1st XI Match Report 11 May 2019

Firstly, Kudos to the ground staff for getting the game on.  I think we were all a little concerned when calls were being made regarding early Saturday morning rain. SO, after being inserted by the opposition Capt, our openers Jimmy and Will made steady progress with scoreboard ticking over due to some great running.  However, progress was cut short when Will was given out LBW, a decision which didnt go down well with the batsman.  Haseeb and Az followed soon after, neither troubling the scorers very much. However, with Michael at the crease, progress soon sped up, Jimmy passing 50 in his usual unflappable manner, nudging off his hips, his so-called “bread and butter” shots. Michael passed 50 for the 1st time in a while, however, he departed soon afterwards, followed swiftly by Lawrence.  At that point, I think we were looking at having to defend a total of around 180-190, but the runs quickly flowed thereafter, JD and Jimmy running well – with Jimmy completing a well crafted 100, finishing on 109 n/o in a total of 236. The opposition innings started at a glacial pace, survival against quick and accurate bowling from Will and Michael was all too obvious.  The run rate never got over 1.5 an over for the initial 20 overs, with Michael bowling a miserly 5 over spell costing 4 runs, Will’s opening gambit being similar.  neither batsman made any effort to keep the scoreboard ticking over, we reach 10-0 off 10 over, 22-0 off 25.  With the ball tossed to JD, wickets started to fall, 2 in one over, with Jonny taking his first of the match.  A few lusty blows from Hugh Reid didn’t make much of a difference, Ware were always a long way off keeping up with the run rate.  With the day getting colder, and me having to get out on a date,  Haseeb and Andy Lee finished off the tail.  All in all, a decent start to the season, hopefully more competitive games to come.