A short Passage of play and a long goodbye

Ciaran O’Malley, Essex u6 opening bat, George O’Brien, Jack Bishop ©, Josh Finklestein, Michael Scantlebury, Gred Mellor, David October, Joe Ridout

Rowan Smith, Dan Iwanyshyn, Joe Galati, Stan Leeson

Match report by Joe Galati

As the gaze of the globe lingered on the ancient stones of Rome, another tradition unfolded at a more contemporary theatre of dreams, the hallowed turf of London Fields. The Passage, in need of divine intervention, sought to channel the spirit of their own Bishop and conjure a repeat of the past with a triumph against the title hopefuls of Hackney CC.

The Passage lost the toss and were sent in on the furthest pitch on the square. A tantalisingly short boundary presented itself, and Ciaran and Leeson quickly advanced to 25. Just as the first sips of optimism were being savoured, a steady loss wickets ensued, leaving The Passage at 5 for 64 by the drinks interval.

Alas, the restorative powers of the drinks refreshment proved illusory. Despite a stoic innings from October, a catastrophic collapse saw the loss of five wickets for a mere three runs. Hackney CC, left 83 to pursue on a spring wicket which offered more questions than answers.

The chase was already a quarter of the way through after one over, after some insipid bowling from Galati, perhaps feeling the weight of antipodean parental expectation. A marvelous catch from O’Brien and determined bowling from Bishop were not enough to stem the bleeding of runs, and Hackney CC were triumphant in 10 overs.

Despite the tempting offer from Hackney CC of another short form match, a second chance, The Passage opted for the comfort of their new clubhouse. There, a last supper awaited, to raise a glass to the dearly beloved Rowan. United in our shared distain of points-based systems, The Passage offered a fond farewell, with the promise of future reunification.

A crushing defeat, but an early season reminder that the spirit of cricket is well and truly alive.

The Passage 82 All Out def by Hackney CC 84/1 - 26 April 2025

Ciaran O’Malley

Stan Leeson

Rowan Smith

David October

Michael Scantlebury

George O’Brien

Joe Galati

Jack Bishop (c)

Greg Mellor

Josh Finkelstein

Dan Iwanyshyn