We won the toss, and put Blidworth CWCC in to bat first. They got off to a really solid start, with thanks to their overseas pro. Zak Berridge bowled a nice opening spell, but we knew we were up against it as they reached 90-0. Well, that was until Tim Foulds got us up and running, bowling a cracking spell of 3-25. It was a big moment for us when Rich Tomlinson (1-17) dismissed the overseas pro - well done Rich! Skipper, Mark Dean, chipped in with an economical 4-22 and by this stage we’d well and truly pegged them back.
This short synopsis doesn’t tell half the story though. We had Ed Foulds standing in as keeper due to James Davies injuring his hand, but continuing to field in the outfield one handedly! Rich T then tore his calf and Simon Dean's back went! Cue the sight of Dave Taylor taking the gloves and catching one behind, allowing for Ed to bowl and take 2-13!!! And to top it all off we were brilliant in the field, with highlights of an amazing one handed grab by Tim and some great diving about by Simon Bingham & Hayden Cox, with a broken wrist, subbing for Rich! Great commitment from young and old! Blidworth CWCC finished on 197 all out, and, considering we ended up fielding with about 6 injured men and 2 one handed fielders, we thought it was a decent effort!!!

Mark and Ed opened the batting lineup, against their rapid oversees pro. They saw him off though and started to build the perfect foundation with some lovely shots, until Blidworth got their breakthrough first wicket. Mark (39) fell to a freak one handed catch, and we then started to lose wickets steadily. Despite this, at 135-4 we were still the favourites. Next thing, a big shot heading for 6 by Jimmy D was plucked out of the air, juggled and caught 6 inches inside the boundary ropes. Mike Cox went in and guess what? He also popped his calf, adding to the injury list and forcing him to retire. Throughout all this mayhem, one man stood supreme...step forward Ed Foulds. He refused to give up and kept us right in the thick of it, passing 50 and progressing to an outstanding 89 before falling near the death. 2 catches, a stumping, 2 wickets and a superb contribution with the bat makes Ed the lead player for the day by a country mile in terms of fantasy points (174) - an absolutely valiant effort!
The game ended in a fashion that was befitting of the day, with Rich and Coxy both batting with runners! CPCC finished at 173 all out from 37 overs.

If we’d have pulled off the win it would’ve been one for the ages, but we fell a bit short in the end.
Captain, Mark Dean, praises and thanks everyone for their efforts and commitment today, that’s what it’s all about. 10 points hard earned.

The 1st XI go again next week, taking on Everton at home.