In the bright summer sun the ground and surroundings looked stunning and drew many comments from the visitors.
That varied collection of volunteers who turn up for 'pitch-prep' every week are to be commended.

Harbury won the toss and elected to bat.

Opening bowlers Mike and Stuart bowled tightly thereby limiting the batting team to just 25 runs in the first 10 overs with the added benefit of dismissing one of the opening batsmen for just 8 runs.

Napton kept control of the game for the next ten overs and half-way through their allocated 40 overs Harbury were 71-3

In the third quarter the batting team settled down, and with the incredibly fast outfield they reached 136-5.

With 10 overs to go there was the possibility of at least 200 runs for Napton to chase.
However, Captain Sam had not used all of Stuart's overs in the opening session and he was brought back on to do what Stuart does best. Separate the little wooden things from the big wooden things.

Harbury did not complete their overs being all out in 36.1 overs for 162 runs.

Slick fielding, just 2 byes past Graham and a catch from Rob aided the bowlers.
Stuart Alsop 8 overs 2 maidens 4-23
Mike Eadon 6.1 overs 1 maiden 2-15
Sam Sensecall 7 overs 2 maidens 2-27
Rob Pelter 4 overs 1-30
Chris Gooderham 8 overs 1-34

During a fine traditional cricket tea the home team's discussions led to the conclusion that with the good batting line-up available the 163 target could be chased down.

It was not to be.
As was evident at Lords on that very same day, once a batting collapse starts it is hard to control.
Napton were back in the changing room after 20.2 overs --- all out for just 53 runs.

However, as resilient as ever, heads did not hang low and all eleven Napton men turned up for the post-match fines session at the Victory Club.
So, at least the fines pot benefited from the disappointing result !!