On a cold, damp day which was made worse by intermittent heavy showers Napton took to the field for their first match of the 2016 season.
Captain Sam had won the toss and could have sent the visitors out into the inclement weather first in the hope that the much expected abandonment of the game would have left Napton reasonably dry and warm in the pavilion watching the visitors shiver.

Even on the very slippery surface Napton bowled and fielded well.
Nicely taken catches by Mike(N), Tom, George, JP and a slip-catch by Chris supported the bowlers in taking 9 of the visitors wickets in their allocated 40 overs.
8 of those wickets were taken for 56 runs.
Unfortunately for Napton one of the visitors scored a century and a half.
Dunchurch ended on 206-9
Rob Pelter 4 overs 1 Maiden 2-15
Mike Eadon 8 overs 2 Maidens 2-20
George Bostock 3 overs 2-26
Sam Sensecall 7 overs 2 Maidens 1-30
Chris Gooderham 8 overs 1 Maiden 1-34
John P Eadon 8 overs 1 Maiden 1-50

Napton took to the task of overturning the target in ever-fading light.
It proved to be just out of reach in the circumstances.
Besides Mike(E) carrying his bat with 82 Not Out and James and Joe attacking the bowling Napton ended on 175-4.
Mike's batting performance was perhaps due to him taking notice of the TV advertisement 'Should have gone to Specsavers'.
Mike Eadon 82 Not Out 9 boundaries inc. 1 six.
James Cooke 38 runs 4 boundaries inc. 1 six.
Joe Alsop 27 runs 3 boundaries inc. 1 six

Sam made the comment:
“Excellent performance in a loosing cause …...., I foresee great triumphs
in the coming months.”

As usual, an excellent traditional cricket tea was served up.
We also arranged for stew and chips at the Victory Club following the game.