With less than stellar results from the past two weeks and missing both skipper, vice, Keith and Drew, Elstead were keen to get the win this week. Filling these big shoes were Charlie Bird and Duncan Timberlake, with Pete and Chopper recalled to the squad (to raise the average age to something respectable!)
Winning the toss we put Grayshott in to bat and opened with Joe and Charlie. It proved to be a withering attack that saw the first two wickets falling to Charlie and then one to Joe for just over 20 runs. First change to Ollie and he picked up the fourth as he yorker'd himself and the stumps went down. Tight fielding was the order of the day, with Darryl actually holding onto one and CT not dropping his opportunity (yes it was a dolly Chris). Max and Bruce did a grand job as the middle order fought back to a miserly 90 odd for 7. The tail enders stubbornly added a few more before the reintroduction of the openers saw them al out for 122 from 43 overs.
So, a walk in the park? Well, given recent batting collapses there were still some nerves as Ollie and Darryl walked out needing less than 3/over. Both looked good and steady but Darryl was soon replaced by Duncan who also showed class before getting out on 19. Scott and Ollie largely sealed the deal taking their time and profiting from the bad balls. By the time Ollie was given out lbw the match was done and CT and Max secured the points for Elstead.
A solid assured victory from the team that shows the strength of the bowling attack when backed up in the field and the ability to pace the chase. Well done to Max for his first outing as skipper, filling in for Guy.