Belmont & Edgware reach for positives as 1sts and 2nds fall to heavy defeats

Belmont & Edgware Cricket Club (BECC) endured a difficult weekend as both their first and second XIs fell to heavy defeats.
The second XI, with Joel Azulay making his debut as skipper, came up against local rivals Totteridge Millhillians CC away, in what proved to be something of a mismatch.
The two clubs had met in the first XI’s first game of the season – when Belmont & Edgware came out on top, but on this occasion, Totteridge’s batsmen were on a different level.
Their top order led the charge with the opener smashing 89 and the number three hitting 97.
Other big contributions came throughout the order, ensuring a run rate more befitting a T20 contest.

BECC Second XI's vice-captain Rafi Kellion, in action during the defeat to Totteridge. Photo by Georgia Rosenberg[Missing Credit]

But amid the onslaught BECC’s heads did not drop. They managed to take eight wickets, as the score went from 288/2 in the 30th over, to 366/8 by the close of the innings.
The pick of the bowlers was Zak Shipman, who claimed four wickets, and vice-captain Rafi Kelion, who took three. Stalwart wicketkeeper Michael Blasebalk snaffled his 100th grab for the club since its merger.
In response, BECC, outclassed by a side that had a young overseas player and multiple senior players, recognised that chasing the total was always going to be near-impossible.
Gavi Lowinger impressed with the bat, getting his top score for the club, but his side were bowled out for just over 150.
Elsewhere, the first XI faced Heathrow on a wicket patched up with sand that was inconsistent and tough to bat on.

Prior to the game club captain Adam Morris was presented with a special cap to mark his 100th appearance, but that was arguably the highlight of the team’s afternoon.
Their innings got off to a difficult start with the top three falling to the opening bowlers in quick succession, before Benji Jones steadied the ship.
Batting at No 4, the Australian all-rounder, who was playing while stranded in London owing to the cancellation of flights to Israel, battled hard to get himself in and, as wickets continued to tumble around him, remained resolute to the end as the team were skittled out for 79.
He finished 35 not out and the only other batsman to reach double figures was vice-captain Jack Mendel.

Zak Shipman, was the pick of BECC Second XI's bowlers, claiming four wickets. Photo by Georgia Rosenberg[Missing Credit]

The opposition chased down the target in double-quick time, taking just 7.3 overs to hit 80.
Morris said afterwards: “It was a difficult day for both of our sides today, with two quite heavy defeats.
“The firsts came up against a skilful side who made the most of an extremely tricky pitch.
“It was terrific to see Benji Jones bat with responsibility and quality.
“The seconds came up against a team that our first XI may have struggled against but it will hopefully help them learn and improve.
“It was wonderful to see Zak Shipman take four wickets as he continues to impress since joining this year, while Gavi Lowinger’s batting prowess is going from strength to strength.”
Belmont & Edgware chairman Jonny Evans said: “While the on-field outcomes weren’t what we hoped for, it is always good to recognise milestones at the club, with captain Adam Morris passing the 100 games, Blasey taking his 100th dismissal and Joel Azulay making his captaincy debut.
“There are plenty of positives to take from these two games, and lots to look forward to for the remainder of the season.”