The first game of the season always presents many questions.
After such a satisfying season in 2017 what would this season hold?
Would commitment be good? Would traditions be upheld? What results could be expected and could we look forward to a season to be remembered, being ‘up there’ with the best.
Well, this correspondent can report that Napton Cricket Club made an excellent start to the season with a traditional cricket tea that points to Napton CC making a positive start to providing the best cricket teas on the circuit.
Delicious sandwiches and cakes. The Queen of all cakes, the Victoria sponge was so light it needed to be held down to prevent it floating away. All washed down with piping hot tea made in a pot. Luvly jubly.

Would that I could be as positive about the game; it was dire with a few individual bright spots.

Although the pitch-prep team must be commended for getting a track ready after such a wet spring, it was perhaps the ‘spongy’ surface that led to the unusual course of the game.

Captain Sam won the toss and put Dunchurch into bat.
The visitors were all-out for 51 runs in 30.5 overs.
Extras was their ‘top scorer’.
Excellent bowling figures by JP, Stuart and Joe.
Catches by Tom (2), Graham, Mike N, James.
Direct hit by Stuart for a run-out.

There was an optimism running through the home-team that the required runs could be seen off quite quickly and then to the club for an early beer.
After 11 overs and Napton at 18-4 this correspondent’s optimism had become pessimism.
However, Mike N joined remaining opener Mike E at the crease and this pair nursed Napton to victory in the 23rd over without further loss of wickets.