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February 7, 2020
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Match Report: Crossbats v Bookham – 30th June 2024

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Crossbats Cricket Club based in Marblehill Park Twickenham. A friendly bunch of social cricketers of all ages and abilities - new players welcome.

🏏 Match Report: Crossbats Tourists vs D&T (27/09/2 🏏 Match Report: Crossbats Tourists vs D&T (27/09/25)

🪙 Skipper Nolan won the toss & bowled first.
🔥 Shirley led the attack (3-9 & a one-handed stunner) with support from Skinner (1-8) & Owen (2-41), as D&T were dismissed for 132 in 25 overs.

⚡ In reply, Craig (24), Tucker (23) & Shirley (18) provided key runs, but early wickets, three ducks 🦆🦆🦆 and late run outs 🏃‍♂️💥 saw Crossbats fall agonisingly short.

📊 A close contest decided in the final over – a spirited effort, but victory slipped away.
**Saturday 16th - Thrilling Encounter at Marble Hi **Saturday 16th - Thrilling Encounter at Marble Hill Park: Crossbats CC vs Clippers CC**

**First Innings: Crossbats CC’s Batting Highlights**
- 🏏 **Dan Masini** led the charge with a memorable 80 runs off 76 balls, smashing 10 fours to anchor the innings and looking impregnable until attempting the reverse ramp.
- 🏏 **Graeme Winch** a welcome return to for with a quick 37 runs off 28 balls, hitting 8 fours.
- 🏏 **Anuj Suri** blasted 38 from 25 balls, including 5 boundaries at the end.
- Crossbats CC posted a competitive total of **243/8** in 40 overs, despite some pacy bowling from Clippers.

**in the second innings Clippers CC launched at the target and at 106-0 off 15 overs Crossbats were under pressure however the team fought back to take it to the wire with Clippers chasing down the target with the last pair at the wicket, reaching **244/8** in 37 overs.
- 🏏 Notable fielding contributions from Crossbats included catches by **Graeme Winch, Anuj Suri,** and **Adam Skinner**.
- 🏏 **Samin Khan, Anuj Suri, Adam Skinner, Alan Ward-Collins, Alan Carter,** and **John Reardon** each took a wicket, fighting hard to defend the total.

**Match Result and Summary**
A match enjoyed by all played in a great spirit.

#CrossbatsCC #MarbleHillPark #crowntwickenham
🏏 Match Report: Crossbats vs Wicket Whippers 📍 Mar 🏏 Match Report: Crossbats vs Wicket Whippers
📍 Marble Hill Park | ☀️ + 🍋 drizzle fuel

Anir won the toss and chose to bat after Marble Hill House closed the loos. Early wobble: Craig bagged a 🦆, Stavin 15 flashing like it’s T20, Pradeep lbw before he’d even unpacked his kit.

Then the skipper dug in — a classy 97, robbed of his ton by the faintest edge. Dan chipped in a stylish 50, while Preet (35 incl. a monster six*) and Samin (25*), finished strong. Adam (theirs, not ours yet) grabbed a 5-fer, but we still piled up 285 — with 🍰 breaks keeping spirits high.

Second innings? Absolute carnage. Samin struck early, Guy swung it like Wasim, and Preet nipped in with 2-for. But the day belonged to Skinner — a ridiculous 5-16 that had Whippers walking back quicker than Craig’s duck. Alan, Mark & Craig closed it out bowling the wall.

✅ Crossbats win by 154 runs. Runs, wickets, drizzle cake. Job done.
Match Report – Crossbats CC 🏏🔥 Crossbats CC power Match Report – Crossbats CC 🏏🔥

Crossbats CC powered to 215 all out before dismantling the opposition London Cc for just 101 all out in a dominant all-round display.

Batting first, Justin King was pure class with 66 (67), peppering the boundary 12 times, while Andrew Snowball anchored the middle order with a composed 27, highlighted by an outrageous cover drive that had the crowd purring and was relived multiple times at the crown. Adam Skinner’s rapid 13 (11) and Zac Lott’s lively 8 (7) helped push the total past 200.

In reply, the opposition never settled. Duncan Ross was unplayable, tearing through the middle order to claim 5 wickets – his second 5️⃣-fer of his career – with perfect line, length, and venom. Justin King (2), Snowball, Skinner, and Lott chipped in as the innings collapsed to 101.

