First and foremost, it was great to see two young players, Dan Fotheringham and Jack Birch, on debut for the 1st XI. Well done and thank you for turning out.

On to the game... We lost the toss, Mansfield elected to bat first and they started steadily. Zak Berridge (6 overs, 2-23) got the crucial breakthrough as the middle stump was sent cartwheeling! We were underway... From the other end, Ben Perkins (8 overs, 1-14) clean bowled their other opener, putting Mansfield two down with 29 runs on the board after the first 10 overs.
Simon Dean then entered the attack and sent the host's middle order packing with a spell of 3-23 off 5 overs. Today's 3-fer took Simon to 20 1st XI wickets this season - his best 1st XI, Division 1 haul at the young age of 52. Great effort!
A special moment arose when debutant, Dan Fotheringham, came on for his first 1st XI bowl. He ran in, bowled a lovely, full ball with a bit of away swing to the left hander, who chipped it straight to cover! A fantastic start to a hopefully long CPCC career! Dan went on to pick up another to finish with figures of 2-23 off his 5 over spell. Mansfield then fought back well, going from 66 to 148, as the 8th wicket partnership put on 81 runs. Jack Birch (3 overs, 0-29) and Jasper Dennison (4 overs, 0-20) plugged away but were without luck. Skipper, Mark Dean (3.5 overs, 2-13), came on at the end and picked up the final two (one of which was a great, low slip catch from Dave Taylor), as Mansfield closed on a competitive 148 all out from 34.5 overs.

In reply, we decided to open with Chris Mather and Dave Taylor. Chris smashed the ball to all parts of the park as he raced to a half century from just 25 balls, sending shockwaves through the streets of Mansfield! In no time at all, Chris and DT had put on 93 before Chris fell for a 40 ball 70. What an entertaining knock! James Davies replaced him at the crease, accumulating a quick 13, followed by Matt Lyon with 11.
Ben Perkins (7*) hit the winning runs, whilst DT stood firm throughout for a composed 36*, as we secured a 7 wicket win with 16 overs to spare!

Thanks to our amazing travelling support and all the players who have contributed and played this season. The whole club - 1st XI, 2nd XI, Sunday XI and Junior Section - can be proud of their achievements this season.
2022 is already looking exciting... Up The Park!