As widely predicted, the first Saturday of the new cricket season was a washout. After the driest, sunniest (and coldest) April on record, it was fitting the first round of games would be wrecked by a deluge.
So, the only game we got, was a friendly yesterday versus West London CC. It was the case of another friendly, another defeat, with some positives coming from an eclectic team.
There were good knocks for first teamers Will Cheyney (56) Alex Brundle (47) and Matt Burrell (33). Clive Welsman bowled well again and AB and Will Cheyney also picked up wickets late on. There were also wickets for Savindu Sapumanage and Alan Howarth.
50 Up: Will Cheyney completed his second half-century of the season
Otherwise, the fielding was weak in the face of aggressive batting that offered plenty of chances. At least eight catches went down in a chaotic display, which is not as concerning as it sounds because it wasn’t a full first team. However, if we can’t take catches, we won’t win matches at any level.
Overall, it wasn’t a particularly fun afternoon in the cloud and rain that eventually arrived, and we can only hope better weather lies in wait. A balmy Sunday evening looking out over the ground and taking in a cool beer, is part of what we are about as a club.
We have yet to experience that in 2021 and it is beginning to annoy me…on we must travel.