While cricket has returned, it seems that the weather gods didn’t get the memo. But between the showers, colts and senior matches are still being played. Congratulations to our Under 13s who won their last 32 match against Pinkneys Green by 31 runs and now face Wokingham in the last 16.

Last weekend only the 2s fell victim to the weather, as their match against Purley-on-Thames 2 was abandoned.

1s v Cove 2

With rain being a constant threat the smart money was on batting second, which Cove 2 elected to do on winning the toss. They were rewarded with the early wicket of Harry Watson (8) but the momentum quickly shifted back to the 1s as Adam Smith (85) and Tharindu Denipityage (71) went up the gears especially after the rain break to put on 149 for the second wicket.

The middle order continued the momentum with Andy Murray (47 off 33 balls), Tom Walsingham (20) and Jem Bains (11 not out) taking the 1s to an imposing 270 for 5 off 45 overs. Cove 2’s innings was shortened by 8 overs and the ARR adjustment saw them chasing 244 for victory.

Unfortunately, Cove were unable to get momentum as the Ascot attack of Myles Trainor (2 for 24), Harry Watson (2 for 24) and Tom Walsingham (2 for 36) ensured that Cove lost wickets regularly. Skipper Stuart Divers top scored with 29 as Cove ended on 139 for 9, for Ascot to win by 104 runs.

3s v Maidenhead & Bray 3

This week’s report is from our intrepid 3’s captain, Naeem.

“After the nail-biting madness of our first league game against Eversley 3s last Saturday, we arrived at Maidenhead and Bray’s Jubilee ground hoping for much needed calmness, regularity and sanity – little did we know what a thriller awaited us!

We won the toss and I consulted Rob Bennett and Dirk Benneyworth for some inspirational advice – needless to say, as the umpire shouted for a decision, the matter of batting or bowling first was as clear as frothy mud!

We decided to bat. It was wet and cold – the sky was pregnant with broody raindrops – James Stock and Rob Bennett walked in to open, looking menacing and confident.

Seeing Rob return very quickly was a little worrying; James and Dirk then showed resistance and composure; normal service had resumed. Then James got bowled on 17 at the exact moment someone on the sideline said, ‘He could easily get a hundred.’

This was followed by the demise of Dan Mallett for 1. The wind suddenly felt colder and the sky darker. Our score looked like a French train during a drivers strike – not really going anywhere in a hurry. Young Charlie Puddifoot was sent in, instructed to be hellishly stubborn and happily that is exactly what he did.

Dirk then returned to his plastic chair having scored a heroic 13. Jacob Parry walked in looking cool, composed and determined but was soon back in the hutch. Will Cowley went in and returned quickly and Martin Kay was incredibly careful – he left a ball that was cutting into his off stump.

At this point I was frantically looking for my prayer mat to pray for rain as we had only made 60! What followed was the last stand – the Captain and the youngest member of the team, Charlie, started to get boundaries, singles and twos – the sun had come out again.

Unfortunately I was stumped on 16, attempting to hit big towards the long off boundary (memories of Satpal from last week – Ed). Charlie returned after a valiant 16 and our final wicket fell with only one more run added, taking our grand total to 92. It seems the previous week was about to repeat itself in reverse this time!

It turned out that Jacob being given out earlier was actually divine intervention; he was raging and ready – the Captain was only too pleased to hand him the ball.

Afzal and Jacob proved to be the Mozart and Wagner of cricket, claiming 3 for 9 and 2 for 19 respectively – with the opposition nowhere near the imposing target of 92. The captain then unleashed Stocky (aka James) on the worried looking opposition.

To add further incentive, I promised a jug should the team pull off a miracle. Stocky was magnificent as his two wickets proved crucial. Feeling inspired by his teammates; I then got two more wickets and the match came to the same nail-biting moment we all dread.

The opposition needing just three runs and with plenty of overs left. With the entire team behind him, I bowled a quick high spinning delivery. The batsman top edged it into the clouds. I was waiting underneath. Silence descended and Martin Kay was frozen like a sardine in a freezer.

I took the catch and the job was done! A great victory especially after last week’s disappointment so well done to everyone for a great team effort.” 

Two nail biters in two weeks. Let’s hope there is less drama this weekend for Naeem’s health!

4s v Cookham Dean 4

The 4s were at Locks Ride with Cookham Dean the visitors. Cookham Dean won the toss and put the 4s into bat. Despite contributions from Steve Bowles (34), Billy Baker (23), Richard Wyatt (17) and Nino Trapani (16), the 4s were unable to complete the 40 overs and were bowled out for 127 off 33 overs with Tom Hepworth claiming 3 for 30.

Cookham Dean chased a revised total of 109 off 32 overs. They also found runs hard to come by, but the difference was wickets in hand. Christian Austin’s 31 helped set Cookham Dean up and Matt Dilley 30 not out helped see Cookham Dean home with 9 balls and 5 wickets to spare.

Unfortunately the weather gods are not looking great for Week 3.