Mad dogs and Englishmen

Plus signs despite heavy defeat.

It was hard work and in the final analysis we were well beaten, but there were a number of positives.

First the negatives: Losing the toss on one of the hottest days of the year with a noon start and then having to field for 40 overs in very high temperatures against strong opponents.

Now the positives: The whole team stuck to the task, never gave up and produced some good cricket at times.

The Kesgrave openers came out swinging, but they both took one chance too many against Prasanna who claimed both wickets, one thanks to a solid catch by Nick B. Opposing captain Ryan batted sensible, conserving his energy with a series of boundaries. Ethan bowled tidily and Richard slowed things down in the middle, both claiming a wicket - a return catch well claimed and a safe catch by Conor. Fynn claimed Ryan's wicket nine short of his century thanks to a fine catch in the deep by Mark. However, the runs kept flowing and a daunting total of 252 was posted at the end of the innings.

The reply was twice derailed by run outs, both with direct hits from distance which was unfortunate. Deane hit three fours and then a six and out, while last man Fynn struck three fine boundaries before being well caught trying to hit a fourth.

It was not an easy afternoon but the attitude shown was first class and there were sun-burnt but smiling faces at the end.