1st XI v Hurst

The first game of the season, a friendly between mixed teams, against fellow promoted side, Hurst, resulted in a comprehensive win for Wargrave. On a positively frigid afternoon Hurst won the toss and chose to field and, from the start Wargrave rattled along at over 5 an over reaching a commanding score of 256 in their allotted 45 overs.

Mandip, at times looking somewhat like a windmill in a gale, thrashed a rapid 17 and was gone before the spectator had settled. Eaun played confidently for 24 before clipping a catch off his toes. Simon joined Chris and slowly they began to repair the innings from it's low of 62 for 4. In their stand of 105 Simon managed to give the impression he was batting against the world's best while at the other end Chris was flaying the bowling to all parts.

Chris was eventually dismissed for 71 at more than a run a minute and was later seen, after his stint behind the stumps, moving very delicately muttering "I shouldn't have done it".

The lower order all contributed well, Matt 25, Freddie 26 and Jack 17. Although a good score was achieved several of the batsmen got themselves out and need to apply more resolve for the more serious games ahead.

In their innings Hurst, taking 26 overs to reach 100 were always behind the run rate and never rarely looked like offering Wargrave many problems. Their main contributors were Lewis Smith with a fine 75 from 108 balls and Alex Kayser, 26, who joined in a second wicket stand of 56.

Wickets fell at regular intervals to the nine bowlers utilised by Mandip, the wickets being evenly distributed - the player missing out, with his deadly version of leg spin, was Matt. The fielding was generally of a high standard and many runs were saved by the fielder's early season athleticism and their astute positioning.

Next week's Friendly features the visit of Cookham Dean, an opportunity to compare our standard against a team from Division One of the TVL.