Due to a Shaw-Allen key-inside-a-locked-van hiccup. Elstead were put in first to bat. Stratford and Crisp O’Brien opened and set the tone for the days soild batting performance with Elstead only losing one wicket throughout the entire innings. Lyon Taylor and Jowett did their best to keep the run rate up with some very flat (literally rolling) bowling from the opposition. Some well struck boundaries from Williams and Shaw Allen took the visitors to a respectable 195 off 20 overs.

With a biscuit and squash refresher Elstead took to the field in good spirits.

Our opening bowlers Lowry and Ryder kept it consistent and accurate which had the home side stretching for runs. Fielding was the key difference in the game with the Elstead ten springing on every ball in the field as if someone had tossed in a Tunnocks Teacake and we soon picked up our first couple of run-outs. Young Soothill impressed with a maiden first over in his first match (one to watch).

Two great wickets from Williams and Smith added to the total of 5 wickets which had the home side in real difficulty, finishing on 169.

A proud and sunburnt coach (who will remember suncream makes a far more effective skin defense than sauvignon Blanc). A jubilant Elstead under 9’s and a cricket match played how the game should be… smiles, sportsmanship, sunshine and a winning ice cream in the corner shop after the game.