We are so back!
The sun was shining and the 4s, still in the premier league, made the journey over to Raphael Park to play Hornchurch Athletic 3XI. This was the opposition’s first outing since moving from the T Rippon league.
El Capitano lost the toss which carries on his tradition from last year of doing so every game. Hornchurch elected to Bowl.
When ole faithful Dave Castell got bowled on the first ball of the second over, we felt we might be in for a long day, but Max Proctor’s striking and Rich Hindley’s wall meant that Hornchurch took 22 wickets to make the next breakthrough. A horrible half-tracker that did not bounce getting Max out for a very good 48. Sadly as they say, 1 brings 2 and the very next ball Rich fell for 29.
There was a quick dash into the changing rooms as a collapse felt imminent but luckily Dylan Hodges and debutant Maran steadied the ship. The former scoring 17 and Maran finishing on 55 not out from 52, a fantastic innings at an important time.
The revelation of the day was new fours whacksman Geordie Daltrey, who swung from the hip for 17 balls scoring 30, before “walking” himself out in order to “let others have a bat”. He was shocked to find out that the lower order were in fact very happy not to bat.
In the end we managed a respectable score of 203/5.
Second innings started where pre-season had left off, with el capitano bowling some absolute rubbish and again going at more than a run a ball. Shakir O’neal aka Big Shak managed to injure himself over 3 from “trying to bowl too fast”.
The first change bowlers Jude Hearn and Max Proctor were the pick of the bunch. Both taking a wicket although Max deserved more, unfortunately the 4s and catching do not go hand in hand. We couldn’t catch a cold ….
In the end Hornchurch cruised to a 6 wicket victory. Very much a what could have been with some key wickets needed at key times. But Hornchurch were a very good side and we wish them luck for the season.
Player of the Day: Max Proctor
Village Moment of the Day: Debutant Geordie interrupting a canoodling session in the park having to retrieve the ball
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