Crusaders vs Middlezoy

A damp and drizzly afternoon greeted the Crusaders at their temporary HQ of Blagdon Hill CC for their first game of the season. After skipper John Ponte lost the toss Middlezoy unexpectedly chose to bat. A superb opening spell of bowling by Matt 'Hoggy' Kingdom of 4-20 in 5 overs destroyed the Middlezoy top order. John Ponte with 1-23 and a run out kept one end quiet while Phil Batstone in typical grumpy manner ran through the tail to finish with 3-20. Middlezoy succumbing to 90 all out.

With tea having not arrived, the chicken nuggets on temporary hold, and after a 5 minute break the Crusaders started their chase. Losing bother openers Crosland and Witt with only 8 on the board could have caused concern. Enter Richard Hoddinott (40 no) and debutant Toby Stone (29) to settle the nerves. Hoddy with the occasional deft touch and lots of ferocious hitting and Toby going steady took us to within 15 of victory before a world class worm ball dismissed Stone. It was left to Chris McKee to bunt a rapid 13 to see us home.

A fantastic 7 wicket win to start the season.

Men of the Match - Matt Kingdom/Richard Hoddinott