5s win Opening Game

After a long winter, the 5s were delighted to find their opening game of the new season would come at the glamorous location of Hackney Marshes, in the even more glamorously named Division 6A of the Middlesex County League, a title reflective of the great quality contained within. For those in the team concluding their football seasons at Staines Town, however, Hackney seemed a capital of culture. After a 40 minute shower, Charles lost the toss on a soaked wicket and we were asked to bat first. George Grylls (39) batted sensibly on his debut for the Midd, punishing anything short. Alban supported him well and, after he departed, Josh Avigdor helped to up the rate with a couple of fine boundaries. The pitch remained tricky to bat on, with uneven bounce and limited pace, so the top order did well to put ample runs on the board. Richard (32) looked as stylish ever, before a co-designed barbeque with captain cut his innings short. Some late hitting from James and Dhaval got us to 191, certainly above par. After tea, SN's maverick opener clubbed a few boundaries to get them off to a positive start. James (1/27) began well though and the excellent Dhaval (4/37) soon had a double breakthrough, George taking a smart catch running back from point, before pinning the other opener lbw. Dillon Scanlan (2/14) backed up their good work and recovered well from being deposited into the bushes first ball. Nirusha (2/11 from 7) got the squeeze on and, in reality, Stoke Newington were never overhauling our total. 77 runs a convincing win in an important season for this team. Credit to them for playing in the right spirit throughout - makes a difference. Plenty of positive performances, especially from the new lads.