4's OFF TO A FLIER IN TENSE FINISH

A new season begins and after new players recruited and good winter nets the 4's went into the game optimistic for the season.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first we got off to a perfect start as OAs opener who topped the batting average charts last year went first ball. With some swing in the air opening bowlers Ellis and Brissenden produced an excellent spell and after 12 overs the oppo were 20-3 with Ellis taking all 3.

With bowling changes made we continued to be misery with Sharma bowling superbly only conceding 8 runs off his 8 overs and the Bolt brothers and Pedishetty taking a wicket each with good pace. We restricted Old Albanians to 125/6 from there 40 overs with the best bowling and fielding display the writer has ever seen in the 4th team.

After tea, openers Mansfield and Thangiah strode out looking to be cautious early on and started well before a poor run out sent Sanj back to the pavilion and after playing some lovely shots for his 15 Chris was also on his way after another terrible run out.

Scott de le Fuente was next in and was bowled early on and we were in a little bit of trouble at 36-3 but some good play between Adam Bolt and Ajay saw us steady the ship. After smashing a lovely 4 Adam was out and Chandra soon followed him but Ajay was playing nicely and keeping the score moving along. Alex Bolt was next in a bludgeoned the ball to all parts taking on their good young spinner but then got clean bowled by OAs spinner first ball and Ajay soon followed for a well made 48.

We didn't worry though as Mr Reliable, Sanjay Sharma was next in. One over (commentators curse) later he was out and we still needed 20 with only 2 wickets in hand. Captain Ellis joined young colt Sean Lovell in the middle and they picked up a few before Lovell was clean bowled with 15 still required. 1 wicket in hand and Tom Brissenden was next in needing to save the match after starting the season with 2 golden ducks nerves were jangling that we had thrown it away. Some good running and a 4 each saw us within 2 of victory.

The visitors brought their best bowler back on and he bowled a great quick over but Tom played it magnificently and saw him off. In the next over a thick edge through the slips saw us home and the celebrations begin. A great match to be part of with a fantastic team performance but not for the faint hearted!!