Sat 3rd XI VS Eversley 4 (29th Aug)

Bagshot 117 a.o. - 40.4 overs
Eversley 118-3 – 20.4 overs

Having had much rain during the week, it was hoped the skipper could reverse the season long form and actually win the toss, but of course that did not happen and we were put in. Another youthful opening partnership started (I decided to wait until it was a little drier this week) with Ben Horne and Matthew Funnell, and they started well as they put on 42 for the opening wicket scoring well and playing some confident shots. Matthew got caught in two minds and prodded a catch to short extra cover for 18. Ben unfortunately followed soon after for 27. This left Richard Atkinson (who had flown down from Edinburgh for the game!!), and myself at the crease. We looked pretty comfortable for a while….. until Rich A cut in the air to point and was caught. Nige Rice joined me, and we took a lot of quick singles to keep the scoreboard ticking… After I had nicked one behind, Nige had a few partners come and go as they enjoyed giving catching practice to the fielders who were happy to accept such gifts.
From 65-2, we went rapidly down to 117 all out as the tail failed to wag. Nige made 21.

Still, 117 on this wicket was not going to be easy we thought.
With Chuckles back after a weeks holiday taking an early wicket we thought we might make some headway. Eversley’s no. 3 (Rahim) however, decided attack was the best form of defence as he came in and promptly started laying waste to Chuckles and Ben Horne (who had bowled tightly until the wicket fell.). A change of pace was thought to be the way forward and Bomber came and promptly got a wicket. Adam Hendries also came on and bowled a great line, getting the ball two move off the seam, but it did not seem to matter to Rahim who carted whoever came on with gleaming smile. Matthew Funnell had a go as well, and Mighty White, all to no avail as he raced past his 50. Chuckles had another go and went down injured.
It was Santosh Mandal who finally made a breakthrough as he managed to persuade umpire Barrie Funnell to give us our first LBW of the season. Rahim though saw them home scoring 78* out of our total.

MOM: No match winners unfortunately, but Matthew Funnell shoed great enthusiasm wanting to open the batting, and chirping and encouraging in the field, so he just pips Nige Rice who tried desperately to hold the middle order together.