4s Lose First up Against Hornsey

In the end we just didn't get enough runs. This was a typical early season encounter on a tricky pitch which both sides would have bowled first on. Unfortunately for the 4s, new skipper Patrick lost the toss and we were inserted. Johnny Bruce did his thing and picked up another 5 wickets as the North Midd batsmen showed a good deal of rustiness and many gave away their wickets cheaply. Patrick top scored with 59, Lulu, making history as the first woman to play senior cricket for the Midd, was the only other batter to get into double figures. She provided fantastic support to the skipper and also played the shot of the day – a thumping one bounce pull for four. We struggled to 126 all out off 32.5 overs. It felt about 30 runs short and so it proved.

Boots and Pistol opened up, finding some swing and exploiting a pitch that was keeping low. Pistol got rid of one of the openers, caught behind by Jimmy, but Hornsey were able to take advantage of too many four balls. Roger Rebelo who, along with Lulu, was making his 4s debut, impressed with his leggies, as well as his energy in the field and busy batting, but it was Dykie who gave us hope of an unlikely win. Bowling with beautiful fight and control, Matt took three quick wickets, giving us a sniff. At the other end, Boots took 2 for 36 off his 12. On came Lulu who bowled brilliantly – five overs for just nine runs and very unlucky not to take a wicket. There was great spirit in the field, with good catches by Alex Harris and Pistol but we just didn't get enough runs to really put the pressure on.