A statement win built on King’s all-round brilliance, Snowball’s silky strokeplay, and Ross’s devastating spell. 🏆

#CrossbatsCC #CricketLife #FiveWicketHaul #CoverDriveGoals #Victory
🏏 Match Recap: Crossbats vs Karnataka Challengers 🏏 Match Recap: Crossbats vs Karnataka Challengers UK
📍 Old Deer Park | 03/08/25

After some classic last-minute magic from Mike McSweeney, Crossbats took to the field at Old Deer Park.

Skipper Duncan won the toss and chose to bat. A shaky start at 48-4 saw Craig (9), Stavin (6), Mike (9) & Alan (17) depart early.

Then came the fireworks 💥 — Avi lit it up with 101 off 59 (retired), joined by debutant Michael who hit 68 off 58, cheered on by Izzy from the boundary. Their 170+ stand was 🔥

Justine smashed 36 off 17, Anuj added 6, and Duncan ended theatrically LBW on the final ball. Crossbats finished on a mighty 277.

In reply, KC couldn’t keep up. Vijay 3-26, Anuj 2-10, Michael 3-10 (MVP vibes), and wickets shared around. Alan took a blinder, Craig, Duncan & Anuj with clutch catches (brave stuff from Anuj post-injury).

👏 Special mention: Stavin stumped the last man – lightning hands! ⚡️

KC all out for 179.
✅ Crossbats win by 98 runs.
Confidence building. Momentum growing. Onwards. 💪🟡⚫️
#CrossbatsCricket #Victory #TeamEffort #CricketLife
Match Report: Crossbats CC vs Queensbury CC Venue: Match Report: Crossbats CC vs Queensbury CC
Venue: Marble Hil Park 
Result: Crossbats lost the game with the opposition chasing down the total in the 30th over. 

Crossbats batted first, but got off to a very slow start and lost their first wicket with the score on 5 in the 4th over. Chaitanya (25) and Gumbley (50) then steadied the ship and managed a 54 runs partnership to get to 59-2. There after Crossbats kept losing wickets at regular intervals and managed a paltry score of 146 for the loss of 9 wickets. The highlight of the innings was Gumbley scoring his first 50 ever and he stayed on till the every end and was run out with just 1 ball left in the innings. 

🔥Gumbley - 50 runs 
💫Chaitanya - 25 runs
💫Craig - 12 runs

Crossbats bowling innings started off in a brilliant fashion. Samin took 3 wickets for 7 runs in his first 4 overs and was ably supported by Tucker who managed to bowl well in tandem. It was turning out to be a competitive game with Crossbats still in the game in the 2nd innings with the opposition on 74-5 in the 19th over and still needing 73 runs to win. However, Queensbury CC managed a 71 runs partnership for the 6th wicket to get to 145-5 and then to 150-6 to seal the victory.

☄️Samin - 3/17
💫Tucker - 1/12
💫Carter - 1/5 

Special Mentions: 
⭐️Gumbley scoring his first 50 ever. He went into bat in the 4th over and stayed till the very end
⭐️Winch for taking a brilliant catch in the slips 
🎉Chaitanya taking a decent catch
🏏 MATCH REPORT – Friendly Thriller at Esher 🆚 West 🏏 MATCH REPORT – Friendly Thriller at Esher
🆚 West End (Esher) CC vs Crossbats CC
📍 Esher | ☀️ Sunny Skies | 35-over match
🎉 Result: Crossbats CC won by 15 runs

Crossbats batted first and put up a solid 240 (35 overs), thanks to:
🔥 Adam Skinner – 51 (32)
🔥 Graeme Winch – 44 (28)
🧊 Dan Masini – 42* (50)

In reply, West End were led by an absolute masterclass from James Townsend 💯 (116), but it wasn’t enough — Crossbats held on, thanks to tight spells by:
🎯 Vijay Srikanth – 2/37
🎯 Preet Kanaiya – 2/33

🏹 Special mentions:
🧤 Screamer by Avi and Adam in the field
🎯 Adam Skinner with 2 wickets, despite being hilariously called a “chucker” mid-spell 🤣

🍗 Game wrapped in true Sunday spirit — cold drinks, hot BBQ, and heaps of laughs with our hosts at West End (Esher) CC.
🔥Batting first, Crossbats piled on the runs from t 🔥Batting first, Crossbats piled on the runs from the outset on a sweltering day at Marble Hill Park.

💪 Opener Stavin Vas anchored the innings with a superb maiden 50 finishing with 74 off 73 balls. He was well supported by John Reardon, who contributed a steady 26 in an 89 run partnership.

