It was the first time we had used the pitch for a long time

Shaun Smith, Dan Veal, ably assisted by Becky Smith and to a lesser extent, myself spent much of Saturday morning sorting out the ground at what used to be Stotherts.
It was the first time we had used the pitch for a long time. Sam Avery had done a good job with the outfield and the wicket, which was always going to be extremely difficult, at times played OK. Reasonably enough, indeed to allow Dan Veal to score an imperious 88 runs, coming back having retired at 50.
The balls flew to all parts of the ground, sending weary search parties out into the wilderness that lies beyond the outfield at Stotherts. Luckily, they all returned. Occasionally with a cricket ball. But less occasionally, not.
Having won the toss, Dan and Ben Church opened. Ben was just getting into his stride, acquired seven runs but was bowled out. No disgrace there on such a pitch. Simon Church was given out, for 22 to a LBW decision – by myself, as Umpire. The ball cut back sharply, as it did all day.
Angus finney, notwithstanding only making one run, gets the fair play award for walking, even though I suspect the umpire would not have given him out! It's nice to see such traditions being maintained, and also to see the youngsters following such a good example: Eoin also walked after edging one to the keeper for nine, after playing some lovely shots.
The rest of the batsmen struggled on a tough wicket. Andy Steady, was a pick of the remaining batsmen scoring a wonderfully managed 40 runs. We ended up with 215, which we were pretty sure would be enough.
The main difference between the two sides, notwithstanding, the performances of Dan and Andy was the standard of fielding and bowling. It was great to see five wickets falling to catches. The best of which was by Eoin who leapt like a salmon to snatch a ball thumped with some power, off his own bowling. Alex bowled well, turning the ball both ways and got two wickets. It was nice to see Liam playing his first senior game of cricket for the club bowl well and take a wicket. Lots more to come from him.
Eric Steady was almost unplayable, possibly too good for the opposition, bowling with real menace and spite. Tom also bowled with real aggression. These two opening bowlers probably sealed the fate of the match as the batsmen were unable to get them away, leaving themselves an attainable total to reach. They managed to get 87.
The Thirds is clearly a team which, without wanting to speak too soon, should win all their matches this year. This is a strong outfit, reflecting the growing player strength at the club.