Kidmore End vs Bagshot CC (Friendly)

Season 2017 got off to a winning start, we ventured to our old friends at Kidmore End in our traditional first pre season fixture.
We had a mixed blend of 1st and 2nd team players, with the intention everyone gets a chance to get a fair game to dust the winter cobwebs off.

Toss duly lost, we were asked to bat first on what looked a nice wicket, on a cold & windy but sunny day.
Jack Grinstead and Geoff Young opened the batting, compiling a steady 56 run partnership before Geoff was dismissed. Stu Derry was also next out to the impressive left arm spin of Ashby, and debutant Alex Sykes first scoring shot for the Baggies was one of the biggest sixes I have seen, however that was the highlight before getting out shortly after.
Meanwhile Jack continuing his great form passed 50 and was joined at the crease by Mikey Davis, they set about the second string bowling with relish. rekindling memories of their record partnership against Burnham 2 years ago.
Jack passed three figures eventually falling for 112, and Mikey compiled a quickfire 71 before being last out. Josh Balcombe made a handy contribution on his return to the club not out 27, we reached a handy 281-5 off of our allotted 40 overs.

Tea taken in the warmth of the clubhouse, a new opening partner in the bowling front for me as Brad Passfield swapped off spin for seam. He bowled with nice pace, and a lot of accuracy, but the odd bad ball was expected in his first outing as a seamer. Alex proved himself a useful addition as he bowled with control and aggression and only failed to take a wicket due to some "average" catching attempts, I think we probably dropped 4 or 5 straightforward chances!! Gabby Dunnage followed on from Brad and dismissed the other opener after I had removed the first, but crucial dropped catches off of stalwart Jeff Sheldon proved very costly as he bulldozed his way to a hundred.
James Balcombe took a crucial wicket and Josh and Jonny Atkinson were charged with bowling the last 16 overs which proved a very valuable learning experience for Josh, and despite some lusty blows and nervy moments Josh bowled a fabulous last over to thwart Kidmore's victory charge. Kidmore fell two runs short in the end, 279-6 off of 40 overs.

All in all a very useful run out, win and also everyone got a decent game I feel.
Thanks also to Jem Davis who only faced two balls and didn't bowl, Steve Theobald for umpiring and Trish Balcombe for scoring.
Next weekend we have a game away at Aldershot, selection will be via Pitchero so please update if you haven't already.