Whitstable III conceded

Current League Table

New Ash Green (20 pts) 206-8 (46 overs)
Lordswood (4 pts) 112 all out (40 overs)
New Ash Green won by 94 runs

It was unfortunate that on a weekend when New Ash Green were closer to full availability than on any other weekend in the season the first team opposition, Whitstable III, conceded, leaving a number of people without a game, and a second team that would in any event have been as strong as at any other time in the season looking like it was full of ringers. In truth although the exact make up of the team might have been different had the first team game been played it would have been hardly any weaker as there were at least 10 first team players available who weren't playing. Emboldened by having an umpire and a strong side Dan Lewsey opted to bat first. Initially it looked as if it might be the wrong choice, as the ball flew about on a worn wicket, and Joe Elisak and John Howland were soon back in the pavilion, failing to get in line with straight balls. Matt Bushe was more resolute as 53 were added for the third wicket, but when he and Matthew Quantrill fell in quick succession, and Andy Harrington went first ball New Ash Green were teetering at 73-5. Matt Clark has learnt application filling in in the first team, and Andy Mayers relished the chance to bat with some freedom, and they turned the situation round with an invaluable stand of 98 for the 6th wicket, highlighted by an extraordinary six over extra cover from Mayers, punched away on the up and easily clearing the long boundary. They were out in fairly quick succession, but Dan Lewsey and John Harding kept the score moving along and saw the total past 200.

With Mayers having a stiff back, and in any event being something of a ringer as a bowler in this side, it was left to the second teams regular bowlers to do most of the work, and Lewsey and John Harley didn't disappoint. Both exploited the difficult bounce well, with many of the batsmen perhaps letting it get too much inside their heads. Lewsey took 3 wickets in an economical spell bowling through, while Harley took four early wickets before coming back to pick up a 5th at the end. Olly Cooper bowled a very tidy spell, and Joe Elisak picked up the final wicket after two of Lordswood's youngest players had shown their elders how to do it in a very useful last wicket stand, probably the highest of the innings, although the Lordswood scorers neglected to note the fall of the wickets!

Scorecard
Current League Table

The Family Fun Day was blessed by magnificent sunshine and a moderate but enthusiastic attendance. A 20 over game between sides captained by Olly Cooper and Matt Clark saw a finish that could hardly have been engineered better, with everyone on both sides getting a bat and almost everyone getting a bowl. The game ended with two needed from the last ball and the last pair at the wicket, the only disappointment being the missing of an easy run out that would have resulted in a tie. As a result Kieran Poole was able to scramble home to give Matt Clark's side a win by 1 wicket. Congratulations to all who took part, and a special thank you to Karen Harley, who scored the entire match.

A barbecue running throughout was popular enough to use up most of its supply of food and to make a moderate profit that will go towards the net fund. The traditional egg throwing was popular as ever amongst the younger attendees, less so amongst their press ganged elders, and prizes were eventually awarded to Rosie and Mel Cooper in the ladies, John and Karen Harley in the mixed, Edward and Felix Quantrill in the junior/siblings and Olly Cooper and Joe Elisak as the overall winners.

The evening ended with an outdoor quiz, which saw six teams spread out on tables outside the pavilion. Fluctuating fortunes eventually saw a tie between the Punch Croft Mob and Long Run Up (no prizes for guessing one of their team members) with the Dynamight team demonstrating the folly of having a team made up entirely of a single generation as they picked up the wooden spoon, despite Mr. Baker's frequent protestations.

Hopefully a good day was had by all, particularly those family members who are usually on the fringes. Thanks to all those who helped to organise and run the day, and to all those who normally support us on other days.