Merrow RobbEd

After the minor disappointment of the Presidents' day result, we bounced back in some style last Sunday, defeating Merrow by 10wkts. In the last two seasons, we had enjoyed very close games against them including last year's thriller when they lost 5 wkts in 7 balls at the end but hung on for the draw. This time we were on top from the moment I won the toss and invited the m to bat.

With Matt H. out for several weeks resting his shin splints, Ashley took the new ball with Alex and once again we managed to strangle the opposition scoring. Between them they conceded just 20 runs from the first 15 overs during which time Alex had their skipper caught behind, then bowled the No.3. beaten for pace. Ash failed to pick up a wicket but beat the bat several times and kept it very tight. The visitors never picked up the momentum and were unable to score above 3 an over as first Edgar and I, then Jerry and Toby operating in tandem continued to frustrate the batsmen. The fielding was exceptional with Alex (twice) and Mike Pearmain taking superb catches in the deep. Jerry W. stole the show mopping up the tail to secure his first 5 wicket haul in a home match, as Merrow were all out for 152. Bowling figs. were Alex C. 8-4-9-2, Ashley W. 7-4-11-0, Edgar F. 9-2-35-0, Jerry W. 9.3-0-17-6, Toby C. 10-2-44-1, and myself 9-4-23-1.

After tea we started with our first choice opening pair Edgar and Rob S. but for the first time this season had our best batting line up on parade with Jerry W., Alex, Ashley, Mike P., Nick W., Jerry S. , etc.. all raring to go. As it happened they were not needed. Edgar made a solid 49 n.o. whilst Rob S. destroyed the bowling with a superb 89 n.o. We reached our target off 26.5 overs having delivered 51overs to them. A thoroughly good days work.