Strong team on Saturday against Blagdon

We put out what I thought was a strong team on Saturday against Blagdon, who were third in the league and we were expecting a tight match. That certainly proved to be the case. We lost the toss and they elected to bat. Rupert opened the bowling and got their opener out, caught by Ben Church for nought.

Wickets fell regularly. All the bowlers bowled well; Gareth bowled with great accuracy, Dave Hirst swung the ball well and Alex bowled four overs with great economy as did Ollie. Ollie took 2 wickets. Liam was also unlucky. They managed to get 110 and we genuinely thought that the match was ours for the taking.

Archie Maggs and Olie Kahut opened. Ollie was unlucky to get out on a difficult pitch as was Archie who, who hit a powerful 10 runs. We were expecting great things from the return of Ben Adams but he was out for naught. Alex went in at four and played two classy fours before being bowled to a ball that rolled, elegantly, along the ground.

Ben church looked as confident as ever and managed 19. Dave Hirst played some lovely shots for his 29. At this point, we still felt comfortable with Gareth and Rupert as our two experienced batsmen still to bat. Unfortunately, it was not their day Gareth made six and Rupert 5. Liam and Olie H didn’t trouble the scorer. With five overs left to play and needing only 14 runs, Gareth was still at the crease partnered by Arthur who looked comfortable. Gareth tried to sweep across the line and was bowled. It was all over and we lost by 16 runs; disappointing but that’s Cricket. Two more games to come. We've been unlucky so far but I can smell victory.