Pink Mackerel skies on Thursday evening were a poignant reminder that there is always a “bigger Fish”….

Wargrave were at their predatory best. Jonny won the toss and elected to field. The toss didn’t matter we were always going to be chasing. After 6 overs Wargrave were at 27 runs and at 14 overs only 70 for 2 after openers (25 and 25) tried to accelerate but couldn’t. Pressure bowling from Aadith caused the opportunity for a slow mo stumping from Oli G and a skier to Jonny who leapt like a leaping salmon to take a great outfield catch. Charlie was getting good pace and showing great swing with the new ball. I heard comments from a worried Wargrave dug out to get a move on and “we need more runs”. Mani caught a sharp pull shot off Rohan and a great recovery run out from Oli Todd reduced Wargrave to 121 for 4 off 20.(23 runs less than our home fixture the month before).

Louis Banks economy at the death was very useful. This was a good performance and I love the fact we are fighting hard against the Apex clubs but too many extras (25) is too many. I was delighted to see Tejas and Arjan working hard in the field and I am excited about them bowling soon. So. 122 to win.

Rohan again showed the “limpet” like qualities and gritty determination we need to see off the strike bowlers and at 11 for 1 off 6 We had protected our wickets and were in an ok position to accelerate faster than a Tarpon stripping line from a reel. But as we tried, we lost our big fish in the middle order and the run rate dried to trickle. We had let them off the hook. Both Oli’s hung around and valued their wickets as Wargrave’s grip on the game tightened. There bowling was too tight and we could not punish the bad balls enough. Mani came out to join friend and debutant Tejas for the last over. The funniest moment was Tejas trying to give Mani the strike at the end only to hit a sublime 2 and steal the strike straight back. We ended up 59 runs short but can really say you didn’t leave much out there. Sorry Noah for no bowl or bat. But you are important part of team and doing really well.

The Wargrave Manager Venu said “it was a pleasure to have you and your team at Wargrave and the best mannered team we have played. Really impressed with your bowling and field. Skipper was amazing the way he set the field?”

So well done skipper but you can only do that with a great team. ???

Si