Mighty 4s Register First Win

A win at last! Arriving at Ickenham CC, where Bron 3s play their home games, the 4s found a 'pitch' that screamed 'bowl first'. Damp, grassy, woefully underprepared. Thankfully the toss was won and the oppo duly inserted. Cue a masterclass from Usi.

It was popping, seaming every which way – at times Usi was virtually unplayable as he mixed his slower ball with his even slower ball and the one where he takes all the pace off. His 3 for 46 led the way as we tore through the Bron batting. It really should have been 4 but the skipper dropped an incredibly difficult slip chance from an absolute screamer....OK it was actually a horrible miss from a total dolly but never mind. With Usi masterfully tying up one end, we were able to unleash a succession of tyros from the other. First Laurie Pearce, bowling at a pace that was downright dangerous on such an awful track, picked up one of the openers. He was then involved in a key moment in the game. Bron's number 3, Tariq, had pumped us for a ton in this game last year. This time, Laurie got one to rear sharply from back of a length. Tariq was through his pull shot too early and was hit on the head. Thankfully we later heard that we was fine but he was forced to retire hurt. After Laurie, Hugh then demanded the ball and, even at half pace, was far too good for the Bron batters. He was limited to just 4 overs but picked up 1 for 8 in a display of sheer class. Enter Oscar Riley making his 4s debut. Once he had worked out that full and straight would do the job on this surface, Oscar bowled beautifully, and with surprising pace, to pick up 3 for 13, including cleaning up their dangerous number 7 who was beginning to tee off. With Tariq out of action and Bron having only ten, the innings finished on 85 for 8.

Job done, you might think, but having been bowled out for 41 the previous week and failing to chase 98 the week before, this was no foregone conclusion.

The experienced Alan Dixon and Burgoyne were able to take advantage of some loose bowling to get the Midd off to a brisk start. After Dixon departed for 10, Carr came in and, displaying a confidence that has been missing from the 4s batting this season, took the game away from Bron. He and Burgoyne put 50 on and the end was in sight when Carr went for 23. With just 4 needed Bron brought on their secret weapon, a colossus of a man who came charging in bowling at least 85mph gas. A lethal bouncer did for Burgoyne (28). Teesdale came to the wicket to finish things but the sheer pace of the Brondesbury Beast proved too much for him – 2 in 2 and much scrambling for pads, gloves etc on the sidelines. Thankfully the calm heads of Peter Robson and Laurie saw us home. A great win and brilliant to see Oscar and Laurie make such strong debuts. The season starts here.