Seconds settle for draw

Whilst captain Karl was away, Smig took over the reigns and managed to secure a last minute call up from Joey Hawker! Smig lost the toss and was put in to bat. Gardner and Badge set off very well getting the Niffy to 46 from 10 overs. Tom was putting away the premier league opening bowler to all areas of the ground. The breakthrough came in the eleventh with Tom getting bowled. A good partnership of 57. Smig went soon after chopping on, which brought Jon Boy to the crease: the first time since last season and without any practice!! Badge went for a well played 26 in the 19th. Pops came and went getting run out.

Jon and Matt starting hitting the ball well and put together a good partnership of 48 until Matt was caught leaving the Niffy on 130 from 35 overs. Jonny stepped on the gas at this point and started to knock the ball around brilliantly and getting to his first half century of the season (during his first knock!). Boggle came and went for 6, as did Joey (who looked half asleep) and then Connor managed to hold an end up so Jonny could keep adding the runs. Connor batted well for his 10 until he was run out. Ben Martin and Jonny added another 28 with some good running between the wickets until Ben was run out on the last ball. The Niffy posted a competitive 193 which gave the bowlers plenty to play with.

The lads devoured a tremendous Martin tea, with plenty of home made cake, and set off in the hunt for victory. Joey and Ajmal opened up. The first wicket came in the seventh with Connor taking a catch for Joe. Second came soon after with the Yorkshire Terrier managing to hold onto a caught behind (or if you are reading Dave Sharpe, it was a one handed diving catch). Joey claimed his third wicket bowling Felce who was hitting the ball well.45 for 3 from 11. Ajmal had gotten into a rhythm and was having none of it. He claimed his first wicket in the 13th and then three balls later, he claimed his second. 47 for 5.

Ben and Matt were then brought into the attach. Matt was bowling some consistent line and length but couldn't get that breakthrough however Ben claimed his only wicket of the day with his first ball in the 18th with Ajmal taking a simple catch. 60 for 6. Things were looking bright for the Niffy but Forte had other ideas. Things went a little flat in the field which allowed H and T to get back into the game. Ten overs passed until the next wicket with Boggle bowling Lineham. 104 for 7. Another 27 runs were added before Connor claimed the prize wicket with Tommy taking a decent catch behind. So, seven overs to go and two wickets needed. Unfortunately it was not to be as the Niffy could not claim the wickets.

Still, it was a good effort from the lads with the bat, particularly Jonny. The bowling needs some work as the lads need to keep the intensity up and work in partnership with the bowler at the other end building pressure. The accuracy also needs to be worked on with the Niffy conceding 16 wides. That is simple too many. 18 points gladly received and we welcome back Skippy Karl next week. Onwards and upwards.