SUNDAY, 1 MAY vs CLEEVE COMETS at CLEEVE
Blagdon 262-3, Cleeve Comets 250-6 - Won by 12 runs


As our ground was water-logged, Cleeve managed to re-jig a few games and we played at Cleeve. The usual confusion we get at the start of the season continued and our opening batsman was "on his way" but did not arrive until the 3rd pair were due in. That meant a lot of juggling and we started with Alex Fudge and Wesley Cox. Against their best bowlers Alex was looking to hit out but got out instead (twice). This left us on 190 after 4 overs but things got a lot better and, with Natalie Blanchard and Charlie Mitchell making their cricket debuts, we had reached 240 with 16 overs gone. Then came Tom Blanchard and Mark Knowlson (his debut) for the final pair. Tom was in stunning form and cracked a wonderful 21 not out as we finished on 262 for 3 after 20 overs.

Tom opened the bowling with a lot of fire and the rest of the team responded well by doing the basics right; walking in, backing up and fielding well. Wickets fell steadily with 2 run outs and they also scored well. By 16 overs the only difference between the teams was that they had lost more wickets, the scores were even. Peter Strong and Wesley finished the bowling to keep Cleeve down to 250 for 6 in their 20 overs. We were delighted with our first win of the season and it looks like the net practice was worthwhile.