2nd XI vs Blidworth Colliery Welfare CC

Once again, Darren Edwards won the toss and this time elected to field first. We started ok with Simon Dean (8 overs, 1-34) and Darren (7 overs, 1-22) opening the bowling. 'Spin twins' Chris Ward (aka the poor Jack Leach) and Tim Beer both bowled excellent spells as they entered the attack at first change. Chris finished with 2-31 off 8 overs and Tim with excellent figures of 2-22 also off of 8 overs. Next, it was David Freeman (1.3 overs, 2-2) and Tom Paintain's (2 overs, 1-1) turn. They both bowled great at the end of the innings and claimed Blidworth's final three wickets between them. Our excellent tight bowling & superb catching meant Blidworth could never get going; they finished all out on 112 runs off 34.3 overs. Callum Edwards kept wicket well, taking two catches behind the stumps; Charlie Shelton was, as always, sharp in the field and also took a couple of catches; the returning Finlay Allison and returning from injury Tim Beer took one a piece. As the cliche goes 'catches win matches' and you'd fancy your chances... but, cricket is a funny game.

Unfortunately and frustratingly, we didn't apply ourselves as a batting unit and failed to meet the required target of 113. Chris Ward (41*) batted very well and would definitely have won the match for us if someone had been able to stay at the crease with him. Dave Taylor (16) and John Shaw (14) were the only other two to get into double figures and batted ok. At 33 overs, we lost our final wicket to end 99 all out and lost by 13 runs.

Next weekend, the 2nd XI hope to turn things around and get back to the winning ways as to which they started the season as they travel away to Sherwood Colliery CC.