Long Itchington at Ragley

After once again winning the toss, I foolishly decided to bat, as the top order had convinced me that all would be well. After 9 overs we were 23 for 4 with those 4 contributing 8. Chris Hillman had steadied the ship and was joined by Oscar Silvey and between them they put on 36 for the 5th wicket, until Chris was caught to leave us at 59 for 5 in the 19th. It was time for consolidation (so I went in to block) and support for Oscar, who by then had got into his stride. We put on 66 in 20 overs until I decided to swing across the line and was caught by the keeper running backwards off a skier. We finished on 130 after one lusty blow by Alan and with Oscar having achieved his maiden half century- 59 not out including 10 x 4s. After some fruit pies, it was back out seeking early wickets. Which did not arrive, as the young openers (who had also been the young opening bowlers) quickly raced to 53 in the 11th, when Pete took a smart caught and bowled. Their wicket keeper, who was also not old, then got into his stride and the score had progressed serenely to 128 in the 33rd, when he ran out his partner, due to good work by Chris, who then bowled him with the scores level, to induce some measure of panic, mainly because the next batters had nearly changed and had started their cars. The agony was finally ended when another youngster hit me over Pete, who had come in to the inner circle. We lost by 7 wickets in the 36th over, however our own youngsters all performed well, with Chris outstanding in the field, as was Ollie. Oscar and George weren't far behind them and both bowled well with little luck. The future is bright, just like Ian's car.