Telling Tails: Sunday vs Potterne

Twelve months on from a stinking defeat which no doubt taught us a thing or two in the field – for the sake of set up Potterne hit 221 past us in 30 overs to our reply of just 95 all out. Today was a chance to right that wrong and show how we've improved as a unit.

We lost.

But we did deliver in a close game.

Potterne arrived with eight players due to injuries from the day prior. Our 12th man situation allowed Neil, who would have been making his season debut for Ramsbury, the chance to play for the other team (with whom he has a few connections).

And like last year Potterne opened the batting, although no toss as we decided to ensure it was as fair a game as possible and let them set a target for us to chase.

Jamie opened, last time out for the Sunday side he grabbed two wickets to finish his over (and season) meaning he had an the unusual opportunity for a hat trick ball on his first ball of his Sunday season. Not to be... but his fine standard showed as he struck with 2 wickets in his second over to finish an initial spell of 3 for 2 off 2. Cracking.

Al from the other end hit his stride early and finished with outstanding figures of 7 overs, 1 wicket for 15 runs. Maybe he knew it would be worth all the effort given he'd prepared a cracking tea for the break with assistance from Sir Mitchell. They teamed up on the field too as Laurence took over from Jamie to bring additional excitement to the game and was unlucky to finish wicketless in a spell which woke up the field, ensured we were all on point and asked questions of the batsmen.

As their surviving opener settled in and eventually went to 50*, we hit the drinks break in good shape, with Potterne 73/4.

Warwick continued his good form and found swing which fooled the onlooking umpire who decided to provide a few seemingly unfair wides. Consistently beating the bat and asking questions of those at the crease, he deserved more than this single wicket. Backed up with Sean at the other end, who has finally had enough of us dropping catches of this bowling this season that he decided to do it alone and take a lovely caught-bowled to send the visitors 6 down.

Jamie's return to the crease was eventful as Potterne looked to up their total. But some beautiful deliveries gave Jamie a 4-fer. A wonderful return to Sunday cricket... oh and for just 15 runs (would have been less if Sir Mitchell hadn't missed the ball on the boundary line… 50p). Incredible. Inspiring.

In assistance, 'new Will' opened his Ramsbury campaign (welcome to the club mate) with a wicket to end Potterne's innings as their returning batsman tried to take Will out deep on the leg side... suffice to say I'm glad I caught it, especially looking so relaxed about it. Potterne finished on 177 all out of 35 overs.

Tea time. Cracking job. Once again, the standard is high this year. And delicious it was too, thanks Al and Laurence for all our efforts.

Warwick and Jamie opened... Jamie got unlucky. To quote the bowler 'I haven't been able to get the ball to come in from a 7th stump line for a VERY long time'. Unfortunately Rich also followed suit with a miss-timed strike to send the ball skywards as we went 2 down in 4 overs.

But not to fear, Captain Chris was here... and with Warwick alongside, he hit a skippers innings of 42 as Warwick went on to make 30. Great contributions against some difficult to handle bowling.

As we finished the 24th over we were 112/4. At the same marker Potterne were 114/5. This was closer than it felt.

I decided it was suitable to forget how to bat and unintentionally soaked up 12 balls (ish) of dots before slogging out to try and make up for lost time and getting bowled. Meanwhile Chairman Steve (finally back after 3 seasons on the sidelines) was doing his best to keep the run rate up at the other end... although not thrilled about running twos, for a quick fire 25.

With things in the balance, Laurence, after being a super-sub fielder and hot (literally) off 50 overs in the field, smashed 22 to try and get us over the line.

Sadly it wasn't enough. Potterne's bowling was solid, providing little in the way of extras, as we fell 13 short of their total and 14 short of a win, finishing on 164/8 after 35 overs. A year ago, the difference was our fielding which we didn’t back up with the bat. Today the margins where too difficult to truly outline.

A pretty even contest with a lovely team full of solid cricketers. A joy to share a beer with too.

Clearly we've made vast improvements and a score so close shows we've moved on as a unit and improved week on week... so much so it's getting harder to dish out fines.

We look on to our next T20 this Thursday against Sutton Benger [at home], and another Sunday fixture in a weeks time as we take on Kennet Valley, also at home.

Go well. Cheers.