Welcome victory for the first XI

With The Mote sitting at the bottom of the league after two games, it was time to put in a performance worthy of the team they have on paper. Surprisingly captain Alex Fordham lost the toss (3 out 3) and Gore Court chose to bat first on what looked like a flat wicket and quick outfield. Fordham was not downhearted as midweek rain meant there may be a bit of moisture in the wicket. This didn’t look to be the case as the first 2 balls of the match disappeared rapidly to the boundary off the bowling of the usually misally Glen Aukett. Former pro Chris Piesley was at the crease for GC and looking to be aggressive alongside Paul Clinton. Young Ollie Hills came down the hill and was also taken for a few runs in his opening over. 16-0 after two overs and things didn’t look too rosy for The Mote! The tide was soon to turn as Matt White took a sharp chance at slip off Aukett to dismiss Clinton and Fatouros a tumbling a catch at mid off to dismiss the dangerous Piesley off the bowling of Hills. 29-2 became 31-3 when Christian Marsh was bowled by Hills and The Mote were on the front foot sniffing a positive result. Steve Marsh came to the crease and edged a few boundaries through the gully region before he too fell to Hills, caught by keeper Fordham, a few balls after being dropped at slip. The number 3 was still at the crease but was only playing out maiden after maiden off Aukett who ended his 10 over stint only conceding 17 runs. The middle overs were dominated by spin and GC lost regular wickets to eventually limp to 86 all out with Hills picking up 4 wickets, Tom Harvey 2, Will Thirkell 2, Aukett 1 and Matt White 1.

Harvey and White opened up chasing down the low total which are never easy but they both looked to play with their natural freedom, Harvey especially putting away anything loose from Hussain down the hill. The Mote were to lose only 2 wickets chasing down the target with Harvey and Fatouros both out to extravagant shots trying to end the game sooner than the eventual finish time of 16:30! A job well done and The Mote boys headed back to the club to watch the 2’s claim a fantastic victory against Gravesend.

The Mote host Whitstable next week with both teams showing promising signs but sitting in the bottom half of the league. 12 noon start.