1st XI vs Fives and Heronians CC, 1st XI

The final home game of the season for the 1's against Fives & Heronians saw a four wicket defeat. Despite that though, there were a few encouraging signs as the team took to the field with FIVE players aged 17 or under.

Graham lost the toss and was put in to bat. Losing the first two wickets inside four overs was symptomatic of our batting this season with thoughts of another below par performance to come. It was nine overs later that the third wicket fell with the score on 51 after some steady batting between Jackpot and Ron. They both fell within three overs to leave the score on 54-4 and the threat of the usual collapse emerged. There was nothing spectacular about our batting as we were bowled out for 124 in the 32nd over, not even managing to get any batting points.

We got off to a flier bowling as Horse took a wicket in the first over. Fives then built a 50 partnership before the rain set in and tea was taken (due to our early finish in the batting, tea was served later). Upon resumption, the returning Chadders (who had been bowling well pre-rainstorm), took three wickets including the opposing skipper who looked like he was going to win the game on his own. A wicket for Arnie plus one for debutant Des (as in "Desperate") Dan Green (who bowled really well) took the game further than the visitors expected, and they reached their target in the 33rd over with the help of Essex 1st team regular Jamie Porter who finished off the game with two boundaries.

There didn't seem to be the usual look of despondency in the team during the match. There was also a lot more encouraging of each other in this game, something that has been sadly lacking over the last few weeks. With one game to go (away to Belhus), it is onwards and upwards we should be looking.