A strong comeback in vain

The First XI produced a strong performance with the ball, but lack of runs on the board proved decisive despite a standout performance by Alex Smith.

Batting first on a pitch that kept low and produced sideways movement, against some excellent GC bowling, Coton were in real trouble at 11 for 6. It looked like it would be a short match, with plenty of time left for a friendly T20.

However, Rajeet (18) and Prab (16) steadied the ship, and took us past 50 for the 7th wicket, but 52 for 7 quickly became 52 for 8 and we were in real trouble again. Tom Smith (14) then dropped anchor, and the stage was set for the hero of the day, Alex Smith (38 no) who belied his age with a superb batting performance, playing some really classy shots as he took us towards a total that had seemed impossible. A final wicket stand between Alex and Paddy (13 off 6 balls) took us to 120 all out in the 38th over, and gave us something to bowl at.

Rajeet and Pratik opened the bowling beautifully on an improving pitch to put the pressure on, with Prab and Alex on first change continuing the excellent work. Between them they put us in a good position with the opposition at 35 for 4 after 12 overs. The pressure was on GC at this point, but their number 4 (a stalwart of the Cambs County over 50 team, as we later found out) took the attack to us, and his 66 not out ultimately decided the match (despite having pulled the ball into his face off a lifting delivery from Tom Sandercock). The second highest GC batter scored 14, which is testament to our performance with the ball, and in the field.

GC reached the target in 25.5 overs for the loss of 6 wickets, but that stat does not really tell the story of a game where we showed a great deal of character to bounce back, and were still in with a shout of victory until the late stages of the GC innings. There are good reasons to be confident for the rest of the season!

We have two matches next week, so let's look to bounce back strongly.

AJT