Facing top of the table opposition, with the top 2 batsmen in the leagues & the top bowler in the leagues, was a difficult proposition, especially playing last at 9pm. However, with the skipper a little delayed Nick called the toss correctly & Great Totham bowled first.
Cheesey was his usual self, bowling superbly & economically against top quality batsmen & Pooky was a good support. Collectively, bad deliveries were limited & Great Totham were pleased after 4 overs. If only there had been a direct hit from fielders, the game would have been entirely different. Three times run-out chances were millimetres/centimetres/inches away. Luck was not with Great Totham in the field. The Chairman-in-Waiting secured the first wicket & then the skipper started to clean up the opponants, with 2 caught & bowled wickets, dropping a third chance, only for Nick to stump the batsmen next delivery. Pooky & Cheesey finished off well. The two openers scored 81 out of a total of 105. Great Totham were pleased to restrict Wickford to 105, as they are the best team in the leagues.
Facing the Wickford bowling was a test. Great Totham were all out for 30. This is not the lowest score against Wickford this season, but, even so, we were disappointed not to have challenged more effectively, especially after a decent bowling performance. Only Nick got to double figures & the other 5 struggled to get bat on ball. Being caught out was not an embarresment, in fact I was pleased I managed to hit one!
Next week's opposition is Willingale & an improved batting performance will be needed.
