First XI:
Rob Hewer, Paul Marks, Liam Jones, Tommy Hawkridge, Rob Mutton, James Pook, Jonny Hewer (c), Tim Logue, Ryan Kennedy, Danny Kennedy, Tom Wheeler
The ones travelled to Old Chelmsfordians, partly through pouring rain, to start the 2023 season, with the prospect of any play looking unlikely. However, we got to a point where we could start, and Jonny lost the toss for us to bat first.
Nob and FGA opened up, unfortunately FGA didn't last long before nicking off behind bringing Liam to the crease. It quickly became apparent that with a slow/wet outfield, value for shots didn't exist and it was going to be a grind. Nobby became the next to fall after reaching double figures, bowled by one that stayed down fractionally, for Tommy to join Liam. These two followed Nobby's pattern, both bowled after reaching double figures, and when Pook chipped one to a juggling mid on, we were 62-5 and in a spot of bother. Mutton and Jonny came together, and batted sensibly, taking time out of the game with Mutton taking risks where needed to earn runs and Jonny eating up balls. Their stand slowly frustrated OCs, and over 20 overs, carried Totham past 100 and then the next batting point. Jonny departed become the fifth man to be bowled. Tim briefly carried the good work with Mutton, who past a very well earned 50, before being caught, leaving Ryan to join. The last few overs he and Mutton were still watchful, and at the beginning of the last over we still needed 18 to bring up a 3rd batting point. Ryan's levers began working, swiping a big 6 over mid wicket, another 4 added in the same area, before Mutton joined the fun with a 6 over cover, and a scrambled 2 meaning we reached a total of 176-7, competitive on a tricky damp pitch and very slow outfield. Mutton finishing the innings 73*, a fine effort to drag the team to a competitive score
Tea rating: A good selection of sandwiches, fruit, fresh pizzas, chicken bites and cakes, a very nice effort 8/10
Totham took the field in the persistent drizzle, with RK and Pook taking the new and for now dry ball! RK found rhythm quickly but it was Pook to make the first breakthrough, getting a healthy edge behind and Tim doing the rest. Both boys carried on, and although some of the fielding looked a tad rusty, the scoreboard didn't race along. RK got his rewards at the end of his spell, again inducing an edge that Tim snaffled on his dismissals trail. Danny K entered the action, and once sorted his run up, joined the party early, bowling the OCs number 4 of his pads, and we were on top at 42-3. From here, OCs began to build a little partnership with some interesting running, RK nearly inducing two run outs. Tommy Wheeler was brought on to try and change the tempo, but soon after the rain got too heavy and we left the field with the score 68-3 and us maybe marginally ahead, frustrated not being able to see where we could have got to.
A damp day, but bonus points added, and man of the match definitely goes to Mutton, his 73 would arguably have been match winning
