By News Desk 
In a stunning and unprecedented moment in English club cricket, a match in the Middlesex County League has produced a record that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Richmond Cricket Club’s 4th XI was bowled out for a mere 2 runs while chasing a massive target of 427, creating what is now being dubbed one of the most humiliating scorecards in club cricket history.
The astonishing encounter took place between Richmond CC 4th XI and North London CC 3rd XI. Richmond won the toss and opted to bowl first — a decision that quickly backfired. North London opener Dan Simms played a blistering innings, smashing 140 runs, while extras significantly contributed to the scoreline, including 63 wides. The batting side amassed an eye-watering 426 runs before the innings closed.
What followed was almost unbelievable. Richmond’s chase turned into a disaster from the very beginning. Eight players were dismissed without scoring, and the only runs came from a single run off the bat of the No. 4 batsman, and one run from a wide delivery. The team collapsed in just 5.4 overs, registering 2 all out — one of the lowest ever totals in English club cricket.
The bowling performance from North London CC was ruthless. Bowler Matt Rawson took 5 wickets without conceding a single run, while teammate Spotton claimed 3 wickets for just 2 runs. The match even featured a comical run-out, adding to Richmond’s woes.
I'm genuinely at a loss for words looking at this – just what?#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/n55qDUyDG4
— The Stats Kid (@TheStatsKid1523) May 26, 2025
Following the debacle, Richmond CC’s Deputy Chairman and Head of Cricket, Steve Deakin, explained the reasons behind the shocking performance. Speaking to The Telegraph, Deakin revealed that the club was dealing with a crisis in player availability. “This week was a perfect storm. We were missing nearly 40 players across our five men’s teams,” he said.
With regular players unavailable, Richmond’s 4th XI was cobbled together at the last minute. “The 4th team captain was literally calling friends of friends to field a full team,” Deakin added. In fact, the club admitted they could have been dismissed for zero if not for a dropped catch and a single wide delivery.
Even opposition bowler Spotton remarked, “We could’ve bowled them out for 0, if not for that one wide and a dropped chance.”
This match now stands as a stark reminder of how unpredictable — and sometimes unforgiving — the game of cricket can be, especially at the grassroots level.