Poor against Laportes

The 3s traveled to Clee Town Laportes in a game where a win would come very handy against opposition who were also down near the bottom of the table. The toss was won and, despite the wonderful weather screaming 'bat first', the pitch seemed a bit soft with possible variable bounce so the decision was to field first and see what the pitch would do.

Ted and Sophie opened and indeed the pitch offered plenty of assistance with variable bounce. Ted had a few shooting low and Sophie took an early wicket with one which bounced off a length within the consistent spell of 1-10 from seven overs. Despite a few chances evading the fielders, the score was 38-1 off 14 when both had finished their spells. Glyn and Matt Picko came next and two wickets followed to make the score 49-3; one was a suicidal run-out and the other LBW to Picko. The fourth wicket partnership frustrated proceedings with the pitch now beginning to look a bit flatter, and started to take the game away from the 3s as it was 104 in 30th over before another wicket was taken. Picko again as the batsman picked out Sophie at square leg. Next up Zac won his battle with the number four who found Max at long-on having just hit a four just wide of Max the ball before. A collapse followed as Zac went on to claim three more wickets and Kafait joined in to take two wickets as well. Clee Town went from 104-3 to 127 all out. Zac ended with 4-33.

Despite the possible variable bounce in the wicket the score of 127 seemed well in reach with a very deep and capable batting lineup. Care and attention were required to work through to the target against what ended up being ultimately a full spin attack after five overs of early seam. Unfortunately the innings never got going. Adam went in the second over and then Picko fell with the score 21-2. Some small partnerships were formed but the constant fall of wickets meant the 3s were bowled out for 91 and only Kafait, Ted and Glyn reached double figures. A disappointing run chase where, on many occasions, the batsmen found ways to get themselves out with some poor shot selections.

The 3s remain outside of the relegation zone and in a reasonable position but opportunities like this one need to be taken in future to consolidate a place in Division 3. Next week is a trip to Holton Le Clay, a team in form and now occupying second in the league.

Matt Brett