2nd's fall Short at Middlezoy

On a sunny day in Middlezoy the season opener saw the 2nd XI asked to bat first at Middlezoy.

It was a slow start for the team as early wickets fell and left them 4 down inside the first 15 overs with the score no more than 50. The innings was steadied by the skipper Sam Burgess (45) with help from John Davies & Chris Whyborn (16). The innings gained momentum and Burgess took the attack to the bowlers alongside brother Tom (32*) before Sam was removed with just over 10 over to go and the score approaching 150. The remainder of the innings saw the Deane reach 177. Pick of the Middlezoy bowlers were Dillow (3-32) and captain Barnard (3-33)

After tea the hosts began there chance and also found themselves struggling for runs with good opening spells from Tom Walsh (1-31) and Charlie Norman (0-30). Walsh picked up the early wicket of Troman after some sparks flew out in the middle, however this brought Middlezoy's Lacey (94) to the crease who took about the challenge of seeing his side home and finished just 6 short of his hundred. He was supported by captain Barnard as the game slipped away from the Deane side. Good spells from Chris Whyborn (2-42) and Tom Burgess (1-30) kept the 2's in with a shout in the middle overs but it wasn't enough to prevent Lacey from leading Middlezoy home.

The Deane man of the match went to Chris Whyborn making his return to Deane cricket. His help in stabilising the Deane recovery and his 9 over spell straight through up the hill ensured he received the Man of the Match pint from the skipper.

The 2's move on to look forward to welcoming Temple Cloud for their first home match of the season next week.