💪The middle order then accelerated impressively, with Andrew Snowball adding a composed 37 not out and Gopal Balakrishnan blasting a rapid 29 off just 12 balls*, including 6 boundaries, to push the total to a formidable 236-5 from 35 overs. 

Defending the total, the Crossbats bowling unit wasted no time in making inroads. 

🎯Benedict Nolan (2-26) removed both openers in a controlled spell

🎯 Gopal Balakrishnan (3-19) and Samin Khan (1-19) bowled with real pace

🎯 Adam Skinner blew away the tail, claiming 3 wickets for just 2 runs in 2.1 overs, including two bowled and one LBW.

🧤There were also key contributions in the field with nothing dropped and some fine efforts, with catches for Dean Sayers (2), Adam Skinner , Samin Khan x 2 (the second composed under a huge hit in the deep), an impressive C&B for Gopal off a high skier and a catch of the season contender from  Clive Lawrence, diving full length to his right at slip of a quick ball from Gopal leaving the batsman stunned.

A fine performance with MoorMead bowled out for just 116 in 24.1 overs.

✅ Another great day out in Marble Hill Park.

#CrossbatsCC  #marblehillpark
Crossbats CC continued their fine run of form with Crossbats CC continued their fine run of form with a commanding 8-wicket victory over London Avengers CC on a warm afternoon at Marble Hill Park.

Bowling first, the bowlers quickly seized control, with Samin Khan (2-18) setting the tone with pace and accuracy, supported by John Gumbley at the other end.  Adam Skinner  produced a superb spell of controlled seam bowling, finishing with excellent figures of 3-9 from 6 overs, including three maidens, and Craig Tucker bamboozled the middle order returning figures of 2-6 from 7 overs including a caught and bowled chance that is a catch of the season contender.  Alan Carter chipped in with a wicket, and John Reardon completed the innings with a memorable dismissal - diving in his follow through to catch the ball low down after a full blooded slap from the batter was parried over his head by Mark McAlpine at short cover.

The bowlers were backed up by sharp fielding, including 2 catches for Dean Sayers and Anir Deoras, with Deano also denied a sharp stumping by a controversial non-decision. The visitors were bundled out for just 60 in 25.3 overs.

In reply, Crossbats made light work of the modest target. Although both openers fell cheaply there was never any real doubt about the outcome. The chase was anchored by the composed guest-from-Berlin Mani, who remained unbeaten on 11, but the star was the explosive Mark McAlpine, who smashed an entertaining 33 not out from just 16 balls, including eight boundaries to wrap up the game in style in only 8.4 overs.
Match Report: Crossbats vs Northfields Venue: Marb Match Report: Crossbats vs Northfields
Venue: Marble Hill Park
Result: Competitive fixture; Crossbats fall valiantly losing sweat and more sweat in summer scorcher

Crossbats captain Anir won the toss and elected to bat first under sunny conditions at Marble Hill Park.

Opening the innings, Craig got off to a swinging start with 17 before being the first wicket to fall having seen off the new ball. Dan then anchored the innings with a superlative composed and over 100 strike rate well-paced 106 desperately fighting his urge to scoop every delivery, forming a key partnership with Anir (31) that set the foundation.

In the middle overs, Duncan contributed 25 before a strong finish led by Skinner, who remained not out on 34, and Alan, who added a valuable 8 not out. Crossbats closed their innings at 240, a competitive total built on partnerships and controlled acceleration in the latter stages but 30 or so runs shy of what the skipper Anir fancied.

Northfields began their chase very well, but Crossbats’ bowlers battled for control throughout.

A notable feature of the innings was the presence of a recently qualified Northfields-appointed umpire, who was keen to ensure the game was played by the book—frequently referring to the Laws of Cricket to support his decisions sometimes to players amusement and clarify interpretations for players on both sides.

With the ball, Samin led the attack with 3 wickets for 42 runs, including a high-pressure spell where he was on a hat-trick. One delivery that resulted in a played-on dismissal was later ruled a no-ball, a key moment in the match.

Zac (0-38). Justin (0-39) bowled economically in the middle overs, keeping the scoring rate in check. Skinner took 2-24, making important breakthroughs, while the fielding unit remained sharp—highlighted by Duncan's catch(much easier when it's going to hit you in the face) & Dan’s catch that's saved Craig's blushes to dismiss a centurion from the Northfields lineup.

