Bagshot 3's V Datchet 4's

Datchet 4's 136 all out
Bagshot 3's 138-2

Finally we have put the 3 main elements for cricket into good practice.
Having lost the toss and Datchet's 10 men choosing to bat, we were without marathon man Chuckles this week, which paved the way for a more youthful opening seam attack of Matt Alexander and Adam Hendries. Once they found their direction, they both bowled frugally to contain the Datchet openers. No wickets fell, but on another glorious batting track at Valley End, the fact they contained them to 32 runs after 13 overs meant Datchet were looking to increase the tempo. Enter last week's hero U15 Harrison Button to take over from Adam H. 1st ball, and a nick to the keeper. Season debut for Jared Palmer at the other end and these two worked their spells beautifully. Harrison got another wicket in his next over as the skipper was made to dive full length to his left at mid off (writer's fiction), and the pressure began to pile up as Jared tied up one end (going for just 14 runs in his last 5 overs) and Harrison taking 3 more wickets to end on 6 overs four wickets for 20.
A smart run out from the ever enthusiastic Darren Bailey, and Datchet were struggling.
The bowlers were backed up by some excellent fielding, even Santosh got in on the act as he provided a brick wall at extra cover.
Tommy Gun-preet came on, as did Mr Reluctant Ben Haslam (or Zibin according to the Datchet scorebook??). Ben remembered how to bowl!
So 4 wickets for Harrison, 2 for Gunpreet, and one each for Ben and Adam (who came back to take the last wicket) and Datchet were all out for 136 after 40 overs.
Catches, two for the skipper (truly magnificent efforts), one for Nick Lynch, Darren Bailey and two for Ryan Funnell behind the sticks.
U17's bowling 33 of the 40 overs taking 6 wickets. Top work.

Matt A and Ryan F opened our reply and they went off at over 4 and over. Ryan went for 12 being caught at mid on which introduced Mr Bailey, who had not looked at a bat since doing some caving near Merthyr Tydvil about 3 years ago... Matt was trying his best to pick out the fielders who could not catch, but Bailey was the first to yield being clean bowled for 13. I joined Matt and we worked our way to victory, Matt achieving his second consecutive half century ending on 53* and Growler on 39*. Matt should have tried a lucky dip for the lottery, but rode his luck and batted really well. His running between the wickets was not so pleasant as he made me run a quick single and the hamstring pulled yet again. I know I may look about 25, but my hamstrings are over double that...

Top performance from everyone, but the colts in particular got us the deserved 25 points.

MOM: Harrison Button and Matt Alexander
Memorable moments. Plenty and all good this week.

With the Twos winning against Slough, and the Ones getting a very good draw away at Amersham, it was a good weekend.

Kew away next Saturday. Need to have availability ASAP for both Saturday and Sunday as it looks like we have good availability next weekend.