Napton CC v Rugby CC

Far from enjoying cricket on a balmy summer afternoon, this game was played in a cold, strong north-easterly that continually removed the numbers off the scoreboard.

Captain Sam won the toss and opted for Napton to bat first.

Napton lost a wicket without registering a score and a second dismissal not long after.
17-2 after 8 overs.
No.4 Nick joined remaining opener Sam in the centre and this pair added a respectable 58 run partnership before Nick returned to the pavilion.
Only Ed got into double-digits after that.
Napton didn’t complete their allocated 40 overs.
120-10 after 38.1 overs.
Nick Brown 35 runs 7 boundaries
Sam Sensecall 24 runs 3 boundaries
Ed Shillitoe 14 runs 2 boundaries
21 extras

With just 3 runs per over (plus 1) required, Rugby set about their task with determination, doubling the requirement in the first 3 overs.
In the 5th over Stuart found an edge and the looping ball was taken by Mike at gully.
In the 11th Stuart bowled the remaining opener.
39-2 after 11 overs.
At this point the visitors run-rate had been cut back to not much more than the requirement.

In the 14th, Mike tempted the batsman into a boundary slog. Ed running in from fine-leg took a great catch.
Mike then returned the compliment by taking another catch at gully off Ed’s bowling.
73-5 after 21 overs.
Ed bowled another and a catch by Nick gave Sam a wicket, but Rugby scored above the required run-rate and overtook Napton’s total with plenty of overs to spare.
123-6 after 27.2 overs
Wicket takers:
Stuart Alsop 8 overs 1 maiden 2-16
Ed Shillitoe 4 overs 2-27
Sam Sensecall 2 overs 1-22
Mike Eadon 8 overs 1-27

A disappointing result. Will Napton get its mojo back soon?