Premier League - 2nd XI (A) v Grappenhall CC , Saturday 10 May 2014

It was going to be one of those days. Unavailable players and injuries meant changes to the side but no less optimism for that elusive first victory. The omens were not good. Torrential rain in Chester and throughout the journey along with the sight of a cow jogging down the hard shoulder of the M56 were not promising.

Grappenhall seemed to have escaped the very worst of the weather and although the ground was wet, the pitch was perfect. Grappers batted and Ben quickly removed the dangerous Barnes snicked off to Tommy. Will Sharp was quietly getting himself in with characteristic drives and flicks, but he found things tricky against Sam who got the ball to move around on a flat pitch; welcome back Sam. Keggy and Francis came on and Francis removed Sharp who left one that jagged back into his off pole. The pressure began to mount and sustained periods of dots left Grappers scoring 8 from one ten over period, crucially however, they didn't lose wickets. Francis felt a little bit tired and had to have a bit of a nap to recover and the skipper came on and kept up the pressure. Still no wickets and shots began to be played. The fully revitalised Francis came back on (possibly he ate one of Ben's 13 tuna baguettes). Wickets fell regularly but runs flowed too. 196 for 6 was the finish. Keggy was unlucky not to take a wicket (no dropped catches this week though). Francis finished with another 4.

A good tea whilst it rained and there was a definite sense that the game was there for the taking if the new ball could be effectively seen off. Unfortunately it wasn't. Bobby continued his run of bad luck by finding another way to get out in the first over, this time off his sleeve. 'Call him back lads...' shouted the crowd. Jonty, Ben, Treeny and Tommy Wyatt (who looked the most comfortable against the opening bowler) all came and went. The unbeaten record looked under threat. At 74 for 8 with Tommy, The Colonel and Dan back in the hutch, the game looked done. But in Keggy and Francis, we have two real class acts. They defended watchfully, struck powerfully when required and most importantly they took responsibility. Sam remained with his pads on; unrequired. The rain came and went. Jonty became a firm favourite with the gathered females in the bar but Grappers didn't take any more wickets. 12 plays 5.

The season has not gone as well as hoped from the outset in terms of points. But lost tosses against Hyde and Neston could have turned out differently and with availability looking good again in the coming weeks, optimism remains high. Responsibility is now the watch word for the season. We have to take it.