1st XI v Hoe Bridge: 3 May
1st XI (167/5) lost to Hoe Bridge (215/4) by 48 runs
Amesbury won the toss and elected to bowl, after we finished strongly with the ball before the last match was rained off. Unfortunately we did not pick up where we left off as the Hoe Bridge openers came out swinging and managed to get off to a flyer (through no fault of the bowlers) with some lucky ball striking. After the quickfire start we managed to steady the ship, until our bowlers started to stray from their usual consistent lines. This lack of control was duly punished as one of their boys finished with a well played 99 not out (unlucky not to get 100). Honourable mention must go to Fin who bowled well, albeit with a few stray deliveries.
At the interval the instructions were to build an innings and bat time (the runs will come). This is exactly what the openers did, with Tom and George comfortably keeping us up with the rate by playing sensible cricket. Unfortunately we lost wickets just as partnerships were building. The best one was when Frank (43) and Tom combined well. We ran out of overs, but can be pleased with the way we were controlled and measured in our chase.
Highlight of the performance was a very mature and well crafted innings from the 1st XI debutant Tom, who finished with 56 and almost carried his bat for the second week running before being stumped in the closing overs. Great benchmark of how an innings should be built, well done!
Grant Rouse, Boys Games
