We arrived at Old Bradwell and found what appeared to be a good batting wicket. Sadly Richard lost the toss, and to our great surprise we were asked to bat first. Colin and Nick opened up and in 9 overs the scored reached 42, before Nick got one that he mistimed to mid on and got caught.
Anton came in and he and Colin put on 36 for 2nd wicket, before Anton mishit a full delivery straight to extra cover. Richard can in a number 4 and again set about the bowling and another partnership grew, but once it reached 44, Richard flicked a ball back onto his stumps. Shaun Fox went out and second ball got a great ball and was out, David Rosier (visiting reserve), went in and soon Colin was next out caught at point, not for the first time this season.
Robert Hatcher was not quite ready so Stuart Burke went in and slowly at first and then with increasing speed he and David put on 54 for 5th wicket, David was out first, and then Boris finally got out playing too early to a slower ball.
Eventually the lower order worked hard and got Shelley up to 189 for 9 in 43 over. Colin Wayman top scored with 47 and Stuart Burke made 33, both in their first game back Colin from his holiday and Stuart after three weeks of with mumps. This looked to be a good score as the pitch had been producing variable bounce, and was not that easy to score off.
After Tea Shenley started up with Jay and Richard, and soon became clear that Old Bradwell's batsmen would be going for anything that full and straight. Gosai and Downard set off at a quick pace with several aerial shot straight. Gosai was dropped by Shaun Fox, which was a difficult chance over his head at extra cover.
The first wicket eventually came to when one of Old Bradwell batmen took one too many liberties with the fielders, by hitting the ball straight to Richard and running, he sent in an excellent throw and David did the rest. The next batsman for Old Bradwell managed to go the same way by taking on Colin arm only to come up short of the crease, without facing.
In the closing overs both Anton and Jay got LBW decisions, but this was not enough as the Old Bradwell batsmen put away anything short or too full, reaching the 190 they needed with about ten overs to spare. A lovely day was ruined by having to spend lots of time chasing leather, and searching the undergrowth for cricket balls.
Pitch Condition: Hard, dusty, outfield quick.
Team: Richard Fletcher (c), Colin Wayman, Nick Rogers, Anton De Beer, Stuart Burke, Dave Rosier, Shaun Fox, Rob Hatcher, Simon Sidwell, Jay Fletcher.
Report by Stuart Burke