The Thirds took on Buckley Park at home. Having lost the toss and sent out to  field Captain Danny Lally decided to open the bowling with Steve Andrews and Gavin Lally. Early season cobwebs were apparent, and this being the first game due to a wash out last week meant being rusty was understandable. Three balls into the first innings rain delayed play for around 20 minutes. In the second over Gavin had one of the openers caught behind. The combination of an uncut wet outfield and some tight bowling matched with astute field placements and regular bowling changes meant that Buckley Park had trouble moving the scoring along. Debutant Ishan Duggal came on as first change with the unlikely but effective Adam McMahon, yes Adam! Wickets began to fall and when the spinners Peter Ward and Aaron Law took over scoring ground to a virtual halt. The pressure to move the scoring along gradually took effect and when the openers came back on some fine bowling was matched by some sure catching in slips and the outfield Buckley Park lost 8 for 20 to be all out for 104. Gavin finished with the Excellent figures of 4/18 from 6 and was weel supported by Steve who took 3/11 form a miserly 7 overs.

Adam McMahon (36) no doubt heartened by his brace of wickets and fine out fielding opened the batting with Steve Andrews, for once the solid Steve nicked one behind and was soon back on the wrong side of the boundary. Another debutant Sam Field (4) from the Under 15s was soon at the crease and looked to have settled in well in the open age competition but was luckless in being run out at the bowlers end backing up when a drive from McMahon came off the finger tips of the bowler and carried on to the stumps. Peter Ward (11) made a cameo performance and McMahon ran himself out attempting a second run. With our openers now spectators it was left to Gavin Lally (29n.o) and the third debutant Tuan Ngo (4n.o) to guide the team home. Gavin’s selective hitting and Tuan’s determination allowed the thirds to get home for a win.  The game was played in wet, dark and at times chilly conditions, although it was noted that club stalwart Ivan Tudor came along to watch and was dressed in very short shorts and a polar fleece! It also should be noted that the game was played in good spirits by both teams.

This marks the best start to a season for the thirds for quite a few seasons as at the completion of round two they have one win and a draw, also importantly for the club three new players debuted in the seniors. Also it was good to see the Law family and Duggan brothers coming along to watch along with players David Boon (who scored and square legged) and Dave Williams.