Captains Report
Vs Countesthorpe 3rd June 2023
The 1st Team season has had many ups and downs this year and going into this game I was searching for my first win as returning captain and our first team win in the 2023 season.
It was a sunny and warm day and I won the toss and chose to bowl first. Which saw Mark Hudson, back in his customary position bowling up the hill and Will Abbott charging down the hill with real aggression pace and bounce. With 19 overs between them, Will had 2 wickets for 20 runs off his 9 over and Mark was very unlucky to not take a wicket but kept it extremely tight with 10 overs for 27 building the pressure.
Jack Adams came down the hill after Will and started with an impressive first over moving the ball around and hitting some great areas, unfortunately, the next couple of overs got a little wayward but great experience and learning curve for Jack.
I then brought myself into the attack which wasn’t much better and the game began to swing in the opposition’s favour. After being 128-3 off 20 overs the run rate started to climb with some poor bowling, hitting the wrong areas, also the fielding in the last 15 overs was simply appalling and must improve if we are to keep teams down to reasonable totals.
The opposition scored 111 runs in the final 10 overs to post 258 – 6 off their 40 overs. Whilst a disappointing end to the innings a total I felt was more than gettable on a good track and fast outfield.
To get us going I decided to open the batting with Will Abbott accompanied by James Toghill and what a great decision it was. Will absolutely destroyed the opening attack plundering numerous 4’s and 6’s on his way to a 20-ball 50. He was well supported by Toggy which set us up nicely with 108 runs before Will fell. But this was off only 10 overs so a great start.
I then strolled to the crease with a positive mindset to continue to take the game to the opposition A solid partnership between myself and Toggy took the game to around 140 before Toggy was bowled by a mystery ball from their accomplished spinner turning the ball 4 different ways. Next in was Callum who was low on form and unfortunately got a decent ball that bounced and left him nicking it to the wicketkeeper for 0. 
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Mark Hudson came out and batted well in his usual positive manner helping me to take the total forwards but after splattering 15 runs he fell all around a straight one and much to his disappointment saw Dale Howkin’s finger raise high and proud giving him out.
Tom Goodliffe came in a struck some wonderful shots for a quick-fire 18 once again taking the total ever forward but was caught out and in his own words was gutted as he felt in good form. Joe P came in and work the ball around with a number of lusty blows scoring a solid 23 runs before being bowled.
I continued to work the ball around and hit the occasional boundary which steadied the ship. Mark Mabbott came to the crease but after a little miss communication, I left him stranded and run out for a quick 4 runs. With us now needing 58 runs from the final 11 overs but only 3 wickets in hand Dale Howkins came to the crease.
I decided to push on and up the run rate making it clear to Dale that we would not take it to the last over. With that Dale smashed some solid blows after finding nothing but his edge for his first 10 or so balls pushing the score along nicely.
I was facing in the 35th over with 2 to win and clipped the ball through square leg for 4 to bring up the win and end the innings on 69 not out. A captain’s knock that was certainly due. 25 Points and out a first Win.
Well done everyone and thank you all for a great team effort with both bat and ball, maybe not so much in the field.
Cheers
1st Team Skipper
Maka
Thanks