Dear reader, each week the third eleven match report will be written by a different team member, this week our grumpy scowling Irish fast bowler Robin Willis.......
The 3s eased their way into the new league season with a convincing win against an understrength Finchley side. Ferg won the toss and put them in. Kingy marked his return to Bushy Park with 4 wickets but the standout bowler was probably Dan Thorndyke who ended up with 1-19 from his 12 overs. This was when the Finchley middle order were trying to bore us into submission. "Proper cricket", commented Ferg. Willis bowled up the hill and pretended he didn't mind. Alex Smith returned from an ankle injury and was unlucky not to take a wicket but took a sharp one handed catch. Gabe Henry also took 2 smart catches. Harry Smith kept well, although strange to see a 3s keeper with a smile on his face. The skipper helped mop up the tail and Finchley finished on 144 all out. A difficult total to defend on a good deck with a fast outfield and only 10 fielders.
Barney and big Jack Taylor took us to 40 before Barney got tired. Richard Lalor joined Jack and both looked very comfortable until Jack got his 50, raised his bat and then gave his wicket away. After a brief hiccup Lockers (the good one) joined Richard and swept every ball for 4. We only needed 21 overs to seal a 7 wicket win. Much bigger tests to come but great to get 10 points!