5s record 9 wicket win

Stand in skipper Mike Dixon lost the toss and the hosts elected to bat. Abdur (1-37) and Harry Turner (1-17) took the new ball, but the H & M openers came out all guns blazing, attacking the cover boundary from Abdur. Harry got the initial breakthrough as a batsman skied a catch to Ben Bleksley at mid on. Abdur bowled the number 3 with a ball that nipped back in and we were on top, however the remaining opener and the number 4 continued to go hard at everything, particularly targeting mid on and mid wicket now. Both players brought up 50s and as the weather warmed up we were looking at a long second half of the innings in the field, however Oscar Hart 92-45) produced 2 fantastic deliveries to remove both players in fairly quick succession. Oscar could have had a 3rd but his cousin Sam failed to hold onto the chance. Joshua Kearns (3-16), playing his first 5th XI game, and Mike Dixon (2-19) bowled well at the end as we dragged our opponents right back. Joshua’s wickets included a stunning catch on the boundary by Harry Turner. The other wicket to fall was a very young player who was run out by a combination of Stephen Course and Mike Dixon.

For the 2nd week running it was Nathan Harris and Stephen Course opening the innings, with both looking for more success this week. Unfortunately Nathan once again departed bowled fairly early on having dragged on to his stumps, and Sam Hart moved up to the number 3 slot to join Coursey. The H & M bowlers struggled to find their length, particularly with one of the better bowlers departing early, allowing Sam and Coursey to build quickly without having to worry about run rates etc. The hosts were run ragged in the field, and Sam found the boundary very regularly, bringing up his 50 in no time. Coursey followed behind and both players proceeded to still be at the crease as we knocked the winnings runs off- Sam finishing on 83 and Coursey 68, both helping their averages in the process.

All in all a great day out, and a very impressive showing from a young side. Next week we are back in league action as we make the short journey to Bexley Park.

Stephen Course