3s Hand Win to Messingham

The 3s hosted Messingham 2nd XI at the Barracks, who won the toss and decided to bat first.

It was a very steady start as accurate bowling from Charlie, Picko and Kafait restricted the run rate whilst Kafait chipped away at the top order to claim four wickets. Messingham were 56-4 at the halfway stage. After Ben Fisher had a spell it was the spin duo of Brett and McCready who took over and carried on the tight bowling.
Brett took two wickets to leave the score 76-6. A frustrating seventh wicket stand then took Messingham to 106 before McCready took a very well deserved wicket. Overs were running out to claim all of the wickets to set up the possibility of full points from a potential successful run chase. A run out and a wicket for Prendergast left the number 11 with two balls to survive, which he did, to finish the innings 118-9 from the 45 overs.
A very good bowling display but vital not to get complacent with a seemingly small chase to come.

The run chase began successfully with Beggers and Prendergast being watchful against the new ball (18-0 off 10 overs) whilst picking off the loose deliveries to progress to three an over at 45-0 off 15 overs at the first drinks break. The break unfortunately brought the first wicket as Prendergast fell for 15. Following this, the chase went downhill rapidly - quicker than anyone did at this year's Winter Olympics!
A mix of accurate bowling, poor batting and maybe a couple of decisions meant the 3s ended 101 all out and 18 runs short of the total required for victory. Beggers (36) and Picko (25) made the only meaningful contributions as the other eight batsmen failed to reach double figures (extras being next highest with eight!)

So after a very promising first half, only four disappointing points were taken at the end of the game. For the time being the 3s are still second in the league with a couple of teams very close behind having played the same number of games. Others have games in hand so the short trip to Nettleham next time is vital in regaining some momentum.

Report by Matt Brett