In the closing overs, Preet (0-62) was dynamite in the field 🧨 , Shaun (0-11), and Carter (0-8) tried to save the inevitable result but to no avail, Northfields won with 2 overs to spare.
Match Report: Crossbats vs London Itinerants On a Match Report: Crossbats vs London Itinerants

On a hot, sunny day, the pitch looked dry and uneven — a challenge for batters and an opportunity for bowlers.

Captain Adam Skinner won the toss and elected to bowl first, and Crossbats seized the initiative straight away. Exploiting spin from one end, Ben Nolan tore through the top order, reducing Itinerants to 16-3 — all bowled, with two wickets falling in consecutive deliveries. Clive Lawrence soon added a fourth, continuing the early pressure.

A brief recovery was brewing when Reardon struck with two wickets in two balls, the second thanks to a sharp, diving slip catch by Winch — low to his right and superbly held.

With momentum fully in Crossbats’ favour, Craig Tucker came on for a pair of tidy spells, switching ends to exploit the spinning wicket. He strangled the scoring and was rewarded with two wickets: one thanks to an even better slip catch from Winch, and the other via a sharp piece of glovework from Deano, who took a brilliant catch off the face of the bat. Tucker finished with outstanding figures of 2-10 from 7 overs. Adam chipped in with a wicket during a hostile spell of his own, before Nolan returned to wrap things up, ending with superb figures of 4-18.

Chasing a modest target on a tricky surface, Crossbats were made to work. Stavin batted confidently before being run out, and Chai followed soon after, leaving the score at 26-2. But Alan steadied the innings with a composed knock, holding firm pushing the ball into the gaps.

Vijay provided momentum with a towering six over square leg before falling victim to the pitch. Winch then arrived and played with assurance, finishing unbeaten on 23 — including a mighty six of his own — and guiding Crossbats home alongside Alan, who anchored the chase and top-scored with 26*.

A seven-wicket win, with bat and ball contributions across the team, capped off a dominant performance.
Match Report: Crossbats vs Punjab Warriors Crossb Match Report: Crossbats vs Punjab Warriors

Crossbats continued their winning streak with a gritty and well-earned victory over the strong league side, Punjab Warriors, in a fiercely contested encounter.

Skipper Anir won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry, hard wicket. Openers Craig and Dan got things rolling, seeing off the new ball. Dan was the first to fall for 11, while Craig played a composed knock of 23 before departing.

It was Avi who took control of the innings with a cracking 59, driving the innings forward with authority. At the drinks break, Crossbats were well poised at 100 runs, prompting Anir to issue a clear directive—increase the strike rate.

However, a few quick wickets followed. Duncan was bowled for 9, and a mix-up saw Mike run out skipper Anir for a duck. Mike then showed intent with some lovely boundaries but was caught trying to keep the momentum going.

Chai entered and looked in good touch, stroking his way to 19 before falling LBW to a well-disguised slower ball. The lower order—Winche, Adam, Gopal, and Samin—dug in and added valuable runs, wagging the tail efficiently to push the total to a competitive 226 all out.

⸻

Punjab Warriors’ Innings

Samin and Winche opened the bowling with aggression and purpose. Samin was particularly effective, returning figures of 3 for 52. First change bowlers Gopal and Avi maintained the pressure, bowling tight lines and offering little room for error.

The turning point came courtesy of Dan, who was electric in the field, taking four catches and keeping the pressure firmly on the batting side. At the drinks break, the Warriors were reeling at 109 for 7.

There was a moment of tension when Craig nearly jinxed the momentum, but Anir’s inspired captaincy came to the fore again. He brought back Avi, who dismissed the dangerous set batsman. The key catch was taken by Wozzy, showing incredible composure with “superb static feet” at the crucial moment.

Crossbats wrapped up the remaining wickets to seal a solid win, with Anir making it two wins in two. It was a tough, hard-fought contest, but the Crossbats faithful were rewarded with another satisfying performance against a quality league opponent
Match Report: Crossbats vs The Cricketers @ Marble Match Report: Crossbats vs The Cricketers @ Marble Hill Park 07/06/2025

In a rain-affected fixture between Crossbats and The Cricketers, it was the bowlers who stole the show before the weather brought an early end to what was shaping up to be a compelling contest.

The Cricketers, batting first, were pegged back early thanks to a fiery opening spell from Samin, who returned undeserved wicketless figures of 0 for 10, and Tucker, who struck twice to finish with 2 for 30, providing a solid foundation with the new ball.

The middle overs saw a devastating spell from Skinner, whose sharp bowling yielded 3 for 15, dismantling the Cricketers’ core batting lineup. Preet chipped in with a crucial 1 for 30, while Phil “the Finisher” lived up to his name, closing out the innings with 1 for 23.

