Winning the toss captain half pint had no hesitation in batting first on a dry and used wicket. At 16-3 against a tidy new ball attack the decision seemed to have backfired. In stepped Joshie and Aakansh with a steadying partnership of 48 to lay a platform. Aakansh unfortunately run out following a mix up and direct hit throw. Joshie went on to retire at 30 off 30 balls with 4 boundaries. Acceleration was needed!! On debut up stepped the hard hitting number 7, Zac Sanders. Against a tiring bowling and fielding unit Zac hit 5 boundaries in his 30 retired off just 22 balls. Joe Raymond added a flourish with 14 including a lovely pick up pull for 4. We closed on 139 with extras proving a useful addition to the total.

This was to prove crucial.

Opening with a mix of seam and spin it was a smart catch at cover by Freddie Bowlby that broke the opening partnership off the bowling of Joe Raymond. The next wicket fell courtesy of a lovely pick up and direct hit run out by Joshie. Thereafter, runs started to flow with only 10 players in the field it was tricky for bowlers and captain. Thatcham were up with the rate and ahead of the curve. The next wicket didn’t fall until the score had reached 104. Our bowlers offering up and eclectic mix of excellent deliveries, extras and boundary balls. The game was in the balance. Up stepped Man of the Match, Laurie Tate. Fresh from WK duties his 3 overs cost just 11 runs picking up a crucial wicket. Also, Aryan Padha followed up with an excellent 2nd over in his spell of 2 overs sending their lead batters stumps into the river with his final delivery!!! An absolute jaffer of a ball. The game was done allowing Aakansh to bowl the final over with little pressure giving WK Bowlby a chance for a smart stumping. Thatcham falling short on 122. A great start to the season in our first game together in warm conditions.

Well done lads.

Clearly, Sunday mornings are a challenge with energy levels!!!

We look forward to the week ahead and our next opportunity in a few weeks time. Thanks to Parag for scoring and parents for your support. I hope Shreyas is on the mend soon Enjoy the rest of the weekend.