Teddington fail to see funny side

13 April 2012

Ronnie Barker took centre stage in one of the biggest upsets in the 10-year history of the Evening Standard Challenge Trophy. The veteran all-rounder's timing was perfect as he played a key role for BWIA Cavaliers in their 27-run, third-round victory over three times champions Teddington.

It was also goodnight from defending champions Finchley, who suffered a seven-wicket thrashing at the hands of neighbours Hampstead.

Barker, who answers to 40-plus, plays his Saturday cricket for Hadleigh & Thundersley in the Essex League, but never on a Sunday because that's when he is a stalwart member of the Cavaliers team which has taken this £12,000 tournament for the London area's top sides by storm.

Founded in 1984 and sponsored by British West Indian Airways, the Cavaliers share North Middlesex's ground in Crouch End and that is where Barker top scored against Teddington with a gritty innings of 38 to steer his side from a precarious 117 for six to a useful 207 all out.

Then Barker bowled nine overs of medium-pacers for only 34 runs as Teddington, trophy winners in 1992, 1996 and 1998, were dismissed for 190. Anthony Best claimed the bowling honours with three for 22 from his 10 overs.

Frank David, the 71-year old-founder, chairman, manager and cheerleader of Cavaliers, admitted: "We've got a great mix of players and it works.

"We scored over 300 in the first and second rounds and now we've beaten Teddington. But let me make one thing clear - we're not a bunch of ringers.

"Our guys are talented cricketers who need to play in the top leagues on Saturdays, but they keep their Sundays clear so they can be loyal to us."

Today's draw handed BWIA a trip to Winchmore Hill - another Middlesex League heavyweight - on 22 July.

David added: "It should be a brilliant match. It's a good wicket, a good club and there should be plenty of runs. We know all about them and a few of their guys, Frank Griffith and David Alleyne, have turned out for me in the past."

Hampstead's comprehensive removal of Finchley - their first defeat of the season in any competition - caused almost as many ripples.

Finchley - who face Wanstead in the last 16 of the National Knockout this weekend - made 209, but Hampstead lost only three wickets as they cantered home with seven overs to spare.

Gary Headley led the onslaught with a brilliant 67 and he was well supported by former Lancashire batsman Mark Harvey, who made a more sedate 48.

Hampstead must now travel to Stanmore on Sunday week. Brondesbury, the only former winners to survive the cull, will be at home to Wimbledon.

THIRD ROUND RESULTS: Wimbledon (78-2) bt Dulwich (77) by 8 wkts; Wanstead (120-5) bt Brentham (119) by 5 wkts; Bexley (144-1) bt Lensbury (143) by 9 wkts; Ham pstead (213-3) bt Finchley (209) by 7 wkts; Winchmore Hill (341-9) bt Hoddesdon (81) by 260 runs; Saffron Walden (244-8) bt Sevenoaks Vine (123) by 121 runs; Stanmore (115-2) bt Welwyn GC (114) by 8 wkts; Radlett (196-6) bt Enfield (193) by 4 wkts; Beaconsfield (263-7) bt Trojans (150) by 113 runs; S Hampstead (199) bt West Herts (167) by 32 runs; Lambeth Enterprise (240) bt Spencer (162) by 78 runs; Dartford (261-8) bt Chingford (213) by 53 runs; BWIA Cavaliers (217) bt Teddington (190) by 27 runs; Gidea Park & Romford (117-2) bt Banstead (116) by 8 wkts; Brondesbury (186-8) bt Walton-on-Thames (138) by 48 runs; Wembley v Hertford rained off, playing Sunday 15 July.

FOURTH ROUND (to be played 22 July): Wanstead v Wembley or Hertford, Dartford v Saffron Walden, Winchmore Hill v BWIA Cavaliers, Brondesbury v Wimbledon, Beaconsfield v Lambeth Enterprise, Stanmore v Hampstead, S Hampstead v Radlett, Bexley v Gidea Park & Romford.

QUARTER-FINALS: 5 Aug.
SEMI-FINALS: 19 Aug.
THE FINAL (The Oval): 9 Sept.

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