On a hard surface, that belied it being the beginning of the season, Elstead showed why they feel there is nothing to stop them gaining top honours this year.
Losing the toss and put in to field Ollie and Keith opened up. Despite a deaf umpire and a missed catch, Ollie was able to pick up both the opener's wickets as Grayshott briskly got to 54 for 2 from 11. The change of bowling to Chris T ( rejoining the fold after a long absence) and Bruce (a warm welcome to the club Bruce) proved a sticking point for the opposition as they became bogged down and unable to score. Bruce picked up his first league wicket with Guy balletically jumping and rolling to catch out McBain and in the following 14 overs only 19 runs were scored. CT eventually finishing his spell of 9 overs with one wicket and only 9 runs and Bruce one for 22. With Grayshott at 85 for 4 after 29 overs, Paddy and Drew came on and initially continued in the same vein, such that at 38 overs only 123 runs were on the board. The final 7 overs saw the oppo come alive as Jackson began to hit out ( there was only one shot but it proved remarkably effective) and Elstead were unable to contain or catch him. Until at 194 came back Drew who lbw'd Jackson, bowled the next and pulled off a hattrick as he caught and bowled the third. The innings ended with 201 the chase to win.
Although confident, Elstead began slowly as Grayshott gifted wides, byes and no balls. Keith was the first to fall with just 16 on the board and was soon followed by Ollie who nicked off and was caught by a great leap from the young keeper. Scott was purposeful as ever but was stymied by the twitching finger of the umpire who couldn't help but do the same to Darryl. So at 63 for 4 from 18 overs Max and Guy were at the crease with plenty to do but also with plenty of time. The bowling was nothing special but the pair took their time getting the feel for the next 5 overs. By the 29th over Max had had enough and began to push followed by Guy a few overs later. In what was a great display of batting from both, including a couple of great sixes from Max the runs piled on as Grayshott heads went down and some classic fielding cockups ensued.
Max took us over the line with a four and with 5 overs to spare.
A great effort from all and a superb way to mark our return to Division One.