Up for the cup

After five years of club cricket, our talented side finally made it through to Finals Day with as comprehensive a win as any we've achieved this season. Although the long-forecast rain cut short our victory charge, Abbotts Langley's sporting concession ensured that justice was done and we progressed to the semi-final.

Our visitors' long journey meant that only seven of them were at the ground by 6pm. The departure of Aidan Hinks in Jake Morris's first over was the last thing Abbotts needed, but Hodgins and Longworth repelled the rest of Jake's spell, while Alex Portas kept things nice and tight from the opposite end. Skipper Alec Chappell then came on and continued his recent hot streak with the ball, finding considerable movement and generating real pace to end Longworth's good innings, before cleaning up Syed and O'Sullivan. With over half the overs gone, Abbotts were 49-5. Hodgins had played circumspectly but accelerated with only the tail for company, while Matt Pike, Adam Crowther and Will Price all played their part in restricting scoring opportunities. Pike had Hodgins hole out to deep midwicket where Alex took a comfortable catch, then leapt brilliantly to run out Denyer from Alec's high return. Will's sole over saw him pick up McCrae's wicket.

Our guests' ten men finished on 93, but with rain clouds closing in we needed to make a good start. Alec and Alex didn't waste any time in setting about the opening attack, punishing anything dropped short and running excellently. When Alec shuffled too far across to a ball that seamed sharply and was bowled for 14, Matt Pike joined Alex and the boundaries continued unabated.

Only seven overs had been bowled when the heavens opened, and our opponents made their offer to hasten the inevitable result. With only 35 runs required from 13 overs we would have gone on to win comfortably, but the sporting gesture was much appreciated nonetheless.

On the night we bowled and fielded superbly, with all bowlers contributing, before batting with purpose and no little skill. Dave and I had aske the boys to play to their potential and they certainly did that.

It is a great shame that several of the team playing in this semi-final will be unavailable for Finals Day, but with a strong squad of players to choose from, we have no shortage of candidates to step in.