The tail that wagged

It could have been so different. From the moment the skipper dropped a caught and bowled chance to the collapse of the Cubbles top order we gifted a win to our guest from Bladon. Mind you, they didn't seem too keen to win either, dropping three chances from the Cubs openers in the first few overs. It was a case of 'After you, Alphonse.' 'No. after you. I insist.'

Bladon won the toss on a damp, green wicket which had already been used for an U12 game in the morning after we discovered that the covers had been wrongly put on and our intended wicket was sodden. Nevertheless, given the standard of wickets in Oxfordshire it looked like a batting paradise to the visitors so they elected to bat. Granted an early life Floyd motored to 82 before falling to Ben Powell-Williams. He was well supported by scores from Poole T, Hambridge and Dale. Particularly impressive bowling again from the juniors with Ben P-W taking two wickets. Charlie Birch, on debut, bowled an immaculate line and length and was rewarded by his first senior wicket and Tom P-W also bowled well. When TP-W and Charlie were bowling there were cries of 'Why didn't we start with these two?' Note to self: good point.

Cubs' response was perky to start with as both openers began with aggressive intent. Bridgen was dropped early on which looked like a huge clanger from Bladon. They had visions of a difficult afternoon chasing leather but a tough weekend for Aussie sport continued when a second chance was well taken in the deep and he was gone for 22. After seeing Inglis dropped twice Floyd J decided to take the fielders out of the equation entirely and bowled him. Andy P-W fell to a fantastic catch by Barber at deep square leg when the shot had 'FOUR' written all over it. TP-W showed character in a gritty and determined stay at the crease. Captain and vice-captain Farr and Gadsby contributed less. The Wazir of Farrsie played in golf shoes and his club selection was clearly awry with a score of two in his eighteen 18 holes [I think that's right - Ed.] And the tail wagged. Birch J and Howe both scored 25 and from a hopeless position starting inching their way back into contention. The run rate was always out of reach, especially as Bladon starting putting more and more fielders back, but the oppo was beginning to twitch a bit. We'll reverse the batting order next time.