In the field, sharp catching was the order of the day, with Guy, Craig and Preet taking fine grabs to back up the bowlers and keep the pressure on.

In response, Crossbats made a cautious start in tricky conditions. Opener Craig stood firm amidst the drizzle, compiling a well-crafted 30 not out. However, with the scoreboard reading 50 -3. Craig and Winchy drenched  in the middle, the heavens opened further and forced the match to a premature end.

Although the rain robbed the fans of a full conclusion, it was a strong all-round performance from Crossbats. In which free flowing beers followed at the crown. 👑
Hartley Wintney CC vs Crossbats CC - On a sun-soak Hartley Wintney CC vs Crossbats CC - On a sun-soaked afternoon at one of Hampshire’s most picturesque village grounds—nestled among charming houses—Hartley Wintney CC hosted Crossbats CC in a 40-over encounter that had its share of drama, dominance, and a dramatic collapse.

Crossbats CC Innings: A Promising Start, a Painful Collapse

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Crossbats CC got off to a steady and promising start. At the halfway mark, they were comfortably placed at 105/2 after 20 overs, with eyes firmly set on a 240+ total. D. Masini was in fine touch, anchoring the innings and punishing the bad balls on his way to a classy 97—the standout knock of the day.

However, what followed was nothing short of a collapse of epic proportions. In the space of just 10 minutes, five wickets fell for just 2 runs, shattering hopes of a formidable total. From a position of control, Crossbats CC were bowled out for 195 in 34 overs.

Hartley Wintney CC’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. The pick of the bowlers were H. Bown (4 for 36) and R. Bartley (4 for 19)—both delivering key breakthroughs that triggered the collapse.

Hartley Wintney CC Chase: Early Luck, Steady Finish

In reply, Hartley Wintney CC began their chase with intent. Both openers survived dropped chances early on in the second over—opportunities that Crossbats would come to regret. P. Kanaiya, despite the early misses, bowled with venom and later claimed a wicket with support from V Srikanth , M Emery & U Ahmed 

But the home side never looked in serious trouble after weathering the initial storm. J. Bramwell’s calm and composed 43 not out* anchored the innings beautifully, guiding Hartley Wintney CC to victory by 6 wickets with 13 overs to spare.
Instagram post 18057915260189862 Instagram post 18057915260189862
🏏 Match Report: Crossbats CC vs Village Cricket A 🏏 Match Report: Crossbats CC vs Village Cricket
A warm spring afternoon at Marble Hill Park set the scene for a lively 40-over contest between Crossbats CC and Village Cricket Club, where swing, sun, and some suspect post-night-out form involving smooth milky cashew nuts and some good greasing(shining) of the ball all played their part in a cracking day’s cricket.

Captain Skinner won the toss and opted to bowl first—an inspired decision that unleashed a ferocious bowling effort from Crossbats, well after drinks that is! 🍻

The attack was led by valiant spells from Mr Nolan & Gumbo with the highlight being a sharp shooter sling run out from Snowys arm resulting in the no2 batsman being served on toast for Nolan. After a pretty tame first 20 overs crossbats were keen for drinks and ready to re-group. Enter Phillie Styles claiming 2-35 and with arguably the most pivotal moment, a key breakthrough wicket, safely pouched by Mr Snowball, whose composure under the high ball turned the tide and broke a building partnership, shout out to the horse tranquillised minks from Philly's zoological days, who he may have been trying to imitate with his skipping celebration.

The one man wrecking ball Samin Khan followed, who tore through the middle order with a sizzling spell of 4-19, combining sharp movement with relentless accuracy. He was ably supported by the captain himself, Skinner, who turned the screws in the middle overs with a clinical 3-12.

Village CC were eventually bundled out for 182 after a calamitous collapse, setting Crossbats a target of 183 runs to which in response Crossbats CC won by 5 wickets, post match drinks were strongly attended. Good luck to the touring sunday team on the morrow.
With rain around and in heavily overcast skies Cro With rain around and in heavily overcast skies Crossbats were into bat and Avi Dubey and John Reardon reunited their partnership.

The British Museum openers found early bounce and movement and both batters were dropped early, but once the found their groove they soon had the score racing along.  Avi moved steadily through the gears dispatching the ball all around the wicket while John nudged the ones interspersed with cuts and pulls for 4.  Once the century stand was reached Avi went into top gear, destroying the bowling while continuing to run aggressively between the wickets.  A mammoth opening stand of 238 came to end when a tired Reardon went for 66, leaving Avi to rampage onward until he retired 152*.

