Underwriter and Broker XI - Thursday 22nd May 2025
Grey skies met the Lloyd's Cricket Club Underwriter and Broker XI for the first men’s fixture of the 2025 season. Said overhead conditions, and a healthy bowling attack, prompted the Underwriters to insert the comparatively experienced Broker representatives.
Early blows from opener Ollie McGrath (who top scored with 39) moved the score to 20 within the first two overs, before an edge to slip by Tom Pope off the bowling of David Bedard . His sharp opening spell, combined with first-change Sean Sullivan, who’s outswingers from the far end combined to slow scoreboard progress. The introduction of Jon O'Neill, initially hooked away to the fence by Ollie several times, produced the third breakthrough. Five wickets fell in quick succession for no run, the first-change attack collecting three apiece.
With the score at 62-7, Archie Hanna was joined by Cosmo Warner, the pair combining handily to accumulate 62 runs for the eighth wicket. Following a flurry of boundaries, William Ponty struck Archie in front, and collected his second wicket with a looping high ball to mid-on shortly after. Alex Nicholls then removed Cosmo for a well-deserved final wicket, leaving the Underwriters with a target of 140.
In reply, debutant Joel Hussain opened his Lloyd’s account with intent, pummelling a Cosmo Warner half-tracker to the mid-wicket boundary off the first ball. Several lusty pull shots and exquisite drives followed, as the Broker’s attack was picked apart with veritable ease. The Underwriter’s raced to 100 off 12 overs, few bowlers immune to Joel’s onslaught.
Stand-in captain Jonathan Franke turned to 2024 Bowler of the Season Maiwand Tokhi for a breakthrough, which came in his second over, sneaking through the gate to dismiss Joel for 79 from his 47 deliveries faced. Jono took matters into his own hands, dismissing Neal Jani, adjudged LBW, and Joseph Apperley in quick succession. That left the Underwriter’s skipper Patrick Haddow (48 not-out) and
Jon O'Neill to finish proceedings in the 20th over.
Meanwhile members of the Women’s Team took part in a training session on the other pitch in preparation for their forthcoming tour to Guernsey, before joining the men’s teams for the presentations and a few post match drinks.
Congratulation to Joel Hussain for being named Man of the Match, Patrick Haddow the winning captain and once again to Maiwand Tokhi for his award as the 2024 Bowler and Club Member of the Year.
It was great to see so many making their debuts for LCC and we look forward to a packed fixture list throughout the summer, starting with the Baltic Exchange Cricket Club on 19 June at Shenfield CC.
Our thanks, as always, to The Woodford Wells Club for their hospitality and excellent facilities.
