victory, but had to retire for 40 with one needed from the last two balls. TK planted the penultimate delivery straight back over the bowler to Remnants victorious.
Asked for his thoughts after game wicket keeper Marcus Baker said, "it was a great win, a real team effort."