By John Virr – 2nd X1IScorer
After being asked to bat first, Yash Vagadia, was caught behind in the first over and Owen Smith fell in a similar fashion in the 6th over: 18-2. Finlay Bean and Harry Duke added 93 in 118 balls before Bean was run out for 49 from 64 balls with 4 fours and a six.
Duke had completed his half century from 68 balls with 4 fours, however Dom Bess was bowled for 1 and we were 112-4 just after the half way stage. Jawad Akhtar was caught at mid wicket for 9 from 30 balls but it was Duke who picked up the pace reaching a fine century from 105 balls, finally being caught at deep extra cover for 146 from 132 balls with 14 fours and 4 sixes.
Wickets continued to fall and it was left to Joe Thompson ( a run a ball 38) to post 263-9.
In reply skipper, Jani and Nahal started on the front foot posting 190 for the first wicket. Jani, who was dropped 3 times reached 50 from 45 balls (7 fours and 2 sixes) and his century from 73 balls (12 fours and 4 sixes) – he finally got what looked like a leading edge and was caught for 122 from 81 balls from the bowling of Ben Cliff.
Gekis was caught behind off Ben Coad for 11 but that was our final success as the hosts reached their target to win by 8 wickets with 45 balls to spare. Nahal ended 97 not out from 127 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Our final 50 over action is at Weetwood on Friday 17th July against SACA.
