The 3s were riding high following a victory last week & confidently arrived at Great Braxted on a very warm day to face Bentley, who were near the top of the table. The high temperature made the team keen to bat first, but Tim was of a mind to field first. However, a realisation that the opposition may not be as strong as first thought made Tim rethink this. But, it didn't matter as Tim lost the toss. His teammates greeted him with a mixture of 'Tosser' & 'Loser' as he returned to the pavillion. Our overseas player, Colin, on a short term contract from Cyprus, however, thought it a bit chilly.
James & John opened the bowling, James bowling tightly & not conceding many & John bowling one pie every over. James took the first wicket with an LBW, then a second bowling the number 3. Tim put John out of his misery & brought on Banny, who bowled a great spell including a caught & bowled, more than one dropped catch & a number of misfields. From the other end Max came on & bowled well. Ricky bowled a couple of overs. John was brought back & had more pies dispatched to the boundaries. Owen bowled one batsman & had another wicket as John took a catch. The innings finished with a run out & Bentley had reached 175. Too many dropped catches didn't help to keep the run rate down. Taite's contribution was to bring his nephew, Billy, along & Billy proved to be an asset in the field.
Max's tea was a treat for all at the game, with a selection of sandwiches, cakes, sausage rolls & salad.
Banny & Rickey opened the batting, after 1 over we were 2-1, possibly a better start than other weeks, but not good. Banny skied one & Tim came in. Tim edged one to slip & John joined Tickle. Tickle eventually succumbed to a straight one & Taite came in. John & Taite had a decent partnership, with the Bentley players wishing John well as he was bowled out 1 short of buying jug. Colin was thinking of the return flight to Cyprus, back to proper hot weather & Owen, James & Max were in & out quite quickly.
There were a few more overs of batting, which gave debutant Billy Boom Boom , who showed great promise & skill , batting sensibly by hitting the bad ball to the boundary. Billy was last man out, as we finished 40 runs short.
Next week, bottom of the table Chignall, on a predicted (at present) to be very hot.
