2nd XI match report vs Wherwell
The 2s travelled to meet Wherwell for the first league match after the previous weeks' cancellation.
The Os fielded a strong 2s side, with the late inclusion of Sean Merriman, after Liam Matthews' withdrawal.
Winning the toss and electing to field, a buoyant 2s side took to the field. After the pre match pitch inspection and the weeks of rain we thought the pitch would offer plenty for the bowlers. It wasn't long before we realised this was not the case, and a strong newly relegated Wherwell side went about dismantling our bowling attack.
Dave, Becky, Ollie and Matt all toiled away without success. It was up to the experience of Ed who managed to break the opening partnership with a change of pace. Ed soon struck again, both wickets very tidily stumped by Dan.
Elliott came into the attack and showed some decent wheels. It wasn't long before he picked up another 2 wickets. Great to see the big man with ball in hand.
Unfortunately by this stage the oppo has amassed a score of 263 for 4, with more to come.
Ollie's second spell was a good one picking up another 2 wickets, but a 25 ball 55 from the oppo keeper saw Wherwell posting an imposing 320 for 6.
Wherwell bowled some very tidy areas and scoring for the O's was tough. James and Liam were soon back in the pavilion. Dan joined Ed who had made a solid start and the pair put on 64 before Ed was bowled.
Dan was joined by Elliott and the pair batted brilliantly together. One could sense the tension building in oppo camp as the scoreboard kept moving. After just shy of a 100 partnership Elliott was bowled for a fine 40 of 46 balls.
Dan was next to go, not long after Elliott. Dan played a great knock in difficult conditions, and really took the match to the oppo. 87 run of just 72 balls with 8 fours and 4 cleanly struck 6s.
The skipper fell next ball, playing around a straight one. Matt Hall and Henry occupied the crease adding some valuable runs to edge us closer to the batting point total of 225, which Ollie and Becky ensured was achieved. Ollie playing some lovely strokes through cover.
Some very positive performances within the 88 run loss for the 2s, some lessons learnt for the new skipper and a reminder that we were promoted last season into a higher league and we are going to have to work very hard to make our mark in this league. We certainly have the squad to do it.
