On Thursday Night there was no way that we could possibly have played on Saturday, but after a day and a half of good weather. The pitch was passed fit at 12:00.

We had on paper a very strong team, but with the vast distance between indoor nets and the inability of outdoor training due to the continual rain through the last few weeks, there was a distinct feeling that we were a tad undercooked.

Herriard are a new side this year, having been formed from the RNA sports side of last year and there were several familiar faces amongst their line up. The season started well with the opposition skipper making the wrong call of Tails and I had no hesitation in inviting them to bat on a damp wicket that was only going to dry further under almost clear blue skies.

We must give a warm welcome to Mark Stone who has joined us this year from Sparsholt.

The new ball was taken by Jamie Watts from the Winchester End, where the slope on the lowest pitch should have aided his in-duckers. I opened up from the other end, hoping that the slope would help any away movement. I knew it would not be my preferred surface as there was no pace or bounce in the wicket! (get the excuses in early I say). A maiden to start the season was unexpected, however my second over went for 11 as I fed the cut shop of their opener, Clout. It was the sixth over of the game that we took the first wicket of the season when I had their Skipper Vallice caught by Ricky Swain at point. After 10 overs of distinctly average bowling they were 44 – 1 of 10 Overs and in a good position.

With both opening bowlers removed in a double change, this saw B Watts replace his brother and D Jacobs replace the skipper. Ben bowled as if he has been playing for weeks and with Darren bowled well in a partnership and arrested the scoring, taking control for Common. Ben was at his miserly best having Clout stumped?!? In his second over. More miserly bowling followed from Ben with 3 maidens and a wicket in his next four overs. Darren opened his account for the year in his 5th over and took his second wicket in his next over and was possibly unfairly taken off by the skipper immediately after drinks. Ricky Swain replaced him and took his first wicket of the season.

Ben Watts then finished off their innings and ended with figures of 10 overs 5 maidens 5 for 9. The numbers say it all and Herriard closed their innings with a total of 96. Their top scorer being extras (28).

Therefore with 97 to win it should be plain sailing!

TJ and Callum opened with no pressure to score quickly, but with the ball not coming onto the bat and getting stuck in the pitch, it wouldn’t be easy. Callum trying to drive was through the shot before the ball arrived and skied an easy catch, leaving us 10 for 1. This brought Leigh to the crease and he batted very sensibly under the conditions. Tj and Mark Stone fell within 3 balls and at 11 for 3 Common were in the mire! Toff Mitchell arrived and scored his first 2 sixes of the year but fell after getting a start of 24. Ricky and Anthony were both bowled. We needed 20 runs with 3 wickets remaining. This brought the Watts brothers to the crease and they saw Common home. Credit to the Herriard bowlers who bowled a tight line and length. Credit to Callum 7-3-16-1 and Emsley 4-3-1-1.

Result Common win by 3 wickets. CCCC 20 points Herriard 5

Star-man B Watts