We welcomed Whitchurch to The Welfare. What would of been an excellent batting track, as grass was left on it this weekend - both sets of teams turned up to a damp wicket with unforecast overnight & early morning rain.

Whitchurch won the toss and elected to bowl, as per the wicket conditions. And what a good toss to win.

The pitch was almost impossible to bat on at the one end, as balls were consistently bouncing chest high off a good length. Whitchurch wicket keeper said “he needed a concussion test after being hit in the head 6 times, whilst trying to avoid the tennis ball bounce”.

Chapman run through the top order, as he found the perfect length on the wicket. Hitting the same area, which hit our batsmen gloves probably on 15 separate occasions through his spell, he finished with figure of 4-11.

We did what we could from Whitchurch occasional “bad” bowling (full tosses and very long half volleys). Getting to 131 on a very, very tough wicket.

Whitchurch made light work of the run chase with top league run scorer Chris Vanos, utilising the “shit or bust” policy - him choosing the first option, took the attack to our bowlers. Hitting over the tight infield on a regular basis.

Unfortunately a poor day at the office for all 3 disciplines of cricket.

But, with the 1st XI missing still missing 5/6 players on a weekly basis, we are never going to compete in this division, that being top of the league, Whitchurch.

This seriously needs to improve if we are going to enjoy any happy stages throughout the season. Not just for the 1st XI sake, but the knock on effect it has for the remainder of the teams.

Not just 1st XI squad players, but around 20 players across 3 teams weren’t available this weekend.

A big thank you to those who are happy to step up and put 100% into their cricket as per normal - 2nd XI skipper commitment is second to none, and his attitude is excellent. Everyone should adopt and take note of Jamie’s desire he has to play for the cricket club, especially when called upon for the 1st XI.

Let’s hope availability improves, otherwise, we’ll be looking over shoulder, not forward, which is unfortunate after a good start to the season for the 1st & 2nd teams.

#RWCC