Not a cloud in the sky nor a blade of grass out of place, the ground looked superb as the teams arrived with blotters and soakers lying idle in the shade. Having chased totals poorly in recent weeks, Griff sought everyone's opinion (twice) with a split decision at the toss. Didn't matter once again as Neston elected to have a bat. George McCormick back in place of Jake in an otherwise identical team. He took the new ball with Matty Brayne and it was immediately apparent that this was a pitch full of runs and empty of demons surrounded by a glass top outfield! Hard work and plans to be adhered to.
Neston got out of the traps quickly as Wilson in particular found the fence. Geo, though, settled in and took the first one. Brayno was replaced by Reg who bowled well once more finding some movement and hitting good areas. The fielding was again excellent and as Griff continued to shuffle the pack in the heat, the score ticked over but the wickets began to come. Dan removed the dangerous Strong before Reg bowled Lea-Swain. Wilson (74) eventually played one shot too many and Spavo's catch gave Geo a second.
Sometimes what you say pre-match can come back to bite you on the bum. Tommy and Reg both stated that they'd score hundreds and Geo mocked Dan's statement that "it's tricky to catch a skier when there are no clouds". So when a skier came down out of the pure blue and bounced at his feet, there was certainly some poetic justice! He made up for it though taking a brilliant catch at short mid-wicket off Fish. Jack Yates - excellent all day - snaffled a similarly tricky one before Dan instigated another run out (right hand this week!). In the end, 236 for 8 was far better than it could have been. Bowlers toiled but Dan and Reg other took 1 for 42 from 10, Fish 1 for 52 from 10 along with star bowler Geo whose mammoth effort of 3 for 51 off 15 was fully appreciated by his team mates.
Tea...remember that? Going upstairs and sitting down to plates of sandwiches, cakes and a brew whilst the hungry spectators begin to circle, vulture-like hoping for some scraps! Seems like ages since we did that, maybe soon. After a good long spell in the shade of the changing rooms, Griff wandered out with Matt Hodges with the emphasis on positivity and ticking the score over.
Neston's attack, made up entirely of spinners, got into their work and immediately got a grip of the run rate with Stimson going at 2s for his first ten overs. Griff (19) tried to up the rate and was stumped then Reg followed quickly after. Spavo threatened to cut loose but found a fielder just as the shackles were coming off but with spinners on, Tommy could be the man? After a helmet crunchingly disappointing dismissal, his day was done. Jack Yates joined Modge and immediately he was busy with an early 4. Modge's (41 from 65) came to an end then Brayno went without troubling the scorer. Jack and Dan in and plenty to do but plenty of time with Jack intent on doing the job. A couple of 6's before he perished for an excellent run a ball 31.
The win was looking less likely but 100 off 15? Stranger things have happened. Dan, for once, got himself in and started to hit 4s and Fishy did the same. They added 40 until Fish went caught for a spritely 23. Dan was joined by young Freddie Ogilby in whom he had complete faith; Fred wasn't getting out. With singles tricky and the field to Fred looking more like a huddle after a wicket, Dan kept going but fell for 40 looking for an angle to get a single. Geo and Fred saw the draw through with Rickman (4 for 39) the pick of the prawns bowlers.
Maybe we're better batting first?! Top effort in the first half though and plenty of points to improve on with a double header weekend as Hyde visit Sunday.

MotM - Dan for steady bowling and a fine knock.
DotD - Matty Brayne for hurdling training at fine leg and dubious sight screen lining up skills.