If we lose, we lose giving it everything we have.

Yet again, apologies for the delay of the match report (No fault but my own).

Off the back of losing in a thriller the week before to Bourne, it was important that we kept the same high standards previously set and remain buoyant after a superb start to the season. Aidan Lockwood came into the side for Pierce Morley-Barnes who had a wedding to attend, although he thought it was the week after! Grant 'Flower' Watkins also came into the side replacing Dan 'Voldemort' Taylor.

Winning the toss and electing to bat was an easy decision and an excitable one as it saved me 50p in fines if i had lost it. Lockwood and the born again Lindsay got us off to a smooth start before Lindsay was caught with the score on 31. Lockwood soon followed brining the evergreen partnership of Tomlinson & Cook back together again. The pair added 68 with too much running for two men in their 30's. Cook departed after a 'Horror show' of an attempted slog sweep with the total on 106. Tomlinson brought up a fluid half century before falling soon after leaving us 124-4. With plenty of overs in the bank, 230 would be a desired target to defend but we never kicked on. TNF ambassador and employee Will Taylor managed the back end (as to say!) beautifully with 38 but others around him came and went without kicking on towards our desired target. However, chasing anything over 200 in this league is not an easy task.

Big Joe Peatman struck early with ball in hand after a smart catch at second slip from Tomlinson, however, our bowling stands this year have been impeccable and by these standards, we gave away too many boundary balls which eased the pressure we were trying to create. The dangerous Sleaford captain departed with no celebration after it was a truly awful delivery from Cook, it should of gone for 12. This brought the former Sri Lankan international player Kapugedara to the crease. We knew getting him early would be a massive stride towards victory but he showed his class and also showed every club cricketer how to play with patience and a calmness of chasing a total (An innings to learn from) Aaron came back for a second spell and took two quick wickets which gave us a glimmer of victory bowling with guts and determination but it was in vein. On a pleasing note, we never gave in and it took Sleaford until the 48th over to knock the runs off.

Usually, what is said in the changing room, stays in the changing room but i said to the lads is that nobody likes losing but if we get beat, get beat giving it all you've got. Don't lie down and don't give in, make them work for every run. For that effort, i cannot fault them. Two tight losses in a row but yet again, so many positives for a learning side.