3s defuse Malden minefield

Ant Ireland writes...

The 3s overcame a horrendous uncovered wicket to notch up their fourth win from five games against Malden this week. Facing spitters, shooters, stoppers and the odd normal one, Ahson and Ashwin put on what proved to be a mammoth opening stand of 48 to lay a foundation. Ahson’s 38 was basically a double ton (in hindsight), while Morgs and Leck scored fine gritty fifties (24 and 20 respectively) to take the innings deep. The tail then wagged to make the procession of failed batters before them look rather silly, with Wilbur (17) and Peter Friend (9) adding a very useful 35 for the final wicket to take us into the hutch with 186 on the board and just a sneak of momentum.
Malden had 53 overs to knock the runs off, but 186 proved more than enough on a surface unworthy of monster truck racing. Their young openers and old stalwart at three showed some heart to endure a dangerous spell from the in-form Briggsy (2-23 from 10).
Malden crept to 43-2 and were still in the game, but the arrival of change bowlers Friend (3-7) and George Elliston (3-13) instigated an interminable slide for the hosts. Both bowlers got the pitch to do all sorts – Friend bowling ripping chest high spinners and George finding the odd springboard snorter to test both the batsmen and Ashwin behind the stumps.
Malden’s fight ended in a collapse and when the injured 11th man declined to face the music, the Llamas had racked up a clinical 109 run victory.
The batsmen will be looking forward to returning to the safe confines of St. Albans Rd. The bowlers less so. More importantly, the 3s have made a promising start to the season and must win their next two games against Ashtead and Sutton with a tricky double-header against title contenders Sunbury and Spencer approaching.