A narrow defeat on a warm, muggy, largely sunny day with intermittent drizzle. The game turned when skipper Bastin allowed the opposition number 11 who turned up two hours late and significantly ten minutes after the ninth wicket fell at 78/9 to bat. This was very sporting and met with approval by the batsmen who wanted something to chase. This number 11 turned out to be a no. 4 who batted in the oppo 2nds normally and he smashed his way to 46 but was only allowed to by drops from John Baglivi, who had bowled brilliantly, and Lucius, who had taken four catches previously included a superb reaction caught and bowled. Jon Brown bowled a fine opening spell to pick up first wickets of the season.
The run chase started manically - 27/4 off 5 overs - as debutant Sylvester edged a good ball behind, Bennett was bowled, Bastin swiped at a wide one and an all to briefly imperious Parkinson missed a straight one he was attempting to clear the trees with. Barnard batted well but kept finding the fielders before being yorked by Mazar's first ball. Korgaonkar was always struggling to complete a second run. Faisal survived a couple of loud appeals but gradually opened up after a slow start.
Soon the ball was flying over the fence but wickets kept falling at the other end. The last wicket stand had just seemingly turned the game and shut the oppo up by putting on 27 as Gleadow rotated the strike and Faisal smashed the loose balls so the equation became 13 off 21 balls but then Faisal was bowled. This was a real shame as it had been a superb knock by Faisal as it combined sensible grit to see off the opening bowlers and immense hitting power against a solid set of change bowlers.
