Last away trip of the year took us to the lovely Aythorpe Roding, already down, but hoping for one more win this year which might give us a trip back next year.
Nobby, in the early toss, chose to bowl first, but took the field with 10 as Cheese hadn't read his messages and was only just leaving Tiptree! Baron and RK took the new ball, Baron looking extremely impressive and it wasn't long before he grabbed his first wicket, snicked behind where Tim did the rest. The rest of Barons over beat the batsman on both edges, and Cheese could scarcely believe what he was hearing, so Barom carried on to show him some more. At the other end debutant Danny Kennedy replaced brother Ryan, and with his first legal delivery, and doing his best Mark Wood impression, snared an edge that Nobby tool very well low down. Baron, determined not to be outdone, snuck one through the new man before he enticed his own edge, once again finding Rob at slip, this time high to his right. By the time Danny got one through the number 6, we got to drinks at 57-5 and well on top!
From here, Aythorpe made their intentions clear, dig in and bat as long as possible, Baron finished his brilliant spell of 3-44 and time for Cheese to have a whirl. Eventually the breakthrough came, and one brought two, Danny getting his third, the ball guided to JFH in the Gully before Cheese bowled his replacement and get us back on top again at 112-7. Danny begun to tire, but eventually finished his spell 3-42, a great return on debut, and JFH had a go. His bowling however wasn't quite on it, which Aythorpe took advantage, somehow finding gaps by any means necessary, and and fielding slackened with JFH, Nobby and Mutton all missing chances in the field, and let slip our brilliant work from the first overs, Aythorpe finding their way to 219-7, far too many from where we had them.
Tea Rating: late to tea so missed a couple of bits, but overall it was a classic tea and very nice 7.5/10
Nobby and Mutton headed out to bat, while we had let Aythorpe get too many, on a good pitch and a quick outfield, a very good batting display may have got us there. However some poor shots, and disappointing decisions (Nobby and Cheese on the end of some questionable calls!) Meant we were never in the chase. Only Liams 37 gave the scorecard any respectability as we were bowled our for under 3 figures and a defeat by 120 runs, so frustrating when after 30 overs we were well on top.
The game summed up a hard year, at points it showed great promise, but 3 wins all year was extremely difficult. Well done to the 29 players who represented the side this year, hopefully the winter gives us a chance to reset, work again and have a promising next year.
Man of Match: Danny on debut, bowled beautifully.
