The thirds arrived at Ropley on a un-forecasted grey, overcast day hoping to continue their good run and make it 4 win out of 5.
There were a few changes from last time out with Adam coming in and Kris returning after a bout of food poisoning. However, a diet of no food, little sleep, and loads of Guiness were, we were told, enough to get things back on track.
Dan won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first on a decent-looking strip. A target of at least 200 was set and Jeff and Dan set about opening things up. After a few crips boundaries Jeff managed to repeat his dismissal in the home game against Ropley and played on. The ball barely had the energy to reluctantly dislodge a bail but, in slow motion, the bail fell and Jeff was on his way. Kris came out to join Dan and played the anchor role well, allowing Dan to peel off some boundaries before being bowled for a decent 38. Kal joined Kris but was soon on his way, caught behind off a rising delivery. Kris was his usual stoic self, whilst the newly-arrived Benjamin ticked things over with a run-a-ball 15 before departing in the same manner as Kal.
Kris was soon to depart, caught at point for 24. This allowed Steve and Lil to form a good partnership with Lil hitting some lovely shots in an entertaining 26. Adam came in to steady the ship somewhat but kept Steve company for a useful 9 before departing and Steve not long after. The innings felt a little short with 3 overs to go but the Bird Brothers added some momentum to get us to 182. Decent, defendable, but a little short of where we wanted to be.
Enter the Birds
Quick wickets were always going to be important with the pitch still playing well, though our bowling line up was once again excellent and would give Dan plenty of options if needed.
George and Harrison have been an excellent opening pair this season and, true to form, they delivered a superb spell of bowling, George getting bragging rights over his brother with 4 wickets; 3 clean bowled and 1 caught behind by Steve. The Ropley number 2 was proving stoic, however, and played an excellent innings with not a false shot amongst it. Just on the stroke of drinks another of our excellent youngsters Zac induced a play-on and the fifth wicket fell at a great time.
A quick chat before the second set of overs got underway with Dan emphasising that we had Ropley just where we wanted them and, with the opening batsman gone, we needed to continue to bowl good lines, attack the stumps, and we’d have an excellent chance of taking all ten.
Aside from a few lusty shots from the lower order, wickets continued to tumble as Lil grabbed 2, Zac picked up a second, and Kal nipped in with one, Ropley bowled out for just 92 in 28.4 overs.
Another win and a piece of history
The win made it 4 from the last 5 and 8 in the season which is the best return in the 3’s history. The team is settled, playing well and with good spirit, and we continue to see the development of some very fine young players who join the other youngsters contributing to all three teams.
Next up a tough game against Binstead before the season closer away at Hook. Whichever way the season ends, the 3’s should be proud.