By Will Hopson-Hill (skipper)

The first game against the Gents saw an encouraging performance from a Fallopians XI who came close to beating the Gents, only to ultimately lose by 4 wickets. However, given the team included 6 debutants there was no shame in this and with each game the form of each of us will surely only improve!

A brief match summary: (db means debutant)

After losing the toss and being put into bat a surface with variable bounce, the Fallopians suffered an early setback with the surprising loss of Rafe Smallman for a third ball duck, playing on. Debutant Sam Shahid ensured the runs flowed early on with some lusty blows, but once he was caught at cover after fellow db Pete Joy departed, also playing on, the Fallopians were stuttering on around 30 for 3.

However, Dan Linde (db) strode out to the crease to join the skipper and played the dominant role in a strong partnership of 70-odd runs, displaying great hand-eye coordination to crunch stroke after stroke to the boundary. Once the drinks break came with the Fallopians on around 110 for 4, the Fallopians suffered a mini-collapse once again and were 135 for 7 when Steve Hamilton joined the captain at the wicket.

Hamilton languidly pushed a slightly over pitched leg break over long on for 6 and this finally spurred the captain into finding the middle of his bat. Once he departed for 65 though, the end quickly came for the addition of no more runs and the OFs were all out for 185. Not a bad total considering the start and certainly defendable, but it seemed to be 20 or 30 runs shy of a good score.

(The Smallmans and co. very kindly provided a delicious tea at this point which amongst other things included many scones, jam and thick cream!)

A terrific opening spell of accurate, threatening pace bowling from Pete Joy (5 overs, 4 maidens, 2 for 1 - he ended with 7 overs, 6 maidens, 2 for 1!) and some notable support from Tim Castle, John Shaw and Andy Crawford (db) had the Gents stuttering at 80-odd for 4.

Also, Will Ellis played a huge role in minimising the extras conceded after kindly stepping in to keep wicket at the last minute. He kept beautifully and the extras comparison between the sides is testament to this; The Gents conceded 50, the OFs just 10, almost all in wides.

However, their number 6 batsman played a very solid, steadying knock which blew the wind from the Fallopians' sails and despite a fantastic effort from David Blackmore (db) who bowled delightfully flighted off spin up the hill for the concession of very few runs and took 2 wickets, we were just a little short at the end and the Gents reached their target of 186 for 6.

It was a very enjoyable game though played in good spirit and beautiful conditions.

 

High flyer: Pete Joy deals with the rising ball                                                         Photo: Tim Castle