The first game of the season for Harry Barrett's Thirds was an eagerly anticipated local derby against Sawbridgeworth. Jaya Fernando and the returning Tim Lucas soon set about the Sawbo attack, Jaya showing some elegant cover drives before patting a full toss to mid-on for 30. Tim meanwhile set about building his innings, while at the other end Stu Smith made the visiting attack look totally ineffective. The pair put on 95 before Tim was caught shortly after reaching 50. Stu continued to pepper the boundary, supported at the other end by Dave Hardcastle (23) and Graeme Smith (17 not out). As Stu reached the 90s a hushed crowd gathered ready to cheer his century. Gaps in the field, a single needed, a long hop bowled, the ball missed, the crowd disappointed, - 99 and out! Still it was a fine innings containing four 6s and ten 4s, enabling Stortford to post 256 - 5 in their 40 overs.

Stortford's opening attack's total age was 83, but one of them, new recruit Rob Lovehalls, is only 18. He is young, fit and fast, - his partner Pete Cluderay is none of these things, but between them they reduced the Sawbo batting to 40 for 5. The introduction of Mark Dodson continued the stranglehold and the visitors were dismissed for 74 in 22 overs. Cluderay took 3 - 11, Lovehalls 3 - 19 and Dodders 3 - 22, while the other youth policy representative, Graeme Sumner, needed 2 deliveries to finish the match off.

An excellent victory from a squad that has even more good players available next week. Much was learnt from the game, Rob learnt that the Cricketfield Lane end is best for fast bowlers, Jaya learnt it is best to stay awake during a game, Hugh Williams learnt the no-ball rule, and Stuart Smith learnt to count to 100.