Posted: Sep 08, 2014
Haverford, Pa. - Haverford's 97 runs (all out, 23.5 overs) were not enough to stay ahead of Merion Cricket Club, who pushed past the Fords with 101 runs in the 22nd over of the 25-over season opener. The Fords kept the match close, although they had just two days of practice and despite the loss of eight graduating seniors last year.
Haverford played solid defensively on Merion's grounds with catches by Jake Hazen, Alex Lefteratos, and Ty Joplin. Merion, led by opening batsman Shariq Khan (40 runs, not out) and Vinod Chaturvedi (36 runs), hit its way past Haverford's defense. Khan was also Merion's most productive bowler, taking three wickets for 14 runs.
The highlight of the Fords' effort was Raghav Bali, playing in his first college appearance. Bali led the offensive attack with 16 runs, and was even more impressive in Haverford's defensive innings, taking two wickets and giving up just 25 runs in 7 overs bowled.
Danny Rothschild was another top scorer with 12 runs while David White bowled well, taking one for 23.
Haverford travels next week to Chestnut Hill to take on the Philadelphia Cricket Club.
Final score: Merion 101/4 (21.1), Haverford 97/10 (23.5)