With the final touches being added by Chaitanya and Gopal (returning to the side after paternity leave), Crossbats closed on an imposing 329.

The total like was always going to be too many and British University were soon in trouble, Zac with another opening spell of swing bowling taking 4 wickets, with wickets from Samin, Adam (2), Phil (2) and Alan bowling the opponents out for 105. 

Duncan also credited for making a fair impression of a wicketkeeper grabbing 2 catches.

But the  moment of the day went to Samin for possibly the catch of the season. A leg side full toss from Zac was pulled flush from the middle of the bat flat behind square and Samin, half way to the boundary at fine leg, threw himself full length to his left to grab the ball just above the turf, leaving the batter stunned in disbelief.
Ripley CC vs Crossbats CC – Crossbats Clinch Last- Ripley CC vs Crossbats CC – Crossbats Clinch Last-Over Thriller with One Ball to Spare.  In a sun-drenched friendly clash between Ripley Cricket Club and Crossbats Cricket Club, the match went down to the wire as Crossbats emerged victorious in a thrilling finish, with the scores level and just one ball remaining.

After winning the toss, Ripley CC elected to bat first and posted a competitive total. Their innings was anchored by a composed knock from D. Hughes, who top-scored with a well-crafted 73 runs. Crossbat’s bowlers, however, kept the pressure on, with B. Stephens (4/26) and B. Nolan (2/44) producing disciplined spells that limited Ripley’s momentum during key phases of the innings.

In response, Crossbats CC built their innings patiently. After an early wobble, M. McAlpine chipped in with 43, and a vital 56-run partnership between A. Snowball (45 not out)* and P. Kanaiya proved to be the backbone of the chase.

As the match edged toward a dramatic conclusion, Crossbats needed runs off the final over with wickets in hand. With the scores level and one ball remaining, B. Nolan held his nerve, launching a sensational boundary over mid-off to seal the match in style and spark jubilant celebrations from the visitors.

It was a fitting end to a closely fought contest between two evenly matched sides, played in the true spirit of the game under glorious summer skies.
Friday - Crossbats joined Middlesex Senior cricket Friday - Crossbats joined Middlesex Senior cricketers on a walk to Lords to promote awareness  of prostate cancer.  You can donate to the research but more importantly, get yourself checked out. Thanks to those Crossbats who have already donated through Alan. Scan the QR code on the next image.
Crossbats gathered for the inaugural “Ham festival Crossbats gathered for the inaugural “Ham festival” - two Crossbats teams playing on the same ground (King George’s Field in Ham) and on the first field an XI lead by Adam took on Elite CC.

On a bone dry surface that looked like it might be uneven, Elite won the toss and batted.  Soon balls were flying past the shoulder of the bat or scuttling low, and Crossbats did everything bar take a wicket as 3 catches were dropped off of Nolan and Samin could not find the edge as the opponents crawled to 42-0.  Crossbats also were a man down after a Anuj broke his thumb trying to catch a flat hard hit in the deep - hoping he has a speedy recovery.

Finally Adam Skinner broke through thanks to a fine catch from Andy Snowball running to catch the ball coming over his shoulder, and another good catch by Snowball and one from Mike McSweeney (who fielded like a demon for 40 overs throwing himself around on a rock hard outfield) helped Adam to figures of 4-27.  At 105-5, it was crucial not to let Elite get away and Graeme Winch (5-1-10-2) and John Reardon (4.3-1-10-3) supported by committed fielding stepped up to bowl Elite out for 141.

On this wicket, not an easy chase. Especially as Elite had some pace bowlers and the ball was soon flying through.  Could we get the runs before the pitch did for us?

Craig Clare - sent out to open and take the attack the opposition - did exactly that - taking risks to put bat to ball, and he soon combined to put on 62 with Winch for the 2nd wicket before Winch (28) got an unplayable ball.  When Craig was finally out for a fine 46 (with 8x4) with the score at 93, the target was in sight but the ball was now spinning sharply at one end and bouncing unpredictably at the other.  Snowball blazed 3 boundaries to move us closer, but when he and Dan were out at 117 Crossbats quickly collapsed to 126-9, before, somehow, Adam (14*) saw us home with consecutive 6’s in a nail biting finish with John blocking for dear life at the other end.

Lovely weather and a very closely matched game played in a fine spirit against competitive but very sporting opponents.
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