Batting first Macc signalled their aggressive batting style as the opener tried to hit PDA into the back field from the start. However he was quickly dispatched courtesy of an excellent catch by Tom Blake at mid off. The next batsman tried the same route and the same combination did for him with an even better catch by Tom. After this explosive start Macc consolidated somewhat and the score moved on. However the next three wickets all bizarrely fell courtesy of run outs thanks to Paul Owen and Vijay. It made my running between the wickets seem almost text book! At 100 for 5 the scales looked as if they were tipping our way but the Macc left hander had other thoughts as he tucked in to our bowling and helped himself to a whirlwind 48. It was therefore time to crank up the Diesel again and Shents came on for a devastating spell which included a well deserved hat trick. Maccs innings finally came to an end on 198.

So it was the "old firm", with the emphasis on old, of the good Doctor and I, to start our reply. Being of a certain age meant that the option of belting the ball from the start was not on. So against some accurate bowling we saw off the quicks and at 20 overs we had 50 on the board. Also one advantage of our age means that our hearing is not at its best which helps to overcome the din of the on field chatter. Trying to move the score on I was out to a fine catch at mid on and at 52 for 1 it brought Potts into the fray. He announced his arrival with some lusty blows and just when it looked like he was about to hit the accelerator he was out to a most splendid catch for 21. Julian then came in and was starting in the same way with a lusty six when he was unfortunately " adjudged" LBW for 16. So at 100 odd for 4 in strode in skipper Charlie. He put bat to ball but like Potts and Julian was just getting going when he was bowled. All this time Ahktar was providing staunch support at the other end and completed a fine 50. However his innings came to an end for 56 and with the return of the opening quicks our challenge somewhat petered out. Young Alex could not repeat his innings of last week and with the last ball of the game Shents was snaffled at slip. So we finished on 159 for 7 and honours even against the side in second position. A bit disappointing that we could not have pushed them harder but that's the way the game goes sometimes.
Next up a trip to the seaside, Neston, and hopefully some ice cream weather!

Rob Chapman.