Cublington travelled to foreign fields (Oxfordshire) for a Sunday friendly vs Sandford St Martin. Despite a week of rain the ground was playable at the start, but the rain returned later in the afternoon to snatch away what looked like a certain victory for the Cubs X (not XI, we were a man down).

Cubs batted first and on a slow wicket Bridgen and Howe batted sensibly to lay a platform of 37 for the loss of the first wicket. Carroll and Inglis joined Bridgen and took the score to 84 for 3 after 24 overs before we suffered a middle order collapse. Gus Macleod fell to a fine delivery from the Sandford 1st XI spinner while Bill Macleod, batting in ballet pumps, slipped while turning for a third run and was left high and dry by Bridgen. Worth noting the sumptuous clip off his leg for two that Bill played to open his Cublington account for the season. No doubt Charlotte will be hearing all about that this evening. We did. Several times. She can share our pain.

Ben P-W added 24 with Stuart before Stuart was out, then Ben and Harry Gadsby batted together very sensibly. A credit to their coach.
The skipper fell first ball to a horrible hoick down the ground to mid on and the Cubs closed on 126, leaving Paul China stranded on one not out, just as he was getting into his stride. A low total, but on a difficult wicket and a slow outfield we felt we were in with a chance.

After the best tea of the season so far Sandford began their reply. Gadsby T and Gus Macleod bowled tightly and were rewarded with the wicket of Tanner, well caught by Bill Macleod at square leg, but as we had the oppo reeling on the ropes at 45 for 1 off 8.5 overs and staring defeat in the face the rain came to rescue them. Robbed!

Cublington Cricket Club

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