CONSECUTIVE WINS FOR THE 4S AND LOCAL PRIDE

With captain Taylor away at the football Ellis once again was handed the reins and our first home match of the season was upon us.

It was derby time with a game against Old Owens who had a similar record so we knew a tough day was ahead. Pre match concerns about our lack of bowling options were compounded when Scotty who bowled exceptionally last week was unable to make the game at the last minute so we took to the field first with 10 and only 2 regular bowlers hoping to strike early. This was realised when Jack Phillips clean bowled there opener in the first over and removed their number 3 a few overs later in similar fashion. At the other end debutant colt Sam Goodman overcame his initial nerves to bowl a good tight spell with the new ball.

Luke Short came into the attack and bowled well and with a great ball removed there captain and Ellis came on at the other end and got a wicket in his first over with short taking a good catch. With the oppo 54-4 we were well on top but some counterattacking play by there middle order made us reorganise and a devious plan was set to remove there gun batsman. Andy Silvey came on for Short and a field set for the trap and it came to fruition when the batsmen was forced with trying to play through the off side and got a big edge that Helmet snagged after showing off his juggling skills.

Five down quickly turned to 6 as Ellis took a sharp return catch and we were into the tail. Young Max Hall was next into the attack and bowled well to get 2 quick wickets and Sam Goodman was rewarded for his efforts with the last wicket to fall as Jack Phillips took a good catch at slip. A fantastic fielding performance with 10 men with no dropped catches and special mentions to Phil Root and Lewis Taylor who prevented a bigger score being accrued. Old Owens all out for 133.

After a good tea Helmet and Sanjay strolled out to the middle knowing if we batted our overs the game was in the bag. Batting sensibly initially they were soon both back in the hutch with Helmet missing a full one LBW and Sanjay cleaned up. This brought Jack and Sam out to the middle and took us past 50 with some sensible batting before they both also fell with easy catches given away. Luke short was next in and played very well putting away the bad ball and anchoring the middle order but unfortunately his next 2 partners max hall and Phil Root both fell for ducks so it was up to Lewis Taylor to play his best innings so far this year to stay in and support Luke.

With 20 runs needed for victory disaster struck as short was bowled by one that kept low and Ellis came to the crease needing to keep his head for a change!! Some good running and sensible batting thankfully saw us home with 4 overs to spare for a well deserved win. A good performance from all involved against a friendly opposition and another 30 points in the bag. Onwards to Datchworth next week...