Following on from their almost win/defeat last week the mighty 3s met Basildon at Great Braxted on a warm day. Tim was back as captain, demoted form the 1s & he brought with him the injured Rob, to make up the numbers. Tim won the toss & chose to bowl. Jess was late again, so John was asked to open up with Tom. 2 overs later, 4 boundaries, one dropped catch & Basildon were 17-0 & Totham were already under the cosh. Jess turned up, so after one over John was removed from the attack. The openers kept going, but the run rate started to slow down. After one over for 12 runs Tom bowled his next 7 for 6 runs. Tom's overs included a quick fire stumping from Tim, as the batsman pirouetted around & around & around. Jess got an edge behind & Tim took another catch. Max came into the attack & enticed the batsman to have a go & took a caught & bowled. The father & son combination for Basildon looked good & they started to take the game away from Totham for a little while until Owen tickled the edge of the bat & Tim took his 3rd victim of the game. The number 6 was a veteran (see last week's match report about older players) & 2nd ball Max found the edge & the ball looped gently to Rob, who promptly dropped it. The batsman went on to make an unbeaten 50!!!!
The end of the innings saw John pick up 2 wickets, good catches from Nick & Rob & Owen bowl a batsman with a good delivery. Basildon finished on 147-7
Owen's tea was magnificant, with much of it still at Braxted if you're peckish.
Tickle & Ricky opened up. Ricky fell to a superb diving catch at point, closely followed by Jacob, then Tickle. Nick scored a few quite quickly, but then was caught. John & Tim were then together at 13-4 in the 10th over. Sounds familiar - England regularly or Totham last week. Tim & John accelerated just before drinks & Tim accelerated some more after drinks. Tim fell soon after for an excellent 45, at a run rate of 94.
Rob came in & looked composed until a little boy of about 6 stone tricked him into playing too early & the run machine of the 1s fell short for the 3s. Perhaps he'll keep his place next week if Tim gives him a game.
Totham still needed 30 to win & the the tail needed to wag.
Tom couldn't repeat his Sunday heroics & was bowled. Owen came out & batted sensibly, by running well & defending the good ball. Owen hit the winning run & Totham were home by 3 wickets, with John & Owen seeing the team home.
A good game of cricket for the second week running & a victory to encourage all for next week's game against top-of-the-table Bentley.
