Sawbridgeworth Fair Better in Friendly

This friendly arranged for some much needed match practise took place at a buzzing Town Fields as Sawbridgeworth celebrated its May Fayre with their 14 man squad being asked to bat first.

All our team were able to get rid of early season bowling cobwebs - all bowling 2 or 3 overs. Although field placements could have been a touch more thoughtful and we could have cut off more singles, the ground fielding was of a good standard throughout with Toby doing an admirable job behind the stumps. Four of the Sawbo batsmen were retired (as agreed) at 20. The home team finished on 140 for 12 from their 24 overs. We executed two fine run outs with pin-point throws and good work from Toby, a fine Toby catch and a one-handed Liam catch was a particular highlight. Pretty good bowling all round but mentions go to the main wicket-takers Jake A (3 for 12), Prajwal (2 for 8) and Max (1/20).

And so to the run chase. We talked about being positive in defence and attack plus looking to rotate the strike. Perhaps the music was too loud to hear and take on board the plan. We lost quick wickets through poor shot selection; being over ambitious with some players not looking to play themselves in. A thoughtless run out didn't help either. Obviously listening to the plan - Prajwal looked assured and organised and batted well for a retired 20. So too Jake A and Arthur E whose late resistance lifted our score to a more respectable 103 for 10.

Hopefully we can put that one behind us - the game was a good work out - all had chance with bat and ball - and there are early signs that the extra fielding drills at training are paying off. The match was played in a fine spirit by both teams.

We look forward to 2 matches in 2 days - 13th May (Hoddesdon at home) and 14th May (St Margaretsbury away).