Four players made their debut for the 5th team last Saturday in what turned out to be a very close game. Bash won the toss, electing to bat on a sweltering day. Joe Edmunds (42) and Thomas Hayward Cox got us off to a great start before Thomas was bowled for 3. The skipper then came to the crease, and quickly was on his way back to the changing rooms having been castled first ball. Luckily our debutants then showed their skills, with Sam Presland (32), Mike Jewell (19), Keith Manning (38) and Jack Harris (13), followed by Julian Hood who smashed 35 no, 15 of which came off the last over, to push us over the 200 mark and full batting points.

Following the first of many of Georgie’s teas, (yes Sam Scott you were correct, they are fabulous), we set off in the field. Whiteparish however took advantage of some short bowling and got off to a flier. Their two young openers batted extremely well, playing some excellent shots, and put on over a 100 for the first wicket. Sam Shean however then tied up one end (10-0-27-3), and as happens in 5th team cricket, when one wicket falls, then follows 2 or 3. Chloe Ann Anderson (7-0-40-2) and Sam Presland (7.5-1-58-2), who had an excellent debut both challenged the batsman, and gave us an opportunity for a win. However, the calm Martin Ball (57no) steered Whiteparish home with 4 overs to spare.
Lots to build on for the coming weeks, particularly in the field. However a good game played in the right spirit.