Reading 4th XI vs Bagshot 3's - 9th May

Overcast conditions as we arrived, and skipper wins toss and puts the home side in on a rather pleasant looking pre-covered track.

Starting with the ever-youthful and deadly pairing of M Sutherland and “Birthday Boy” A Passfield (AP), it looked a good choice as Reading went from 58-1, to 64 for 5, with AP getting 4 wickets and Josh Brown 1 wicket in his first over.

Talk was of an early finish in time to make it to AP’s party early, so of course the next partnership put on 78 runs, with Bomber, Balcombe senior, and Growler Junior failing to get any breakthrough.

Mark Sutherland brought back with a change of end to the wicket taking end brought quick results as he broke the partnership.

Steady progress was made, until last years’ wise skipper recommended inflicting the Mighty White on the opposition. Mike promptly took two wickets including their top scorer who was on 71.

Reading finished their inning on 205-9 from their max 47 overs.

With skipper Growler limping because he thought playing a football match on a Friday night before the first game of the season at his age was a sensible thing to do, especially trying to chase after a 20 odd year old Jamaican sprint star down the wing and thus exploding his calf muscle, it was left to the ever dependable Medlock and Balcombe (Mr B) to open up for Bagshot reply.

It took some 91 runs before Reading could make a breakthrough with Medlock caught behind for 29. Mr B was being galvanised by Reading’s rather vocal wicketkeeper, and putting the ball to all parts. Josh Brown added a circumspect (for him..) 27 off 21 balls.

AP joined the fun in the middle and was trying to get to his party early (24).

Mr B was finally caught by the Reading skipper off his own bowling for a wonderful 82.

It was left to the Mighty White to finish things off and bring home the 20 points with one over to spare on 11*

MOM: Mr “Smooth” Balcombe with a controlled, calm (under provocation) 82

Highlights:

The Mighty White with 2 smart catches, 2 wickets, 11* to win the match. (“I don’t really do much, I’ll play if you are short..”)

Growler Junior chasing the ball to the boundary stop it only to throw the ball over the rope.

Having a scorer, who has made a neat start and set the standard in the new 3rd XI scorebook!!

Home game V Theale & Tilehurst 3’s next weekend. So far availability looks good on Team App for next week, think I am missing a few from Saturday, please up-date Team App or let me know ASAP.

Good start everyone! Thanks to all.

Growler