Sat 3rd XI V Eversley 4s

With familiar faces of Growler and the legend Santosh unavailable this week and with Gunpreet and Justin called up to the 2s, we drafted in Peter Blake, Oli Blake, Baiju, Harrison and Mighty Mike for their season debuts for the 3s.
Eversley won the toss and (unsurprisingly) opted to bat on a very green Valley End wicket. The team talk before the game was to not drop any catches, so you can probably guess that both openers had been dropped within the first 3 overs! Aside from this Chuckles and Matt A opened the bowling, keeping it very tight but finding a breakthrough hard to come by. After his spell Harrison was brought on for Matt, and eventually got their opener after he cut the ball onto his stumps. Fielding was kept tight as we continued to frustrate the batsmen, before a flying Peter Blake catch (not exaggerated!) got rid of their other opener. The number 3 and 4 put together a good partnership as Josh eventually got their opener for 49. After his next ball clipped the top of off stump, we were on a hat trick ball for the next over, of which a one handed grab from Nick at first slip was not enough. Another wicket for Chuckles (and catch for Peter) and break for tea (which was very nice by the way, thanks Mike) in between rain spells meant they finished on 223-6, their number 4 making an excellent 54. A good total but we felt we could chase it nonetheless.

Onto the batting with the captain for the day opting for Matthew F and Harrison to open, rather than the usual pairing of himself and Matt A. The two got off to a very good start, playing the ball (mainly) on the floor and going at a very good run rate. Matt F was eventually out for 34, which led Matt A to the crease. The two of them batted very well, with Harrison getting his first senior 50 just after drinks and Matt A getting his first 50 for Bagshot after some questionable shots! They both ended on 54 and 58 respectively and, after I got out for 15, led Nick and Josh to the crease. Some superb hitting from Nick meant we stayed right on track for the total and, after Josh and Ollie both fell, it was left to Nick and Peter for the final over, requiring 12 (I think). Some lovely shots from Peter, who ended on 10*, meant we required 3 off the last ball of which we got only 1, meaning we fell agonizingly close of 15 points.

MOM: For me it as to go to Harrison, 50 on his first appearance of the season after some superb shots.
Other moment: A maiden 50 for Matt Alexander for Bagshot, hoping for more of the same now after his new bat has arrived!
Other other memorable moments: Two amazing catches from Peter Blake – other fielders take note!

Onto Datchet at home next week where if we show the same determination as this week with the bat we should hopefully come away with more points on the board!

Match Report by Vice(Roy) Ryan Funnell

My thanks also to Mike White for assisting Ryan, sorting the teas etc.! Any volunteers for this weekend welcome........