Purley 1st XI vs Bagshot 1st XI

We travelled for our first away match of the 2018 season to Purley near Pangbourne, our first fixture as a 1st XI at this ground. New captain Adam still keen as we arrived 1 hour 45mins before the start, the journey not as far as we thought!!

Settings were quite pleasant, outfield firm and wicket looked decent, the trend continued as we lost the toss and were asked to bat.
JG and Geordie Doyle opened again, the opener Jackson was quite a handful in his first spell, removing Doyle for 4 with the score on 22. Jonsy joined JG and his first scoring shot i don't think we will see bettered this season, leaning on a cover drive that purred it's way for four. The runs continued to flow, boundaries coming thick and fast as both easily passed 50. The home side tried lots of different bowlers to no avail, a couple of dropped catches helping our cause as the pair traded blows in their battle to see who would reach three figures first. Jack just beat Jonsy to it finishing 108 not out, with Jonsy 93 not out when the rain came, partnership unbroken 202.

A first for me in 25 years in the first team, Jack hit a six that was arrowing it's way to the home teams supporters, and despite everyone shouting the ball hit their dog on the jaw and for a few worrying moments we feared the worst. One of the home side players was the grandson of the dog owners and was visibly shaken, but thankfully after a bit of TLC the spaniel came to and was taken to the vets.
The player sat out the final few overs as he was still a bit upset, so in a good show of sportsmanship Geordie took his place in the field while the rain started to pour down, guessing he felt he needed to contribute something to the match!!

Eventually we came off with 8 overs remaining, never to return.
MOM Jack and Jonsy shared

A message from me to our outgoing stalwart Andy Davies, aka Penners, leaving to play higher standard for his England O50s hopes, thanks for your all your help and advice during my five years as skipper, much appreciated, good luck for the season.