The Third XI travelled to Staplehurst looking to bounce back from a close defeat to Blackheath Wanderers the week before.

Upon arrival the wicket was a little green but there was a split between the senior player’s weather to bat or bowl first. Winning the toss, I decide to bat. Unfortunately, a poor start did not help as we found ourselves 14-3 (again!). Nick Stroudley was the mainstay and scored a superb 82, there was a few small contributions from the lower order including Joe Russell who hit 4,6,4 in consecutive balls but only has 7 in the scorebook… We ended our innings 171 all out.

Going out to bowl, we knew we had a score to defend but knew we would have to bowl well and take our chances. The opening bowlers bowled well without luck and anything over pitch or short was punished; a few missed half chances and Staplehurst went into drinks 93-0. A consolation wicket for S.Hume just after drinks was the best it got for Bexley as Staplehurst chased the score one down in the 37th over.

Overall a rather disappointing day, coming away with only one point. In hindsight I shall bowl first!

George Lush