A unusually hot Sunday saw Elstead face off against Rowledge casuals, who had the addition of ringer Paddy Murphy. Rowledge won the toss and put themselves in to bat. Josh Whilding and Ollie Lincoln were entrusted with the new ball, and did not disappoint, having the opposition 20 odd for 3, with two from Josh and the other from Ollie. Jasmine and Paul added to the wicket tally after a well made 50 from their batsman and a powerful 40 from Paddy. Joe Lincoln showed his expertise as an off spinner, taking another wicket and Charlie also bagged a couple of tailenders before the end of the innings, leaving Elstead a total of 182 from 35 to chase…

The unusual opening partnership of Joe and Charlie proved to be a good decision by the skipper, as they made 80 without loss before Joe retired on a very well made 53. Charlie quickly followed him back to the shed getting clean bowled, and Ed wasn’t too far behind after adding a few to the tally himself. Dickie and John Warren then put on a very strong partnership, maintaining the run rate and making sure a collapse wasn’t on the cards. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, as John was given LBW and replaced by Josh, wielding a beautiful new Gray Nichols. However Josh couldn’t quite get going, and he too was dismissed by a solid Rowledge swing bowling attack. In came Ollie Lincoln who looked to made a few from the get go, but a stunning catch at mid wicket was the end of him.

The responsibility to bring the game home now rested on Dickie and Shaun, who needed 28 from 24 to win the match. The battled well and ran hard, needed 10 to win off the last over. With all fielders back on the boundary, it came down to 4 required off the last ball to win, but Dickie unfortunately couldn’t get it away. Rowledge won by 3 runs in a very well contested game from start to finish.