Due to damage to the outfield cause by the regatta parking combined with wet weather, we gathered for an early start at Harpsden, only to be told that there was no adult game in the afternoon so we needn't have all set our alarms so early! Nevertheless, the ground looked a picture in the early morning sunshine and, with Goring fielding a weakened side, the toss was uncontested so that we batted first.

Avi Kohli's stellar form once again so him retire not out on 25, with useful contributions from all the batters on a slow pitch with slow bowling that was sometimes difficult to hit. Those who did bat worked on awareness and calling, with a reflection that perhaps our total could have been greater had we put more pressure on the fielders, taking risk towards the end of the innings when we still had wickets in hand, to turn 1s into 2s, especially against the throw.

In the field, a few catches went down and boundaries conceded due to taking our eye off the ball at the last second, having done all the hard work to get in a good position. The main learning was about backing up, where there is a tendency to want to get closer to the stumps or fielder, whereas we want to, if anything, get further away to give more reaction time if the ball passes the original fielder. But in terms of bowling extras, today was a good day, with only 4 instances of wides and 4 instances of no balls, though one of these did chalk off a wicket from what was otherwise a super delivery from Seb Lavers, who continued to bowl with his usual verve and was rewarded with a wicket in his next over.

That no ball was suspected by the umpire, but confirmed by the mid on fielder, Fynn Ellison, who honestly pointed it out and led to it being called. This was one of a number of very sporting gestures by the team, who took on board the need to focus on accuracy, rather than speed, when bowling at such inexperienced batters. Having just taken a wicket, Harry Ellison graciously accepted a very generous not out decision on the next ball for a great LBW shout, and was rewarded later in the over by a nick. This was superbly pouched by Henry Manwaring, who kept tidily throughout (#wicketkeepersareimportanttoo), effecting a stumping and providing the assist for a smart throw from Avi Kohli for a run out. Changes to the batting and bowling order were met with patient cooperation and the game was played in a great, supportive spirit, led by captain Alastair Taylor, who himself chipped in with two wickets.