There was one last chance to get some match practice before the league season starts. While players from the 3rds, 4ths and 5th teams played their warm-up game at The Castle, the 1sts and 2nds visited Blagdon Hill. It is a delightful ground, and the pitch was in remarkable condition for this stage of the season.

A number of players put in impressive performances with newcomer Bhuvanesh Jayaraman reaching his fifty in just 39 balls. His shots square on the offside were a joy to watch. Skipper for the day, Josh Cobb, looked very comfortable in his unbeaten half century while Sunil Lachit, the club’s overseas player showed his contribution to the team will not be solely his bowling. Nick Pepper, Sam Burgess and Max Smyth-Lees piled on the pressure scoring more than a hundred in just 60 balls to take the A side to a daunting 318-6.

After the break there was a chance to see Sunil in action as he opened the attack bowling to Harry Smith. Sunil’s bowling action drew mutterings of approval from the boundary. It is a smooth and rhythmical run up that no doubt contributes to a very consistent line and length. He claimed just one wicket, that of Harry Smith, but his economy of 3 an over was particularly impressive on a ground with short boundaries. The B side were always behind the asking rate and only Ed Mellor (36) looked as if he might salvage some pride from the contest.

Players and spectators returned to the Convent Field to enjoy a BBQ, a new regular feature of match days at the Deane.

Next Saturday sees a full set of fixtures with the Deane 2nd XI at home to Minehead and the 1st XI away to Ilminster. Here we go!

Dave Smith