2s Stroll to 5th Straight Win

The 2s looked to keep their 100% record going with a home game against our local friends Northampton Exiles. Having won our previous 4 batting first it was no surprise the opposition captain wanted to put us in the field after calling correctly at the toss.

Young Tristan Barton-Allen was the senior opening bowler this week and he bowled 7 overs straight through, collecting 3 wickets for just 24 runs, 2 clean bowled and one a fine catch in the slips by one Neil Watts! Tommy Spratling opened with him up the other end and bowled beautifully with a tight line to concede just 14 off his 7. An opening partnership with a combined age of just 34 keeping the score at 42-3 off 14.

Eddie Cox came on to replace Tristan and picked up a quick wicket before vice skipper Ben Hammond came on at 2nd change and bowled a fine spell (3-36). The visitors struggled getting us away and lost regular wickets throughout, though their opener put up a good fight lasting 30 overs - scoring 30 before being removed by the off spin of Sameer Patel. Eddie came back for a second spell and took the final two wicket to finish with figures of 3-36 and we went for tea requiring 110 in the second innings. A great fielding performance despite having 5 changes to the team from the week before due to half term holidays.

Milton D'Costa and Euan Ferguson got us underway and off to a flyer, taking 30 off the first 6 before Milton was done by a shin high half tracker that hit him plumb in front. He did a good job for the team and departed for a brisk 21, easing any nerves the other batsmen may have had.

Euan followed soon after for 13 (he's still yet to be dismissed for single digits this season) which bought Chintan Mehta and Sameer to the crease who guided us home unscathed. We hit the winning runs off the 25th over with Sameer 38 no and Chintan 22 no. A convincing win and we look forward to another local Derby against Cockfosters away next week.

Man of the Match: Tristan Barton-Allen