Bickley Park CC – 3rd XI vs Dulwich CC – 5th XI

Report

The 2019 season opener took place at Bickley Park CC on what felt like the coldest day of the year so far. The covers were on and off twice, due to rain, even before a ball was bowled.  Sunny was understandably keen for a lengthy warm up to get our fielding ready for the season ahead.

Dulwich CC won the toss and chose to bat. Their openers emerged as Bickley Park waited with around 22 jumpers being worn by only 11 men. Simon Davis and Sunny Saikia opened the bowling and the skipper claimed an early wicket from a good length delivery. There was some overly optimistic calling from their batsmen on several occasions, to the amusement of many, but especially Tom Franks-Moore.
It was the first time in my cricket experience I have seen hail stop play as the covers were once again required with the opposition 87-4.  An early tea was taken in the twenty somethingth’ over and play resumed 20 minutes later. Economical bowling from Simon and Richard Horner, and wickets claimed by Sahil  Chugh and Chris Hewitt left Dulwich with a total of 121-9 after 40 overs. The standout performance with the ball was from Sunny, who claimed 5 wickets, and impressive keeping from Jack Cooper, on his debut (and birthday).
In reply, BPCC quickly lost both their openers before Tom and the “Birthday Boy” put on almost a 50 partnership. Charlie Smith was unlucky to edge to first slip before Julian Ramsey came in to put on a good partnership with Tom. When Ramsey fell, Chris Eaton saw us across the line,  as the target was chased down within 28 overs. The stand out batting performance came from
Tom who looked in fine form scoring 75*.
Overall it was an impressive start to the season with a good all-round team performances. Bring on the next game………..