There is a moment in the film Sliding Doors where Gwyneth Paltrow tries to catch her tube train home, at which point two parallel stories are told; one where she catches that train, discovers her boyfriend cheating on her and goes onto live a new and better life, and one where she narrowly misses the train so remains ignorant forever.
The first ball of London New Zealand's innings is edged but dropped, and the opener goes on to score a match-winning 78 Not Out; sliding doors, and what might have been.
Earlier in the day, the Brigands had made 149 all out. Lee Gray, on his birthday, was elevated to open and played attacking cricket from the start and top scored with 68. The Kiwis bowled straight and the infield was tight; the 4 LBWs and just 7 singles in the innings illustrate that. The highest partnership, between Henderson and Ali, ended the ball before drinks to one of those LBWs.
Brigands tried to keep in the game; 2 wickets each from Ladenburg and Ali, and a run-out, kept it respectable but the Kiwis were always ahead of the chase and got to 150 for 7 in the 29th over.
Paul and Sue laid on a super tea, Nina and Harry were back making the ground look gorgeous, the sun shone, and birthday cake and beer were enjoyed at The Bat and Ball.
London New Zealand at Broadhalfpenny Down, and Lee Gray enjoying birthday beers
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