A glorious day in Chearsley but sadly not matched by our own performance.

The formality of losing the toss was swiftly concluded and the Garsington skipper enthusiastically opted to bat first.

In batting friendly conditions, the opposition opened with two solid batsmen who offered few chances, tickling along at 4 an over off our strong opening attack. N. Babington finally made the breakthrough after 27 overs on Nelson (111-1), bringing a series of more attacking but less technically correct players to the crease. M. Claridge rattled through these offerings, picking up 3 quick wickets (132-4), and J. Spooner helped himself to two further victims to put the team in a good position (143-6). A solid looking No. 8 came in and with the surviving opener still there, Garsington kicked on again. In hot conditions, some damaging late hitting from the lower order, coupled with some sub-par fielding saw the opposition reach 214-8. A declaration ensued after the opposition No. 10 sustained a head injury - best wishes to Mr Dodia, who played no further part in the match.

Tea was taken and we took to the crease needing 5 an over, with the opposition starting with just 9 fielders. Our innings got off to a flying start as V. Connolly plundered 4 boundaries off the first over, as the Garsington skipper struggled with his length up the Chearsley hill. However, the bowlers soon settled into a rhythm, and our good start was stymied when Vinnie miscued to gully (28-1). Another wicket followed next ball, but we failed to steady the ship as we quickly sunk from 37-2 to 37-5 in grim fashion, losing three wickets without adding a run. Another soon followed (40-6), before M. Claridge and L. Warr offered a modicum of resistance, adding 27 for the 7th wicket. Larry was then snared by a sharp catch behind (67-7), Mark was caught at point for 19 (68-8) and Jim was bowled for 0, leaving us 70-9 and the game all but done. Jamie Wright joined the skipper for a valiant late stand, as 65 runs were added for the final wicket, but we were bowled out for 135.

Full scorecard: https://www.cherwellcricketleague.com/scorecard.php?MatchID=15756

A disappointing performance as we failed to put up much of a fight in pursuit of a gettable target [TM].