5s get season going with big win

After last week's deluge when well placed at Chiswick, the 5s got back to winning ways with a thumping victory over old rivals North London. Captain Martland amazingly won the toss on a rock hard pitch at Douglas Eyre and opted to bat first. The North London attack was, to say the least, young and erratic and whilst a big total was always possible, batters kept getting out through impatience in the first 25 overs. Bishal Bidduth (56) played beautifully in racking up his first senior fifty for the Midd, but at 164-5 with 20 overs still left, we were in danger of failing to cash in. Enter Richie Nic (86), taking advantage of a lightning-fast outfield and timing the ball beautifully on his way to a half-century. Then, with a base set, he went on the attack, moving through the gears faster than Liam O'Driscoll on his way to Dale's Pick n Mix counter. Ably supported by Charles (56) and Noman (28), we posted a serious total of 326 off our 45 overs and headed inside for chips.

After the restart, Nico Smith (4/19) gave us the perfect start, ripping out four poles and causing serious trouble when not trying to bowl the magic ball. Noman proved tricky to get away from the other end, as did Alex Godden, who somehow went wicketless despite a fantastic six over spell. Tom Francis (4/20), having been brought by his father, an absolute stalwart, also took 4, including two absolute rippers which pitched on leg and hit middle. Charles (2/6) managed to clean up the tail. We batted, bowled and fielded well as a team and look at home in this division. Exciting times.

A word on our opposition: too often these days teams don't want to enjoy a game of cricket - North London, however, are a credit to themselves and the division. A top class bunch of blokes who make the game what it is. We look forward to welcoming Howard and his team to NMCC later this season.